By D Heckman

PARMA, Ohio — A retired Cuyahoga County detective and a newly compiled investigative report are raising serious questions about the 2012 death of Dawn Pasela, a paralegal who was allegedly set to expose prosecutorial misconduct. The findings challenge the original determination of her death and allege a series of critical failures by initial investigators. Pasela, 26, was a former employee connected to a multi-agency mortgage fraud task force. She was found dead in her Parma apartment on April 28, 2012. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner ruled her death was due to acute alcohol intoxication, with a reported blood alcohol level of 0.56%. The Parma Police Department initially classified the death as a suicide. A 2023 investigative summary alleges Pasela was a whistleblower cooperating with the defense team of Tony Viola, a mortgage broker she had previously helped prosecute. The report claims she was preparing to testify about misconduct involving prosecutors Mark Bennett and Dan Kasaris and possessed sensitive evidence she believed proved they withheld exculpatory evidence. John Morgan, a retired detective with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office who reviewed the case file years later, was critical of the initial police work. "There was no investigation," Morgan said, citing a lack of evidence collection, missing documentation and an absence of basic procedures such as witness canvassing or surveillance review. According to the summary, several key pieces of evidence were overlooked at the scene. Three of Pasela's cellphones were reportedly present but never collected by police. The report also notes that one of the phones showed activity after the estimated time of death, complicating the official timeline. Family and witness statements included in the report describe Pasela as fearful in the days before she died. An affidavit from her mother, Karen Pasela, states her daughter was "visibly crying and shaking" while discussing alleged threats related to her potential testimony. Further questions have been raised by a review of medical examiner records and photos, which reportedly show possible bruising on Pasela's neck and a broken necklace, suggesting a potential struggle. Morgan also criticized the handling of the scene, noting that an open window and elevated heat could have contaminated evidence and affected decomposition estimates. Viola, who was ultimately acquitted in a state trial after using evidence Pasela allegedly helped uncover, maintains that her death was not an accident. "Every single piece of evidence we've obtained supports the theory that her death was the result of foul play," Viola said in a statement included in the report. The Pasela family has continued to advocate for a new investigation. According to the report, Parma police previously indicated the case could be referred to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, but the family says this has not occurred. Morgan believes the initial failures have created a significant challenge. "How can I do a death investigation 10 years later?" he said, explaining that the lack of properly collected evidence makes it nearly impossible to reconstruct the events. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.

By Cleveland13 Staff

YELLOW SPRINGS, OHIO — Comedian Dave Chappelle stood on the front lawn of the newly restored Union Schoolhouse on Thursday, marking the end of a multiyear effort to keep a pillar of local media from leaving the village he calls home. The 19th-century building is now the permanent headquarters for WYSO Public Radio, a move that preserves a piece of Ohio history while providing a high-tech future for the 68-year-old station. The ceremony drew more than 200 people, including village officials and residents who worried the NPR affiliate might move its operations to Dayton. Chappelle told The Associated Press that losing the station would have been a crushing blow to the community, describing the broadcaster as the lifeblood of Yellow Springs. While many local media outlets are shrinking or closing their doors, WYSO is expanding into a space that bridges the town's past with its modern needs. The Union Schoolhouse has occupied the corner of Dayton and North College streets since 1872. It is a landmark that once served as one of the earliest integrated schools in the region before later being used for municipal offices and a police station. After the building sat vacant for several years, Chappelle's real estate company, Iron Table Holdings, purchased the property in 2020. Chappelle invested $15 million into the redevelopment, transforming the brick structure into a multiuse facility. The radio station occupies the lower floors, featuring performance spaces and gathering areas that allow for more direct public engagement. Chappelle's own offices are located on the top floor. The renovation was not just a solo effort, as the community raised an additional $3 million to ensure the station was equipped with state-of-the-art broadcasting technology. Local resident Mark Willis, who attended the ribbon-cutting, said he has been listening to the station since high school. He noted that it is rare to see a local outlet growing instead of shrinking, especially one that is not subject to the censorship of a corporate sponsor. According to station leadership, that editorial independence remains fully intact. General Manager Luke Dennis said Chappelle has not made a single suggestion regarding programming, noting the station's move was about providing a place of strength for local journalism. Yellow Springs Mayor Steve McQueen, an Antioch College alumnus, issued a formal proclamation declaring April 9, 2026, as WYSO Day. He told the crowd that the station no longer has to worry about the space it occupies, which allows it to focus on training community members to become producers and storytellers. The investment arrives as public radio stations in smaller markets face intense financial pressure and audience fragmentation. Chappelle, who lives on a 39-acre farm nearby, has increasingly used his resources to stabilize the village economy. From his downtown comedy club to hosting performances in local cornfields during the pandemic, his presence has become a central part of the town's infrastructure. He told those gathered that investing in his own community felt dutiful and proud. He said having access to the people who inform you keeps everyone honest, especially when those radio personalities are neighbors you see around town. The station now broadcasts 24 hours a day from its new headquarters on the historic schoolhouse grounds. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.

