The Amherst news-times. (Amherst, Ohio), 2001-01-10 |
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,. .- t .■ m —r [ Players stage a mystery — Page 3 Amherst News-Tim€ Wednesday, January 10, 2001 Amherst, Ohio Quarries make Weatherhead list of 1 ( by JASON TOMASZEWSKI News-Times reporter What was once a major supplier of building stone for northeast Ohio, once fell on hard times. The Cleveland Quarries, located on Rl 113 in Amherst, watched as business dwindled. However, under new ownership, the old quarry is making a comeback. Cleveland Quarries, now known as American Stone, has been selected to the Weatherhead 100 fastest growing companies in northeast Ohio. "I was completely surprised when I was notified about Weatherhead," stated Cleveland Quarries vice president of operations Steve Mason. "But it was a pleasant surprise." The Cleveland Quarries first opened for business in 1868 when it was discovered that the area had large quantities of building stone. By the 1920s there were more than 20 quarries operating in the area. The businesses flourished due to the high demand for building stone which was used in the construction of post offices, universities, and other such buildings. According to Mason, by 1929 the Cleveland Quarries had purchased all of the quarries in northeast Ohio. From that time the company continued to grow. At its peak in the 1950s, the quarry employed over 500 people. However, the sixties, seventies, and eighties were less prosperous for the quarries. Mason cited a decline in the stone industry as the main reason for the decline. "The influx of gas, steel, and precast material affected the stone industry as a whole." explained Mason. Today, the Cleveland Quarries is enjoying a rcnassaince. On Feb. 5, 1996 the company reorganized under American Stone Industries. According to Mason, "Using funds provided by a local venture capitalist, the company has been able to purchase the equipment necessary to increase production and lower the costs for other fabricators as well as our own finishing mills." Looking at the Weatherhead list, one will notice something about almost every company on the list None of them have been in existence before the 1960s. In fact most of the companies on the list weren't around before the 1990s. That makes the Cleveland Quarries by far the oldest company on the list "Our employees lake pride in the age of the company," stated Mason. "It builds morale to know that we are directing the company in the right direction." Mason stated that while making the Weatherhead list this year was a surprise, he intends to make the list again next year. "We set goals every year," stated Mason. "Next year one of our goals is to stay on the list and improve our standing." This year the Cleveland Quarries came in at 57 on the list of 100. Some of the plans for the future of the company will aid in the realization of the goal. The quarry will be opening a retail store of their own that will unci u. genua, contractors and landscapers from Toledo to the area just west of Cuyahoga County. The quarry has also signed a three-year contract with the local veterans group to produce grave markers. Mason stated the company will also venture into the sign making business. "In the next five years we want to double what we've accomplished in the last five," stated Mason. "By the end of the 10 years we want to making $10 million annually." With the way the company is growing, as long as they keep up the hard work, those goals should be no problem. Nord boy had $50 in drugs stashed in locker by JASON TOMASZEWSKI __«________________-_-_---*__——p_—_ News-Times reporter You would almost expect this type of thing to happen in a high school. After all, high schools are quickly becoming dangerous places. But when there is suspicion of a gun in a junior high, people take particular notice. People took particular notice on Dec. 15. 2000, when Amherst police were dispatched to Nord Junior High School on a report of a student possibly being in possession of a weapon. When they arrived, they found no gun. but a bag of marijuana. "Some of the students at the school were concerned about a boy because he was always talking about a gun." stated school resource officer Les Carrender. "He never threatened anyone or said he would bring it in, but talking about it made the kids suspicious." According lo Carrender the concerned students went to the school's administration with the problem. Ron Hause, dean of students at Need, felt that a search of the student's locker was necessary to determine if he indeed have a gun. During the search school officials found no weapon, but a plastic bag filled with marijuana and a homemade wooden pipe. There was about a quarter ounce of marijuana in the bag," staled Carrender. "That is definitely a lot of marijuana for a junior high kid." Carrender staled that the estimated street value of the marijuana seized was $50. "I don't know where these kids get the money for it." stated Carrender. "We are talking about kids that are 12 to 13 years old." It was after the drug was found that the school contacted the student's parents and the police. The student was charged with possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. He is required to appear before a juvenile court "As far as the police are concerned this is his first offense." staled Carrender. 