Helping out It might have happened half way around the world, but Westshore residents are working to help victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami. Helping raise money:Henri Adams, Jacob Fowler, Sherri Reilly (mom and cupcake baker), Kelsey Reilly (initiator of the fund-raiser), Emma Grubaugh, Anne Dailey, who made a donation. (Photo by Larry Bennet)

Oops!
Sears fire accidental, firefighters now say
NORTH OLMSTED — Fire department officials originally believed a Dec. 16 fire at the Sears department store at Great Northern Mall was caused by arson. But after additional tests, they now conclude it was accidental.

Limperts get special Christmas gift this year
NORTH OLMSTED — Duane and Kathi Limpert had a most welcome visit Christmas morning. They got a five-minute video visit with their son, an Army captain stationed in Iraq, courtesy of CNN.

New controversy emerges over law director post
WESTLAKE — One might have thought that the passage of two charter amendments in the November elections which mandated the law director be elected ended all disputes over the position. Wrong. Now the question is how much will the elected law director be paid.

Caribou Foot resolves to gain numbers this year
Caribou Foot plays this Friday at the Winchester Tavern and Concert Club in Lakewood, with an admission rate that sets a generous tone for the New Year — free. The jam band, in the tradition of the Grateful Dead, also encourages audience taping of their performances.