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City of Avon Lake receives award for excellence in financial reporting for ninth consecutive time
Avon Lake – The City of Avon Lake announced that its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, has received the Certificate of Achievement (COA) for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).
The certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. This is the ninth consecutive time that the city has received this recognition.
“We are honored to receive this national recognition,” Avon Lake Mayor Mark Spaetzel said in a press release. “This is no small achievement, and I am very proud of our employees and their commitment to the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability.”
The GFOA established the COA program in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual comprehensive financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure, and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.
Founded in 1906, the GFOA has more than 30,000 members. Its mission is to advance excellence in public finance.
AVON
Fast friends: The Avon Branch of the Lorain Public Library is hosting an event called “Speed Friending in Your 20s and 30s.” The event will be held on Saturday, February 21 from noon to 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to socialize with other twenty- and thirty- somethings with speed friending, a series of short conversations designed to help participants meet new friends. After chatting there will be time for coffee and casual activities to further new friendships.
Leviathan additions: The Lorain County Leviathan soccer club added three nationally ranked players to their squad. Midfielder Nolan Spice from Bay Village, Forward Espoir Mayele from The Democratic Republic of Congo, and Midfielder Henry Kang from New York.
The club also unveiled their 2026 match schedule.
The Leviathan will open their campaign on May 20 against Steel City FC. Key home dates include matchups against FC Buffalo (May 25), Erie Sports Center (May 31), Force FC (June 3 and June 20), Riverhounds SC (June 6 and June 17), Akron City FC (June 13 and June 27), and a July home stretch featuring FC Buffalo (July 3), Erie Sports Center (July 6), and Steel City FC (July 11).
AVON LAKE
Income ask: Avon Lake city leadership will hold an open meeting with residents who may have questions about the city’s proposed income tax increase. Mayor Mark Spaetzel and Finance Director Beth Krosse will host an “income tax talk” at 7 p.m. March 11 in the Waugaman Gallery at Avon Lake Public Library.
The session will focus on the city’s proposal to add a 0.4% municipal income tax, which will appear on the May 5 ballot.
Adult twist: The Avon Lake Public Library will host Spirit with a Twist Session 2 on Wednesday, February 25 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The group will be discussing the book Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman. Registration is required.
The revered New York Times bestselling author returns with a novel set in 1960s Baltimore that combines modern psychological insights with elements of classic noir, about a middle-aged housewife turned aspiring reporter who pursues the murder of a forgotten young woman.
New officer: The City of Avon Lake swore in a new member of the Avon Lake Police Department. Officer Ryan Fankhauser was sworn in as ALPD’s newest full time officer. Fankhauser has been a part time officer with ALPD since January 2024 and is a lateral hire from the Cleveland RTA Police Department.
Sky walking: The Avon Lake Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging residents to join them for a night of astronomical exploration that the whole family will love. The event will be held on Friday, February 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Star Lab.
Kids will embark on an exciting journey of discovery and imagination as they explore the planets. From the fiery surface of Venus to the icy rings of Saturn, children will learn about the unique features of each planet, sparking their curiosity and sense of wonder about the universe.
Engaging activities, such as crafting and interactive planetarium shows, will help them visualize and connect with the vastness of space. Through this experience, children will not only grasp important scientific concepts but also develop a lifelong passion for astronomy, inspiring dreams of future adventures among the stars.
In February 2026, skywatchers have the chance to observe some amazing visible planets, including Mars, Venus, and Jupiter. Local astronomical societies will showcase a variety of telescopes, laser pointers, experiments from the International Space Station, and even an inflatable planetarium. Plus, attendees can enjoy space-themed crafts “Dark Skies, Bright Kids” will take place rain or shine.
Cost is $5.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Coffee time: Coffee & Converation with North Ridgeville Mayor Corcoran will run from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on February 25 in the North Ridgeville City Council chambers.
Board games: The North Ridgeville Branch of the Lorain Public Library will host a program called “Comfort Foods: Board to Table” on Friday, February 20 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will learn how to assemble a personalized mini charcuterie board featuring nutritious ingredients loaded with flavor and color during this demonstration. Preregistration required.