1 understand that he has been involved in a few argunfentt in school, but I don't know a kid who has gone through school without a few scuffles. He seems like a decent kid." At-cording lo Carrender, k is school policy for a situation 'Jke this to suspend the student with a recommendation for expulsion. It is unclear what puni-hment he will CONTINUED on paga 2 Woman saves state thousands of $$$ While the general public frets over how much money the government is spending, Ohio residents can rest a little easier. Because of the efforts of one local woman, the state of Ohio will be spending $615,298 less this year. Because of her cost saving ideas, Terry Slovkovsky of Amherst was awarded the Innovation Ohio Award by the state auditor on Dec. 14. Through her day-to-day activities at the Lorain unemployment office Slovkovsky, who has lived in Amherst for the past 11 years, found herself filling out form after form with the same information. Thinking this was very tedious, she decided to do something about iL The state of Ohio has a program called Q-Step which allows state employees to offer ideas on ways to improve their jobs. "If we find something that can make the job a little easier we'll say we want to Q- Step it," explained Slovkovsky. Slovkovsky had recognized the problem -w too many forms requiring the same information — now she needed to assemble a Q-Step team to put together the proposal. "I called people that I knew from around the state to see if they wanted to do it," slated Slovkovsky. "I got people from all over Youngstown. Lima, Canton. Akron, and Zanes- ville. I had to twist a few arms, be cause this is extra work that we don't have to do. but they all agreed it was a good idea." Slovkovsky eventually got six people to join her Q-Step team. She was then assigned a facilitator to make sure that things ran smoothly. "We met once, maybe twice a month to work on the project," stated Slovkovsy. "We traveled to Canton to meet because it was kind of centrally located." The conclusions that Slovk- ovsky's Q-Step team came to were simple: eliminate and consolidate. One of their recommendations was to combine two of the forms previously used into a single form. The team came up with a form that could be accessed on the imaging system by everyone in the department This saved filing time in the local compliance office as well as the central office. It allowed workers to view the work without leaving their desks, and cut down on the lime it look to prepare all of the forms. The second part of the recommendation was to eliminate the auditor's daily field report. This report was to be filled out on a daily basis by each auditor. Ail of the items on the field report were also listed on other forms, and in many cases were listed in as many as three different places. Terry Slovkovsky, third from the right, is seen during a ceremony In Columbus accepting an award for saving the state thousands of dollars by consolidating paperwork. Once the proposal was completed and submitted, it was only a matter of time before Slovkovsky and her team would know if their ideas would be adopted. Several weeks ago she received the good news. Slovkovsky was invited to Col umbus for a ceremony at the State House. "We were all in the atrium of the State House and Jim Petro presented all of the winners with certificates," explained Slovkovsky. Her award hangs proudly on the wall of her Lorain office. Slovkovsky stated that this was the first time she ever •submitted anything to the Q-Step program and was pleased that her idea was accepted. So is the person who previously had to shell out $600,000 a year for paperwork. Retailers picked tops by lottery folks The Ohio Lottery has been selling instant tickets since the 1970s, and since then the place to purchase them is the Amherst Party Shop. The Party Shop was recently honored for their efforts to support the Ohio Lottery by being named Retailer of the Week. Richard Currier and his wife of 10 years, Rosalie, were notified by Lottery officials of the award last week. "We got a telephone call and a letter telling us that we had received the award," explained Currier. "They said that they were going to send other things like balloons, but I guess the roads were too bad because we never got them." As part of their recognition, the Curriers were featured on last Saturday's episode of Cash Explosion. Cash Explosion is a game show operated by the Ohio Lottery and can be seen on ABC. "They Oottery officials) came down and took a picture," staled Currier. "They'll show that on T.V. on Saturday." Carrier staled that he has supported the Ohio Lottery by Richard and Rosalie Currier have been selling lottery tickets for years, and some of their customers think they've found a streak of selling tickets ever since they started in '74. I thought it were available. "I've owned was a good idea so I signed this store since 1972," ex- up. I was the 20th store in plained Currier. "The Lottery ' Ohio