By Brooke Sullivan

MENTOR, OHIO — The City of Mentor's Natural Resources Division is preparing for its annual Earth Day celebration on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Springbrook Gardens Park. Located at 6776 Heisley Road, the park will host the free event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to promote environmental conservation through interactive programming. The 53-acre park, which once served as a commercial nursery before it was transformed into a public green space, provides a fitting backdrop for the day's scheduled activities. Natural resources specialists are set to lead two wildlife and plant identification walks at 10:30 a.m. and noon. These experts will help attendees identify local flora and fauna while navigating the park's trails. Inside the Springbrook Gardenhouse, visitors can participate in wildlife trivia at 11 a.m. and native plant bingo at 12:30 p.m. According to the City of Mentor, the day is not just about education, but also hands-on community action. A community tree planting and dedication ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon, giving residents a chance to contribute to the park's long-term canopy. For younger attendees, the city organized a biology-themed scavenger hunt and nature-themed games. A sidewalk chalk contest will also take place throughout the day, with winners announced at 1:30 p.m., along with silent raffle results. Live music will be provided by Scott Sopata on steel drums, creating a relaxed atmosphere for those browsing the local vendor market. Eco-friendly businesses such as Avonlea Gardens and Inn, Rustbelt Bakehouse, and Repurposing with a Purpose will be on-site selling products. Food will be available for purchase from the Fungry food truck. Several regional environmental organizations will host information tables to discuss local conservation efforts. These include the Blackbrook Audubon Society, which focuses on bird conservation in Lake and Geauga counties, as well as representatives from Mentor Marsh and The Nature Conservancy. Native seed packets and other giveaways will be distributed while supplies last to help residents start their own pollinator gardens at home. Admission and parking are free for all participants. Residents seeking more information about the event or other programs managed by the Natural Resources Division can call (440) 974-5717 or email the city at throckmorton@cityofmentor.com. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.

(WCTU) — From NASA’s long-awaited return to the moon to easier airport pickups, heartwarming Easter donations, and one beloved Euclid tradition, these are the stories that got people clicking this week.

NASA’s Artemis II Mission Lifts Off with Deep Ohio Ties

NASA’s Artemis II mission is marking a major moment in space exploration, sending astronauts around the moon for the first crewed lunar mission since 1972. The story carries special meaning here in Northeast Ohio, where teams at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and the Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky helped test critical Orion spacecraft systems ahead of launch. The mission is designed as a major proving ground for future deep-space travel and another step toward returning humans to the lunar surface. See the full story here.

Cleveland Hopkins Reopens Lower Roadway Access

Travelers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport got some welcome news this week as officials announced major lower roadway construction is now complete. That means guests picking up arriving passengers can once again use all terminal doors at the arrivals level. The work centered on the pedestrian tunnel on the RTA level, including structural reinforcement, waterproofing, wall repairs, and electrical updates. Airport leaders say the finished project should improve safety and reliability for the many travelers who use the transit link and terminal access points every day. See the full story here.

All City Candy Delivers 100 Easter Baskets to Rainbow

In one of the week’s most uplifting local stories, All City Candy delivered 100 handcrafted Easter baskets to children at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. The effort was made possible by customer and community donations, continuing an annual tradition that helps bring joy to kids who will be spending Easter weekend in the hospital instead of at home. It was a simple but powerful reminder of how local businesses and neighbors can make a big difference.

Jellybeanville Returns to Euclid for Year 65

Another Easter tradition is also drawing attention this week...Jellybeanville in Euclid is back for its 65th year. The colorful seasonal display at 25401 Zeman Avenue is the work of Steve “Cottontail” Kaselak, who has been building it since he was just 7 years old. While the attraction is free to visit, donations are encouraged and go directly to The Journey Center for Safety and Healing, helping turn a fun holiday stop into support for an important cause in the community. See the full story here.

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“This brings so much joy to all the little kids and now those kids were little and they grow up and now have grandkids and the tradition keeps going on. It makes people happy,” Kaselak said during a recent interview.

Kaselak, who refers to himself as the “Mayor of Jellybeanville,” said this year’s display carries added meaning. He noted that the 65th anniversary of Jellybeanville coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, which he chose to reflect through patriotic elements woven into the display. He said the milestone is “important for all of us to acknowledge.”

The display, located in a residential yard in Euclid, is rebuilt from scratch each year with a completely new design. Kaselak begins planning shortly after Christmas, sketching layouts, purchasing new inflatables, and carefully color-coordinating thousands of eggs. He spends the winter months assembling and stringing the decorations before installing everything roughly two weeks ahead of Easter.

“No two displays are ever the same,” he said. Despite severe weather that swept through Northeast Ohio in the days leading up to this year’s opening, Kaselak said damage was minimal.

