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Community, News

Megan Keleman’s Way Out

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By: Zoey Davis/Editor

      A young life tragically ended in the drive-through of a Taco Bell, but with the family and community coming together, her legacy will live on.

     On August 14, 2024, a horrific incident involving a young woman and a man occurred at the Stow Taco Bell near the Route 8 expressway. Megan Keleman, 25,  tragically lost her life at the hands of a man who suffered from a mental illness. Keleman stopped at Taco Bell that day, and unfortunately was met with a strange man who would take her life and then his own. 

     Kelly and Nick Keleman, Megan’s parents, have been very active in the community after their daughter’s passing.  The Keleman’s have started a foundation, Megan’s Rainbow of Hope, to honor Megan and her legacy by giving out scholarships to support the same programs with which Megan was involved.

     “Education was very important to Megan…one of our scholarships is for [the CTE engineering] program. So the student has to be a graduating senior, who’s completed two years, and we give out the scholarship once a year,” Kelly said. 

     Megan was a high-achieving person; she earned a double major and volunteered at shelters to help animals or the less fortunate. In high school, she was in the CTE programs for engineering and then went off to Cleveland State University. Megan’s Rainbow of Hope now gives out scholarships for both. 

     “She was way more than we knew…She became the Editor-in-Chief of The Cauldron, a newspaper at Cleveland State University, while she was trying to do a double major. [She also] founded a sorority and was President [and] Treasurer,” Nick said. 

     Megan contributed abundantly to her community, friends and family. She was greatly educated and giving; her death not only struck the entire town of Stow, but also surrounding communities. Megan’s tragic situation raised awareness of the dangers that can come from cramped drive-throughs.

     “When I got to the situation, it was very apparent she couldn’t get out. When you see two ambulances, one on one side of the building, one on the other side of the building…she was trapped. 
There was no way out. So the only thing we can control is…we need to advocate for a safer drive-through–safe accessibility,” Nick said.

     The Keleman’s worked with a large number of people to navigate through the legalities and give a name to Megan’s Way Out. The family made the idea, a bypass lane in drive-throughs to allow an easy way out or in when in an active emergency. They then brought the idea to the Mayor of Stow, John Pribonic, alongside Ohio’s State Senator, Casey Weinstein.

     “Mayor Pribonic reached out to us first, and I had a conversation with him–this was within 24 hours after the incident that we already [spoke]. Mayor Pribonic helped with this, and then Casey Weinstein was at our house two days later talking to us in our kitchen, crying with us, discussing what we need to do [in order to begin] a drive-through law,” Nick said.

     In hopes this kind of tragedy will never occur again, Pribonic played a key role in helping the Keleman’s implement the new law in Megan’s memory. The Megan’s Way Out Law has since been passed in Stow and is currently under review in neighboring cities. 

     “They approached [me] and said, ‘Is there a way that we can go ahead and make a bypass lane in our drive-through restaurants, or just even drive-throughs,’” Pribonic said. 

     Pribonic said that many establishments in Stow do not have immediate exit access due to the rarity of situations like Megan’s. Freak accidents happen every day, but this was very unusual, especially for Stow. People were looking for answers as to why or how someone could do something to this degree.

     “What was interesting [with] this was, there was never really any resolve to it. That being the case, because there was no explanation, many [rumors]  surfaced out there…All the film footage suggested something totally different: It was just a person who was really mentally incapacitated,” Pribonic said. 

     Pribonic also said that there seemed to be no reason for the attack; investigators claimed this man went out with the intention to hurt somebody. It is impossible to predict what situation will happen where, so he feels it is important to have an escape plan in place just in case. 

     “[Any place planning on building] a drive-through in our city is going to have a way to be able to get out [of a lane] if necessary,” Pribonic said. 

     Pribonic went on to say that many businesses are remodeling, or plan to renovate, including companies currently under construction or intended to be built. Megan’s Way Out Law requires businesses with these plans to include a bypass lane in their drive-through; however, they cannot force firms to remodel structures currently in place. Businesses must already have the means and intend to renovate and will have to decide for themselves whether they want construction done at their place of work. 

     “[The Kelemans] came to us at a local level, then I reached out for a state level to Casey, and now we’re even working at a federal level. [This] isn’t just centric to Stow. This is something that can happen anywhere,” Pribonic said. 

     Many cities surrounding Stow are also working to pass this law. Cuyahoga Falls has already passed Megan’s Way Out, and others, including Ravenna and Tallmadge, are also looking into passing this law. Megan’s story has influenced many cities and states to make their business establishments safer. 