to have a lottery ticket good luck in the downtown shop, particularly those who have won thousands of dollars. machine." While people often buy ticket after ticket without ever winning anything but more tickets, patrons of the Party Shop have walked away with big money. "The biggest winner we ever had was $100,000." staled Currier. "Then we had a woman win an appearance on Cash Explosion where she won $50,000. We've had a $10,000 winner and two $5,000 winners." Some patrons feel that the store is lucky and refuse lo purchase their tickets anywhere else. "We have quite a few regular customers," stated Currier. "There were people who came in here and said that they didn't buy a ticket for the entire nine months we were closed because of the fire." A few years back, residents will remember that the downtown building where the Party Shop is located was nearly destroyed in a fire. But the Curriers rebuilt Each week, the Ohio Lottery recognizes one outstanding retail partner who offers courteous service and sales enthusiasm. Retailers of the Week are chosen on recom- rncnrtsrtoas by their Lottery sales representative and regales office staff. Library's willing to forgive, forget, for now The Amherst Public Library is extending its fine foregiveness period through Jan. 31. ; Feb. 1, fines will. again be incuned oo aay overdue l-fce Has time to check those school lockers and books shelves and return items to the library's temporary location at 2SS Parte Avenue. While Ihe main library kt closed for renovation, the Pari. Aveoue is i of items including books, videos. «--y»-»*-i and software. Library officials say they regret aay k-conveokoce the move has caused aad hope *e ftae forgiveness time, «d the tptfitfae of a thiva sp book drop i entrance, will help patrons get their books back. The lobby of the temporary location is al_o fitted with many tale items. Stop by snd see how the _e- terior of the post office has been remodeled and check oat al the ate- teris-s available for toan. If the library does not have what patrons need, k can probably he accessed at othar libraries m through the interlibrary Mb 1
Object Description
Title | The Amherst news-times. (Amherst, Ohio), 2001-01-10 |
Place |
Amherst (Ohio) Lorain County (Ohio) |
Date of Original | 10-JAN-2001 |
Searchable Date | 2001-01-10 |
Collection | Amherst News-Times |
Submitting Institution | Amherst Public Library |
Rights | Online access is provided for research purposes only. For rights and reproduction requests or more information, go to http://www.ohiohistory.org/images/information |
Type | Text |
Format | newspapers |
LCCN | sn84028333 |
Description
Title | The Amherst news-times. (Amherst, Ohio), 2001-01-10 |
Place |
Amherst (Ohio) Lorain County (Ohio) |
Date of Original | 10-JAN-2001 |
Searchable Date | 2001-01-10 |
Submitting Institution | Amherst Public Library |
Rights | Online access is provided for research purposes only. For rights and reproduction requests or more information, go to http://www.ohiohistory.org/images/information |
Full Text | ,. .- t .■ m —r [ Players stage a mystery — Page 3 Amherst News-Tim€ Wednesday, January 10, 2001 Amherst, Ohio Quarries make Weatherhead list of 1 ( by JASON TOMASZEWSKI News-Times reporter What was once a major supplier of building stone for northeast Ohio, once fell on hard times. The Cleveland Quarries, located on Rl 113 in Amherst, watched as business dwindled. However, under new ownership, the old quarry is making a comeback. Cleveland Quarries, now known as American Stone, has been selected to the Weatherhead 100 fastest growing companies in northeast Ohio. "I was completely surprised when I was notified about Weatherhead," stated Cleveland Quarries vice president of operations Steve Mason. "But it was a pleasant surprise." The Cleveland Quarries first opened for business in 1868 when it was discovered that the area had large quantities of building stone. By the 1920s there were more than 20 quarries operating in the area. The businesses flourished due to the high demand for building stone which was used in the construction of post offices, universities, and other such buildings. According to Mason, by 1929 the Cleveland Quarries had purchased all of the quarries in northeast Ohio. From that time the company continued to grow. At its peak in the 1950s, the quarry employed over 500 people. However, the sixties, seventies, and eighties were less prosperous for the quarries. Mason cited a decline in the stone industry as the main reason for the decline. "The influx of gas, steel, and precast material affected the stone industry as a whole." explained Mason. Today, the Cleveland Quarries is enjoying a rcnassaince. On Feb. 5, 1996 the company reorganized under American Stone Industries. According to Mason, "Using funds provided by a local venture capitalist, the company has been able to purchase the equipment necessary to increase production and lower the costs for other fabricators as well as our own finishing mills." Looking at the Weatherhead list, one will notice something about almost every company on the list None of them have been in existence before the 1960s. In fact most of the