Cuyahoga Falls to Hold Vigil for Woman Killed at the Natatorium as Region Faces Busy News Day

Residents of Cuyahoga Falls are set to gather Thursday evening to honor a woman who was shot and killed over the weekend. The city is hosting a vigil at 7 p.m. at Church Square to remember Sharon Dorn, 61, and to offer support to her family.

Dorn was shot Sunday morning at the Natatorium. Craig Sipe later turned himself in and now faces a charge of aggravated murder.

Elsewhere in the region, a Cleveland nonprofit is tightening security after gunfire struck its building. Providence House, which runs a crisis nursery at its Buckeye-Shaker facility, was hit by bullets over the Fourth of July weekend while children were inside. Staff say new cameras, other safety improvements and bullet-resistant glass are being installed. The organization says donors have given about $600,000 toward security upgrades costing nearly $1 million, and it is still raising money as the work continues.

In state politics, a new campaign ad from Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy is drawing criticism from within his own party. The spot features the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, who calls her daughter a liar. Acton says she has not seen her mother since she was about 12, when she says her mother's husband sexually abused her. She called the move "despicable."

Sen. Jon Husted said he would not have run the ad, and Ohio's secretary of state said his office has received complaints about it. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, however, have defended it, with Vance telling Republicans to stop complaining and win the race. Trump questioned Ramaswamy's involvement with the ad, even though the campaign has put $4 million behind it. Election Day is less than two weeks away.

In North Ridgeville, city leaders are considering stiffer penalties for distracted driving after a road worker was seriously hurt in May. Tony Ventura was repainting lines on a freshly paved road when police say an SUV crossed a double-yellow line and hit him, throwing him into a metal light pole. He spent three weeks in the hospital, underwent multiple emergency surgeries, lost a kidney and part of his bowel, and suffered a traumatic brain injury and fractured vertebrae. He is now back at work on light duty.

The driver was charged with improper lane usage and paid $364 in fines online, with no court appearance or community service. Ventura says that is not enough. City council has introduced legislation that would make distracted driving a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $1,000, possible jail time and a license suspension. The measure has been referred to the safety committee, which meets November 9.

Meanwhile, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo opens its new Primate Forest to visitors at noon Thursday after years of construction. The exhibit includes immersive technology, indoor play areas, dining and retail options, and the animals themselves. Guests must reserve a visit time, which is free through the zoo.

The Cleveland Cavaliers begin their NBA season on the road in Philadelphia against LeBron James and the 76ers. The team is looking to build on last season's conference finals trip while facing a loaded Eastern Conference. Fans can attend an official watch party at Welcome to the Farm in the Flats starting at 6 p.m., featuring ticket giveaways and appearances by the mascots and dance team. The first 200 fans receive a free T-shirt.

The forecast calls for another sunny day with light winds and seasonable temperatures.