🌱 How an AI “robbery” tied up every Elyria officer on shift

Good morning Elyria! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How an AI “robbery” tied up every Elyria officer on shift
• Could a statewide tax repeal derail this massive new housing plan?
• Which Elyria student just earned a shot at a U.S. service academy?

Also on today's calendar: When the Sun Stands Still and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Very windy; cloudy, p.m. rain, with a high of 54 and low of 26 degrees.
• Friday: Strong winds, temps: high: 32, low: 24.
• Saturday: Cloudy; breezy, not as cold, with a high of 45 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Elyria Police responded to a reported restaurant robbery. But it was actually an AI prank. (news5cleveland.com) — Elyria police rushed to Rubin’s Restaurant after a 911 call reported an apparent armed robbery, only to discover an AI-generated fake image had triggered the alarm. Two employees now face felony swatting and obstruction charges, plus inducing panic, with the case already moving through Elyria Municipal Court. The incident highlights how convincing AI images can drain local police resources.
   

2. Lorain County commissioners approve housing development, as property tax repeal threatens its funding (cleveland.com) — Lorain County commissioners meeting in Elyria have approved special financing districts for a major 712-home development in Eaton Township, aimed at easing the area’s housing shortage. The plan relies on future property tax revenue for road and drainage upgrades, but residents and officials are watching a proposed statewide property tax repeal that could upend the project’s long-term funding.
   

3. Congressman Announces Military Service Academy Nominations (wfin.com) — An Elyria Catholic High School student, Anderson Rowe, is among those nominated by Congressman Bob Latta for potential appointments to U.S. military service academies. The list spans several branches, including the Air Force and Naval academies, and recognizes high-achieving students from across Ohio’s Fifth District. Acceptance decisions will ultimately be made by each academy’s admissions office.
   

4. Vape caper -- thief steals more than $2,000 in e-cigs from gas station: Parma Police Blotter (cleveland.com) — A recent Parma police blotter includes an incident where an Elyria man was arrested after an alleged assault at a York Road home, alongside several theft, fraud and vehicle cases. While most reports involve Parma businesses and residents, the Elyria connection underscores how crime can cross city lines and still matter to local readers.
   

5. GoFundMe created for Elyria student who died Dec. 12 (morningjournal.com) — Elyria is mourning 9-year-old Hamilton Elementary third-grader Brian Gael Correa, who died suddenly on Dec. 12, as his family raises money for funeral expenses through GoFundMe. The district brought in the Lorain County Crisis Team to support grieving classmates and staff, and community donations have already surpassed the campaign goal.
   

📸 Around Elyria

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Elyria

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Friday December 19

• Commissioners Meeting
  Lorain County Administration Building, 226 Middle Ave, Elyria
  2:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Thursday December 18

• Athletic Events: Wrestling B V - Red Team v. North Ridgeville High School
  Elyria High School - Main Gym
  6:30 pm

Friday December 19

• WCA Boys Varsity Basketball @ Open Door Christian
  Open Door Christian Schools , 8287 W Ridge Rd , Elyria
  7:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• West Campus Food Pantry
  1420 Abbe Rd S , Elyria
  5:00 pm

Sunday December 21

• When the Sun Stands Still
  Unity Spiritual Center Westlake , 23855 Detroit Rd , Cleveland
  6:00 pm

Monday December 22

• Athletic Events: Basketball B F v. Medina Senior High School
  Elyria High School , Main Gym , Elyria
  4:30 pm
• Athletic Events: Basketball B JV v. Medina Senior High School
  Elyria High School , Main Gym , Elyria
  5:45 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service
  Unity Spiritual Center Westlake , 23855 Detroit Rd , Cleveland
  6:00 pm

Monday January 12

• Teen & Adult Pottery class
  Elyria Arts Council , 336 Broad St , Elyria
  6:00 pm

📣 Elyria Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 18

• Moving Forward with Hope
  Grafton-Midview Public Library , 983 Main St , Grafton
  10:00 am
• Demolition Board Monthly Meeting
  200 W Erie Ave , Lorain
  2:00 pm
• Lego Imagineers
  Avon Lake Public Library , 32649 Electric Blvd , Avon Lake
  3:30 pm
• Wealth Building Mastermind: New Year New You
  RE/MAX Transitions , 34313 Center Ridge Rd , North Ridgeville
  4:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Come play Bingo on Mondays and Wednesdays at the American Legion located at 393 Ohio Street, Elyria, Ohio.
  Doors open at 4:30 pm and games start at 6 pm. This is a Tiered game so the more players the bigger the payouts. Come on out. Next game is tomorrow. (Nextdoor Carlisle Township)
• Free original mattress factory twin set.
  Excellent condition, always been in zippered bags. 440-925-5547 (Nextdoor Elyria Township)

• CVS Pharmacy, Inc. posted a job opening for District Support Pharmacist in Elyria. Apply here.
• PSG Global Solutions posted a job opening for Facility Housekeeper (Part time) in Elyria. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Elyria here.

Ok Elyria! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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