companies on the list weren't around before the 1990s. That makes the Cleveland Quarries by far the oldest company on the list "Our employees lake pride in the age of the company," stated Mason. "It builds morale to know that we are directing the company in the right direction." Mason stated that while making the Weatherhead list this year was a surprise, he intends to make the list again next year. "We set goals every year," stated Mason. "Next year one of our goals is to stay on the list and improve our standing." This year the Cleveland Quarries came in at 57 on the list of 100. Some of the plans for the future of the company will aid in the realization of the goal. The quarry will be opening a retail store of their own that will unci u. genua, contractors and landscapers from Toledo to the area just west of Cuyahoga County. The quarry has also signed a three-year contract with the local veterans group to produce grave markers. Mason stated the company will also venture into the sign making business. "In the next five years we want to double what we've accomplished in the last five," stated Mason. "By the end of the 10 years we want to making $10 million annually." With the way the company is growing, as long as they keep up the hard work, those goals should be no problem. Nord boy had $50 in drugs stashed in locker by JASON TOMASZEWSKI __«________________-_-_---*__——p_—_ News-Times reporter You would almost expect this type of thing to happen in a high school. After all, high schools are quickly becoming dangerous places. But when there is suspicion of a gun in a junior high, people take particular notice. People took particular notice on Dec. 15. 2000, when Amherst police were dispatched to Nord Junior High School on a report of a student possibly being in possession of a weapon. When they arrived, they found no gun. but a bag of marijuana. "Some of the students at the school were concerned about a boy because he was always talking about a gun." stated school resource officer Les Carrender. "He never threatened anyone or said he would bring it in, but talking about it made the kids suspicious." According lo Carrender the concerned students went to the school's administration with the problem. Ron Hause, dean of students at Need, felt that a search of the student's locker was necessary to determine if he indeed have a gun. During the search school officials found no weapon, but a plastic bag filled with marijuana and a homemade wooden pipe. There was about a quarter ounce of marijuana in the bag," staled Carrender. "That is definitely a lot of marijuana for a junior high kid." Carrender staled that the estimated street value of the marijuana seized was $50. "I don't know where these kids get the money for it." stated Carrender. "We are talking about kids that are 12 to 13 years old." It was after the drug was found that the school contacted the student's parents and the police. The student was charged with possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. He is required to appear before a juvenile court "As far as the police are concerned this is his first offense." staled Carrender. 1 understand that he has been involved in a few argunfentt in school, but I don't know a kid who has gone through school without a few scuffles. He seems like a decent kid." At-cording lo Carrender, k is school policy for a situation 'Jke this to suspend the student with a recommendation for expulsion. It is unclear what puni-hment he will CONTINUED on paga 2 Woman saves state thousands of $$$ While the general public frets over how much money the government is spending, Ohio residents can rest a little easier. Because of the efforts of one local woman, the state of Ohio will be spending $615,298 less this year. Because of her cost saving ideas, Terry Slovkovsky of Amherst was awarded the Innovation Ohio Award by the state auditor on Dec. 14. Through her day-to-day activities at the Lorain unemployment office Slovkovsky, who has lived in Amherst for the past 11 years, found herself filling out form after form with the same information. Thinking this was very tedious, she decided to do something about iL The state of Ohio has a program called Q-Step which allows state employees to offer ideas on ways to improve their jobs. "If we find something that can make the job a little easier we'll say we want to Q- Step it," explained Slovkovsky. Slovkovsky had recognized the problem -w too many forms requiring the same information — now she needed to assemble a Q-Step team to put together the proposal. "I called people that I knew from around the state to see if they wanted to do it," slated Slovkovsky. "I got people from all over Youngstown. Lima, Canton. Akron, and Zanes- ville. I had to twist a few arms, be cause this is extra work that we don't have to do. but they all agreed it was a good idea." Slovkovsky eventually got six people to join her Q-Step team. She was then assigned a facilitator to make sure that things ran smoothly. "We met once, maybe twice a month to work on the project," stated Slovkovsy. "We traveled to Canton to meet because it was kind of centrally located." The conclusions that