Pancake breakfast set to support local mechanic’s cancer recovery
VERMILION — A Vermilion mechanic known for helping others is now receiving that same support back from the community. Joe Pongallo, who is currently recovering from throat cancer treatment, is beginning to regain strength following a difficult stretch of chemotherapy and radiation. “He’s getting stronger day by day,” said his Continue Reading
Apex Strength Club Project Shifts to New Liberty Avenue Site
VERMILION — Plans for a new Apex Strength Club facility are moving forward at a new Liberty Avenue location after the project shifted from a previously proposed site to a larger parcel farther down the road. The project, led by owner John Decker, received preliminary site plan approval during the Continue Reading
Proposed Linwood Landing Food Truck Park Moves Forward; Timeline Still Unclear
VERMILION — A proposed food truck and vendor park near Linwood Park is moving forward, but several steps remain before construction can begin, leaving the opening timeline uncertain. The project, known as Linwood Landing Vendor Park, received support from the Vermilion Planning Commission during its April 1 meeting and is Continue Reading
Woodstock Cafe Strikes a New Chord Under New Ownership
VERMILION — A new chapter is underway at Woodstock Cafe, where Vermilion siblings Jonathan and Haley Bellis have taken the lead at the longtime Main Street business, a family-backed venture entering its next chapter in downtown Vermilion. After years under previous owner Jim Lowder, Woodstock Cafe remains a familiar part Continue Reading
Community Effort Leads to Resolution in Downtown Vermilion Theft Cases
VERMILION — A woman has been ordered to pay restitution to two downtown businesses after pleading guilty to theft charges during a hearing Thursday in Vermilion Municipal Court. According to court records, the incidents occurred on March 20, 2026, and involved merchandise taken from Main Street Threads and Tiffany’s Flowers. Continue Reading
No library card or degree needed at Aunt Ruth’s Family Store Beer Library
VERMILION — A small convenience store in Vermilion on the Lake is drawing attention with a creative new twist, and owner Brian Pullis says it is already bringing more people through the door. Inside Aunt Ruth’s Family Store, Pullis has introduced what he calls the “Beer Library,” a redesigned walk-in Continue Reading
Local Restaurant Organizes Fundraiser for Family of Vermilion Student Killed in Lorain Crash
VERMILION — After a Friday morning crash in Lorain claimed the lives of two young women connected to the Vermilion and EHOVE school communities, a local restaurant is asking the public to help one of the families affected. Salvatore’s, a local Italian restaurant where Paige Williams worked, has organized a Continue Reading
Packed Lorain County commissioners meeting draws public comment on JFS strike, sewer and mega site concerns
ELYRIA — A packed Lorain County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24 drew more than a dozen speakers during public participation, many of them connected to the ongoing strike at Lorain County Job and Family Services. Other residents used the microphone to raise concerns about sewer planning, the county’s Continue Reading
Planning Commission Advances Gym and Business Park Plans
VERMILION — Vermilion’s Municipal Planning Commission moved two Liberty Avenue projects forward Wednesday, Feb. 4, approving preliminary site plans for a new gym and a proposed business park on 4-0 votes. The first proposal came from John Decker and Matt Perkins for Apex Strength Club, a planned 24/7 gym with Continue Reading
Chart Room Restaurant Brings New Dining and Lake Erie Flavor to Vermilion
The Chart Room, a newly renovated restaurant and bar on Liberty Avenue in Vermilion, has quickly become a popular local dining spot along the Lake Erie waterfront. The business opened in June after an extensive remodel of the former Huggy’s location. General Manager Danielle Heffernan said the ownership team purchased Continue Reading