Madsen leaves his mark on First Lutheran

BOUQUETS >> To the Rev. Jimmy W. Madsen, the longtime pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lorain, who announced he will retire from full-time ministry later this year.

Madsen, 67, revealed he will leave the pulpit, but he plans to remain part of the International City where he has lived almost 38 years.

A native of Round Rock, Texas, Madsen said, “I come from one of the places that lots of people want to move to, and yet I still choose to live here and when I retire, I’m going to stay.”

Madsen arrived in Lorain to begin his pastorate July 1, 1979. He considered changing congregations a few times, but never left central Lorain.

In April, the First Lutheran congregation will vote on its new pastor, who would start in May.

Madsen also presided over the church as it dealt with a difficult situation.

First Lutheran received international attention Aug. 28, 2014, when an arson destroyed the church at 603 Washington Ave.

The congregation stayed together and its efforts to rebuild have been well documented.

The new edifice is under construction at 1019 W. Fifth St. and is scheduled for completion this year.

We congratulate Madsen for leading his flock for nearly four decades and we’ll wish him well in his retirement.

BoUQUeTS » To Stewart’s TV & Appliance, 468 Cleveland St. in Elyria, for its recognition for giving its customers friendly and personal service for more than 70 years.

State Sen. Gayle Manning, a North Ridgeville Republican, presented the family business with a proclamation March 24 from the Ohio State Senate for hitting that milestone.

Manning said,“Elyria does not have a lot of businesses that have been standing strong for 70 years. I come here for my appliances and always receive great service. This is deserving.”

The family business was started in 1946 by Dick Stewart, who originally named the company Stewart Radio and Television.

Stewart’s is now co-owned by Ed Stewart, president; Nancy Schneider (nee Stewart), service department manager; Greg Stewart, vice president; and Pam Wells (nee Stewart), marketing and sales.

Wells said the success of the business is attributable to customer service.

Manning added, “When I came here (to Stewart’s), an employee approached me and was knowledgeable about the products. That’s the difference between Stewart’s and big box stores.”

We congratulate Stewart’s for reaching this milestone and recognition. It’s well deserved.

To former Amherst fire Chief Greg Knoll, who recently resigned amid an internal investigation into allegations he was filling his personal vehicle at city fuel pumps meant exclusively for city vehicles.

Knoll’s resignation took effect March 24, just two weeks after the investigation began.

Amherst Mayor Mark Costilow said Knoll was placed on paid administrative leave while the mayor’s office investigated the claims.

Costilow declined to comment on how many times Knoll was suspected of using city-owned fuel for personal use.

Costilow said the investigation was discontinued following Knoll’s resignation.

In a letter to Amherst, Knoll said, “After careful thought and discussions with family and close friends, I have decided to submit my resignation as the Chief of the Amherst Fire Department.”

Knoll, who has worked as an Amherst firefighter for nearly 30 years, became chief in January 2016.

This is an embarrassing episode for Knoll, who dedicated his life to fire fighting. But it can’t be overlooked.

BrICKBATS » To Dale S. Keller, the 20-year-old Avon Lake man who admitted in court to the unthinkable: that he threw his 10-day-old daughter down so hard she fractured her skull Oct. 22, 2016.

Keller pleaded guilty March 27 before Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge John R. Miraldi to two counts of endangering children and single counts of felonious assault and domestic violence.

The girl, who was born Oct. 12, suffered a fractured skull and multiple other broken bones and was treated at MetroHealth Medical Center.

Keller is scheduled to be sentenced May 1, upon completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

Before Keller’s plea was accepted, Miraldi told him the maximum punishment is eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

No matter what was going on in Keller’s life, he physically abused his daughter, a child who could not defend herself.

In this case, the maximum penalty is applicable.