City Officials Lay Out Plan to Challenge Recently Passed Charter Amendment
City of Vermilion officials confirmed Monday that the law director’s office intends to challenge the charter amendment approved by voters earlier this month. The amendment changes how the city handles tax-increment-financing (TIF) by requiring any TIF ordinance passed by City Council to go before voters, and it expands who may Continue Reading
Vermilion Councilman Holmes Resigns; Ward 5 Seat to Remain Vacant
Ward 5 Councilman Brian Holmes has resigned from Vermilion City Council, stepping down roughly a month before the end of his term. Holmes was not seeking re-election and would have concluded his service at the end of December, but he submitted notice that health concerns made it necessary to finish Continue Reading
Vermilion Port Authority Approves 2026 Budget, Sets Priorities for Dock and Ramp Repairs
The Vermilion Port Authority met on November 13 at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex, covering a full slate of financial updates, dock repair options, and infrastructure needs heading into the 2026 season. Chairman Larry Drouhard, along with members David Miklos and Jonathan Hauck, were present. Operations Manager Arron Bias provided Continue Reading
Santa Set to Make a Festive Splash in Vermilion This Holiday Season
The holiday spirit is getting ready to land in Downtown Vermilion at East Exchange Park, as the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce prepares to welcome families for three festive Santa visits throughout the season. Santa’s River Arrival – November 29 The season officially launches on Friday, November 29, when Santa Claus Continue Reading
Vermilion’s Mayor-Elect Promises Open Door and Honest Dialogue at Vermilion City Hall
Mayor-elect Russ Owens says restoring transparency and rebuilding trust will be among his top priorities when he takes office in January. After years of frustration among residents over rising costs and limited communication from City Hall, Owens believes the city must return to what he calls “a relationship of accountability Continue Reading
Vermilion School Board Recognizes Students, Reviews Policy Updates at November Meeting
The Vermilion Local Schools Board of Education met Monday, November 10, 2025, in the Vermilion High School Commons for its regular monthly meeting. The board recognized students for leadership, heard student activity reports, and approved a series of policy, financial, and personnel actions. The meeting opened with October’s Citizens of Continue Reading
Historic Review Board Approves Home Renovations and Museum Step Project
The Historic Design & Review Board met on November 5, 2025, and approved several residential updates along with an accessibility improvement for the Vermilion History Museum. The meeting was held at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex and chaired by Robbie Brown. All five board members were present. The Board approved Continue Reading
Planning Commission Advances Housing Expansion, Private Sewer Line, and Bowl Thyme Patio Plans
The Vermilion Planning Commission approved several major proposals at its November 5, 2025 meeting, including new residential development on Ridgeview Drive, a privately maintained sanitary force main for a large commercial property, and an outdoor patio expansion for Bowl Thyme. The meeting was held at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex Continue Reading
Council Postpones Mayor’s Final Board Appointments Until New Administration
VERMILION — City Council voted Monday to postpone Mayor Jim Forthofer’s proposed appointments to several city boards and commissions, deciding instead to let the incoming administration make the selections in January. The mayor’s slate included appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Historic Design and Review Board, the Parks Continue Reading
Flock Camera Proposal Withdrawn for Further Funding Review
VERMILION — Plans to purchase and install Flock Safety license plate cameras were put on hold Monday after the Vermilion Police Department asked City Council to withdraw the $36,000 proposal from the agenda for further funding review. The ordinance would have authorized a one-year contract with Flock Group Inc. of Continue Reading