     “Cuyahoga Falls heard about it because the incident happened right on the border of Falls and Stow. So Falls came alongside us and also passed Megan’s Way Out and updated their codes to include bypass lanes,” Kelly said. 

     It is difficult for the Keleman family to go to every city and state to advocate for Megan’s Way Out. Although they have been very active in talking to new outlets, especially when founding Megan’s Rainbow of Hope, the Keleman’s goal is to stay active in their community by speaking out, raising awareness about being involved and sharing Megan’s story. The family aims to inspire the younger generation to speak up and use their voice.

     “If they feel this is something that has connected with them, and it’s touched their heart, and they find that they support it, call the governor’s office or your state representative. Call them, and tell them how this is important to you because things happen in numbers. You don’t realize how loud your voices are,” Kelly said. 

     Megan’s passing raised awareness among other drivers on the road to encourage caution. Her death highlighted the troubles that arise in having a drive-through unable to be quickly exited and how important it is to be aware of every situation. The Kelemans have fought through grief and advocated for safer drive-throughs to ensure an emergency situation will have immediate exit options. 

        “Ultimately, our goal is that we want to [honor] Megan. That’s what this whole thing is about–Megan’s Rainbow of Hope. honoring her senses in her name. 
Megan’s Way Out, and hence, it’s in her name. It’s about her making the changes. It’s not about us. 
It’s about her. What we want to convey to people, without her. She can’t talk to anybody anymore,” Kelly said.

Entertainment, Reviews

Hozier 2024 album inspires audience through history and Greek mythology

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By Annika Young, Editor-in-Chief

     Hozier’s 2024 album, “Unreal Unearth,” incorporates mythology and history with modern societal problems, wrapped up in touching lyrics and haunting melodies. His album takes the listener through Dante’s Inferno, uncovering the nine circles of hell in his lyricism.

     Hozier’s music has often had many of the same ideals, focusing on conflict, war, and human greed. ‘Unreal Unearth’ begins with ‘De Selby’ Parts 1 and 2 starting the descent into hell. The songs are based on the novel “The Third Policeman,” by Flann O’Brien. In the novel, De Selby is an Irish philosopher and scientist studying the paradoxical mind. 

     The themes of the novel are reflected in the song, as his lyrics in Part 1 explore identity and reality. While Part 2 Hozier continues to use the motif of darkness, only following the romantic lyrics at the end of Part 1.

     Entering the first circle of hell, “Limbo,” is the song First Time. Limbo is the circle for those who, although never lived in sin, were never baptized. Those stuck in Limbo are cursed with perpetual sadness and a longing for God’s presence in their lives. At first listen, the song is a love song, but the song transforms in the middle where he begins recalling a moment where he was struggling but his mother left flowers on his counter. The song then takes on a new meaning–the circle of both life and death and how interconnected they are.

     “Francesca” is the next song on the album and is also the first song in the second circle, Lust. The circle of lust punishes lovers who have given in to the desires. The song is based on the two lovers, Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta, from Dante’s Inferno. Both fell in love with each other although Francesca was tricked into marrying his brother. They had an affair, were murdered and were sent to hell for their “uncontrollable lust.” Every lyric Hozier writes relates perfectly to this story and captures the love they had that was torn away from them due to the marriage.

     Continuing the journey in the circle of Lust is the song “I, Carrion (Icarian).” The title of the song is interpreted as Carrion meaning rotting flesh and Icarian meaning Icarus, a figure from Greek mythology. The woman in this story is keeping the world together for him. He even describes it as very heavy, but his love is surface-level. He does not care how hard it is. He asks her to float away with him, even though it is the irresponsible and unrealistic thing to do, and he knows the consequences risking both of their lives. 

     Entering the third circle of gluttony is the song, “Eat Your Young.” The theme of gluttony is immediately apparent in the first three lines, although the song is not discussing gluttony in a typical sense. 

     “Damage Gets Done” is in the fourth circle, Greed. The song is a journey of two lovers who used to feel that they had the whole world just by having each other. Their mindsets changed, and their desire to feel fulfilled resulted in the destruction of their relationship.

     The fifth circle, Wrath, is portrayed by the eighth song of the album, “Who We Are.” Wrath is repressed anger and the song describes the loss of someone who used to be important. The narrator explains how he didn’t see it coming and the relationship burning out by trying to become something it wasn’t. 