Slovk- ovsky's Q-Step team came to were simple: eliminate and consolidate. One of their recommendations was to combine two of the forms previously used into a single form. The team came up with a form that could be accessed on the imaging system by everyone in the department This saved filing time in the local compliance office as well as the central office. It allowed workers to view the work without leaving their desks, and cut down on the lime it look to prepare all of the forms. The second part of the recommendation was to eliminate the auditor's daily field report. This report was to be filled out on a daily basis by each auditor. Ail of the items on the field report were also listed on other forms, and in many cases were listed in as many as three different places. Terry Slovkovsky, third from the right, is seen during a ceremony In Columbus accepting an award for saving the state thousands of dollars by consolidating paperwork. Once the proposal was completed and submitted, it was only a matter of time before Slovkovsky and her team would know if their ideas would be adopted. Several weeks ago she received the good news. Slovkovsky was invited to Col umbus for a ceremony at the State House. "We were all in the atrium of the State House and Jim Petro presented all of the winners with certificates," explained Slovkovsky. Her award hangs proudly on the wall of her Lorain office. Slovkovsky stated that this was the first time she ever •submitted anything to the Q-Step program and was pleased that her idea was accepted. So is the person who previously had to shell out $600,000 a year for paperwork. Retailers picked tops by lottery folks The Ohio Lottery has been selling instant tickets since the 1970s, and since then the place to purchase them is the Amherst Party Shop. The Party Shop was recently honored for their efforts to support the Ohio Lottery by being named Retailer of the Week. Richard Currier and his wife of 10 years, Rosalie, were notified by Lottery officials of the award last week. "We got a telephone call and a letter telling us that we had received the award," explained Currier. "They said that they were going to send other things like balloons, but I guess the roads were too bad because we never got them." As part of their recognition, the Curriers were featured on last Saturday's episode of Cash Explosion. Cash Explosion is a game show operated by the Ohio Lottery and can be seen on ABC. "They Oottery officials) came down and took a picture," staled Currier. "They'll show that on T.V. on Saturday." Carrier staled that he has supported the Ohio Lottery by Richard and Rosalie Currier have been selling lottery tickets for years, and some of their customers think they've found a streak of selling tickets ever since they started in '74. I thought it were available. "I've owned was a good idea so I signed this store since 1972," ex- up. I was the 20th store in plained Currier. "The Lottery ' Ohio to have a lottery ticket good luck in the downtown shop, particularly those who have won thousands of dollars. machine." While people often buy ticket after ticket without ever winning anything but more tickets, patrons of the Party Shop have walked away with big money. "The biggest winner we ever had was $100,000." staled Currier. "Then we had a woman win an appearance on Cash Explosion where she won $50,000. We've had a $10,000 winner and two $5,000 winners." Some patrons feel that the store is lucky and refuse lo purchase their tickets anywhere else. "We have quite a few regular customers," stated Currier. "There were people who came in here and said that they didn't buy a ticket for the entire nine months we were closed because of the fire." A few years back, residents will remember that the downtown building where the Party Shop is located was nearly destroyed in a fire. But the Curriers rebuilt Each week, the Ohio Lottery recognizes one outstanding retail partner who offers courteous service and sales enthusiasm. Retailers of the Week are chosen on recom- rncnrtsrtoas by their Lottery sales representative and regales office staff. Library's willing to forgive, forget, for now The Amherst Public Library is extending its fine foregiveness period through Jan. 31. ; Feb. 1, fines will. again be incuned oo aay overdue l-fce Has time to check those school lockers and books shelves and return items to the library's temporary location at 2SS Parte Avenue. While Ihe main library kt closed for renovation, the Pari. Aveoue is i of items including books, videos. «--y»-»*-i and software. Library officials say they regret aay k-conveokoce the move has caused aad hope *e ftae forgiveness time, «d the tptfitfae of a thiva sp book drop i entrance, will help patrons get their books back. The lobby of the temporary location is al_o fitted with many tale items. Stop by snd see how the _e- terior of the post office has been remodeled and check oat al the ate- teris-s available for toan. If the library does not have what patrons need, k can probably he accessed at othar libraries m through the interlibrary Mb 1 |
Format | newspapers |
LCCN | sn84028333 |
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