🌱Karate Teacher Found Guilty + Snowman Contest Winners

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. In today's issue of the newsletter, we'll cover these stories and more:

• A karate teacher is found guilty of three counts of sexual battery.
• The winners are in!
• The Democratic women are meeting.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy and not as cool. High: 57 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories today in Avon-Avon Lake:

1. Erin Stephens, 31, of Avon Lake, the former owner of ATA Karate for Kids in Avon Lake, was found guilty of three counts of sexual battery for a year-long sexual exploitation of a teenage student she taught from the time he was 10 until he was 18. She has reportedly been sentenced to six years in prison, and is designated as a tier III sex offender, the highest classification under Ohio law. According to Cleveland 19 News, "Upon her release from prison, Stephens will have to register with the sheriff every 90 days for the rest of her life."
2. The Lorain County Democratic Women’s (LCDW’s) Club will meet on April 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Blue Sky Restaurant, located at 802 Cleveland Street in Elyria. Discussions will include the results from the LCDW’s Club April 1 event, Reclaiming Our American Visions and Values, held in cooperation with OH State Representative Joe Miller and Democrats 101. To learn more about the LCDW, visit our website at www.LCDWOhio.com. (Lorian County Democratic Women)
3. With winter winding down it's a great time for the Avon Lake Parks and Recreation Department to announce the winners of the city’s annual Snowman Contest. Congratulations to The Yodice Family came in first place. The Smith Family came in second place and the Kuhn Family came in third place. Congratulations winning families and everyone who took part in this annual celebration of wintertime fun. Hope to see even more snowmen next winter. (cleveland.com)

Today in Avon-Avon Lake:

• "Grand Soapening" of the Avon WetGo Pro Car Wash (9:00 AM)
• University Hospitals Fitness Program Introduction (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Cleveland Clinic: "Happy Creative Arts Therapy Week! To celebrate, we are highlighting our Art and Music Therapy Programs. Our board certified art and music therapists support patients and their families while receiving treatment in the hospital. " (Cleveland Clinic via Instagram)
• FIDO's Companion Rescue Inc.: "Meet Addie! She’s a 5-6 year old, 70 pound smiling pit/bulldog mix and has been looking for her furever home for over 2 years. Addie was dropped at the pound when her first family couldn’t provide the guidance she needed." (FIDO's Companion Rescue Inc. via Facebook)
• Avon Lake City Schools: "Congratulations to our March staff spotlight recipients. " (Avon Lake City Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Absolute Dance Company —
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Featured events:

• "Grand Soapening" of the Avon WetGo Pro Car Wash (March 16)
• A Salon for Mr. Lincoln (March 18)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Avon-Avon Lake Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com