“One egg blew away,” he said. “I saw the clouds getting dark and the wind, I quickly deflated the inflatables and put bricks on so they wouldn’t fly away and they stayed.”

Jellybeanville is designed to be experienced both day and night, with lighting that illuminates the display for visitors and passersby after dark. During Holy Week, Kaselak is typically outside greeting guests throughout the day, often handing out small Easter candies to children and families who stop by.

On Easter Sunday, he steps back as the Easter Bunny takes over, greeting visitors, posing for photos, and helping collect donations.

Those donations support the Journey Center for Safety and Healing, a Cleveland-based nonprofit that assists survivors of domestic violence and child abuse. Kaselak said he has been raising money for the organization through Jellybeanville for more than 15 years.

“They help abused children and battered women get back into their life,” he said, adding that he has raised more than $30,000 for the organization during that time.

Visitors can contribute through a donation box set up at the display, though Kaselak emphasized that contributions are voluntary.

The display also reflects the community around it. Kaselak said his neighbors are supportive and actively involved, with some even represented as characters throughout Jellybeanville. He creates custom pop-up figures inspired by people who return year after year, including one named “Fred the Photographer,” modeled after a visitor from Pennsylvania who regularly documents the display.

“He loves pickles,” Kaselak said, noting that detail became part of the character’s design.

Family plays a central role as well, with representations of Kaselak’s parents, siblings, and other relatives incorporated into the scenes.

Outside of the Easter season, Kaselak remains active in the community. He volunteers at St. Robert and William Church, where he serves as head usher at the 8 a.m. Mass, helps with community meals, and supports nonprofit efforts assisting individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

For Kaselak, Jellybeanville remains a year-round labor of love that culminates in a few weeks of celebration, connection, and giving.

“I’m out here greeting people all day,” he said, describing the steady stream of visitors leading up to Easter.

Jellybeanville will remain open to visitors through Easter Sunday, offering what Kaselak describes as “a treat for the eyes and even for the belly” for families who continue to make the stop part of their holiday tradition.

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At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.

The Block 1 configuration used for this mission generates roughly 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff. This massive power comes from four RS-25 engines and two five-segment solid rocket boosters. While the subsequent Artemis III mission aims to put boots back on the lunar soil, Artemis II is a rigorous 10-day flight test designed to prove that the life support and navigation systems are ready for the long haul. The four-person crew includes Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. Each brings a unique record to the flight. Glover will become the first Black astronaut to go on a lunar mission, while Koch holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman. Hansen, a colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force, is the first non-American to leave low Earth orbit.

This international cooperation is a direct result of a treaty between the United States and Canada regarding the Civil Lunar Gateway. The mission begins with a series of complex maneuvers in Earth orbit. After reaching an initial elliptical path, the Orion spacecraft will stay in high Earth orbit for about 24 hours. During this time, the crew will perform a proximity operations demonstration. They will manually pilot Orion in relation to the jettisoned Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage to test how the ship handles and docks. This phase is vital because it lets the crew check the life support systems and communication arrays while they are still close enough to Earth to make a quick return if something goes wrong. Once the systems are cleared, the propulsion stage will execute the trans-lunar injection burn to send the capsule toward the moon. A major piece of this journey is the European Service Module. Provided by the European Space Agency, this module provides Orion with electricity, propulsion, thermal control, and the air and water the astronauts need to breathe and drink.

As the spacecraft travels roughly 230,000 miles from home, it will pass about 4,600 miles above the lunar surface. The mission uses what is called a free-return trajectory. This means the moon's own gravity will naturally pull the vehicle around its far side and sling it back toward Earth without needing a massive engine burn to get home. According to the Government Accountability Office, the program has faced some hurdles, including technical issues with Orion's life support valves and battery circuitry that pushed the launch from its original 2024 date to today, April 1, 2026.

NASA engineers are also keeping a close eye on the heat shield. During the uncrewed Artemis I mission, the shield experienced some unexpected erosion and charring. Artemis II will be the ultimate test of the Environmental Control and Life Support System in a deep space environment, something that could not be fully realized without humans on board to generate heat and moisture.

Another technical goal is the testing of the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System. This system uses lasers rather than traditional radio waves to send high-definition video and large data sets back to Earth at much higher speeds. This technology is a cornerstone of the broader Moon to Mars strategy, where the insights gained during these lunar operations will eventually inform the first human missions to the Red Planet.

When the mission concludes, the Orion capsule will hit Earth's atmosphere at speeds exceeding 25,000 miles per hour. It will face temperatures near 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit before a series of 11 parachutes slows it down for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. A combined team from the U.S. Navy and NASA's Exploration Ground Systems will be waiting off the coast of California to recover the crew.

Cleveland 13 News is providing a live feed of the launch throughout the day online. Local residents interested in the history of the mission can visit the Great Lakes Science Center, which serves as the official visitor center for NASA Glenn, to see displays on the SLS rocket components.

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At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.