     The song “Son of Nyx” is the next song on the album but does not contain any lyrics. This song is listed as a part of the sixth circle, Heresy. The circle of Hersey is for those who have rejected the Christian doctrine. The eerie murmurs are soothing but growing instrumentals mirror those who are imprisoned in this circle in fiery, open tombs.

     “All Things End” is the second song in the sixth circle. This song, as represented by the title, discusses how it is normal for everything to end, and in this case it is referring to a relationship. The idea that a relationship and the promised eternal devotion to another person will end up being broken in some way, which can be seen as the narrator rejecting God or religion because God is seen as “eternally loving.” 

     “To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuaraithe),” is in the seventh circle, Violence. This song is immensely complicated, with layers of meaningful lyricism, and it is also sonically beautiful. There are string instruments mixed in with a soft melody. The narrator through the lyrics is comparing their knowledge to how easy it was for them to love each other. The last lyric is the betrayal of his lover cheating on him. The violence in this song is the amount of love he felt for this person and the heartbreak that came from loving someone that much. 

     “Butchered Tongue,” stays in the Violence circle. This song references the loss of a language, in Hozier’s case, Gaelic. The forced and voluntary emigration out of Ireland as well as political efforts to get rid of the language have lessened the use of Gaelic and have led to loss of history and the feeling of having roots in Ireland. 

     “Anything But,” starts the eight circle of Fraud. The verses seem as though they are describing thoughtful things to do for somebody. Although it sounds like a love song, it is actually about rejecting someone, which is why it fits into the circle of Fraud.

     “Abstract” is the next song in the circle of Fraud. This song is about how as a kid Hozier watched someone hit an animal with a car and get out of the car to comfort the animal as it died. His lyrics explain how the person had no intention to hit the animal with the car, it just happened, just like how he didn’t try to fall in love but he simply had no choice but to not. 

     The ninth circle is Treachery and is represented by the song, “Unknown / nth.” The narrator falls in love, and he explains all of the things he would do to reach her. He calls her an angel and she reciprocates, calling him an angel as well; however, the lover has trapped the narrator and won his heart.

     The final song on the album’s initial release is “First Light.” “First Light” symbolizes the ascent, a turning point at the end of the Inferno that leads to the Purgatorio. This begins Dante’s difficult journey upwards. 

     Overall, Hozier’s album “Unreal Unearth” portrays societal issues through intense symbolism, allegories and a comparison to both history and Greek mythology.

Feature

United States veterans tell their stories

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Bryanna Pullins / Website Manager


     “To support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic” is a quote Truman said July 26, 1947. 

     What does this truly mean? From a young age, I have been force-fed the idea that once you join the military, you spend your days training, fighting, and preparing for the next big war or attack. 

     Now, while that is not necessarily false, much more happens behind the scenes. My family is not new to the military scene. Going back three generations, my family has been dedicated to serving their country, but what did this truly look like?

     My Grandmother, Wanda Coleman, is among the many brave people who served our country. Straight out of college, at the age of 20, she served in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 1977.

     Military service was not new to her family, as it was Coleman who followed in the footsteps of her siblings. 

     “There were seven of us, and out of the seven, six of us went into the military,” Coleman said.

     This family legacy was not what convinced her to go into the military. A friend talked Coleman into joining the military, “We were both supposed to go in at the same time, be in the same platoon, and all of that. I went, and she didn’t.”

     Though supported by her parents, they worried that joining the military was the right move for her. 

     “I was a naive young lady–that was another reason my family was scared about me going into the military. I didn’t pay any attention to what was going on in politics or with the government,” Coleman said. “I just knew my girlfriend asked me to join the buddy system, you make good money, and you pay for your schooling, so that’s why I was there.” 

     Coleman had a clear goal in mind, and she planned to see it to the end. With the support of her family and the strength within herself, she proceeded with her military career.

     At the time of Coleman’s enlistment, MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), which refers to a service member’s job, was not available. This means that enlistees had no control over what their assignment/job would be. 

     Despite this change, Coleman continued with her intentions. 

     “Looking back, I was reminded that it was a stock control specialist [an assignment in which I was placed], but I never really worked in it; I became a battalion mail clerk, which I loved,” Coleman explained.

     The assignment of ‘battalion mail clerk’ included “handle[ing] the mail for the entire battalion in different companies within the battalion,” Coleman said. “I picked up the mail, sorted the mail and delivered the mail [on the military base].”

     Regardless of her given position, basic training was still required. Coleman recounted this as one of the hardest times for her. 

     “It was rough, but I loved it. My family was concerned about it because they didn’t think that I could do it, but I became a squad leader and then a platoon leader, and I was selected to call cadence,” Coleman said. 

     Those successful basic training did not go without its challenges.

     “The only time I got very frustrated and cried was at the firing range. Something was wrong with my weapon. They didn’t know, and I didn’t know it. I have three chances to qualify, and I only had one left,” she said.“I went to the bathroom that night and cried in the shower…and then the next day when I was going to qualify they checked my weapon and saw that the site was off. It wasn’t my fault it was the weapon, and I qualified that day.”

Continued on website…

     In January of 1977, Coleman made the decision to leave the U.S. Army. 

     “I had just gotten engaged, and while we were [off post], my first sergeant called and told me I got selected to go down to Germany. Well, my fiancé didn’t want to go to Germany. He would have had to re-enlist, and he didn’t want to re-enlist to go down to Germany. Well, the only way I could get out was to be expecting or to get out of the service, so the only choice I had was to get out of the army,” Coleman said.

     To this day, Coleman regrets that decision. She wishes she would have gone to Germany and traveled more rather than getting married. 

     “I had my sergeant trying to convince me to go, and he said that if it was true love, it would be there when I got back,” Coleman explained.

     Given Coleman’s decision to leave the Army, she often feels undeserving of veteran status due to her time served: “I don’t feel as important as the rest of the veterans.” 

     While some, including Coleman, had a pleasant military service this is not the case for others.

     Family member Mary Johnson* served in the U.S. Army as well. 

     “I served a year, six months, and 23 days to be exact. From December the 9 of 1975 until July 1 of 1977; although, I signed up for a three-year term,” Johnson said. 

     Johnson joined the military at the age of 20, seeking the ability to afford college. Her family was worried about her joining the military due to her meekness and physical size. They feared she would not be able to withstand the grueling training.

     Her parents and the part of the world she lived in underestimated her. 

     “I think it’s common in the military, as well as in law enforcement, because that is part of my background as well,” Johnson said. “Females are considered to be weaker vessels or weaker persons, and less important, less qualified and so more desired positions were offered to males or not offered to people of color.”

     However, Johnson needed an escape from the place she called home. 

     “It was a need to provide financial support, and in all honesty, it was a need to escape my home environment… most of my childhood and home life was unsafe and very dysfunctional,” Johnson said.

     Johnson was able to find a new home while in boot camp: “We were like family, like sisters. It didn’t matter the color or the background, so that [community] did exist, and I did have that experience.”

     Johnson was later assigned to the 497th transportation motor pool as a transportation dispatching clerk.  

     “I was responsible for preparing the daily maintenance deadline report of our transportation vehicles and equipment, also for scheduling services and repairs for that fleet and equipment,” Johnson said. 

     After her assignment, Johnson became isolated in the motor pool. 

     “I was the only female assigned to the dispatch office, which is stressful, and uncomfortable, but I was able to do the job, ” Johnson said.

     It was not until then that she was subjected to racist comments and sexual harassment by a superior. 

     “I had a white male supervisor, [a] sergeant who was narcissistic, toxic and just not the best supervisor to be under his leadership. He would tell off-colored jokes,” Johnson said.

     Johnson went on to recount a racist joke involving a young African American child: “And I laughed out of fear, insecurity, coming from a dysfunctional home and other reasons that I am aware of and unaware of because it wasn’t funny, and I didn’t want to laugh, and because I was by myself, and it was just he and I, it was in my best interest to go along to get along, in that environment.”

     Johnson believed she could handle such comments; however, this treatment did not stop with the sergeant. 

     “There was one soldier with a friend who would be waiting for me that would just say very off-colored and unwarranted things to me, of a sexual nature. It made me fearful because I was always by myself, so he would wait for me,” Johnson said. 

     This behavior continued until Johnson no longer felt safe going to work. She prayed that God would stay with her and not test her at this time. Her fear led her to no longer leaving her room.

     Johnson then recounted a time when the captain of her company gained access to her locked room.

     “It felt like I had been drugged, but I didn’t do drugs, I didn’t drink and I couldn’t explain why I couldn’t get out of my bed,” Johnson said. “I don’t know if anything happened to me or why he was in my room. I just know shortly after that, I ended up in the hospital.”

     The hospital examined her and later sent her to the main hospital in Washington, D.C. where she was transferred to their psych ward. 

     “I was hospitalized from March of 1977 until I was discharged from the military in July of 1977,” Johnson said.

     The anti-psychotic meds were forced on Johnson until she was discharged. 

     “I was sent home where I escaped with a 100% disability rating,” Johnson said.