$5 License Fee Approved to Boost Lorain County Road Funding
ELYRIA — Lorain County Commissioners have approved a new $5 motor vehicle license fee aimed at unlocking millions of dollars in state infrastructure funding. The decision came during the board’s May 9 meeting and was presented as a strategic move to maximize returns for local road and bridge projects. The Continue Reading
Matthew Rich Case Moves to Lorain County Common Pleas
The criminal case against Matthew G. Rich, 40, of Vermilion, has officially moved from Vermilion Municipal Court to the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas. Rich is facing two second-degree felony counts related to pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. The charges were originally filed under case number CRA2500052 Continue Reading
Kristina Edmison Pretrial Continued as Plea Talks Advance
A pretrial conference for VHS teacher Kristina Edmison and five co-defendants was held on May 8, 2025, in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. The hearing was brief, with the court granting an oral motion by Edmison’s counsel to continue the pretrial due to ongoing discovery and active plea negotiations. The Continue Reading
Public Hearing Set for Kneisel PUD, Vineyard Estates Expansion
VERMILION TOWNSHIP — Township officials are signaling serious scrutiny ahead of a public hearing later this month that could shape the future of a proposed residential development known as the Kneisel Development PUD, which would expand the existing Vineyard Estates subdivision. At the May 7, 2025 meeting of the Vermilion Continue Reading
William J. “B.J.” McCale Honored at National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND — The name of William J. “B.J.” McCale, a dedicated firefighter/EMT with Vermilion Township Fire Department, now stands among America’s honored fire service heroes. McCale, who passed away at age 50 following a cardiac emergency during a training session in 2023, was formally honored during the 44th Annual Continue Reading
Vermilion Leaving SBC for Northern Ohio Conference in 2026
Ten schools, including Vermilion Local School District, have formally announced their departure from the Sandusky Bay Conference (SBC) to form a new athletic league: the Northern Ohio Conference (NOC). The league is set to launch in the 2026–2027 school year, with a focus on competitive balance, reduced travel, and stronger Continue Reading
Vermilion Schools’ $47M Bond Levy Fails by Wide Margin
Photo Credit: “Source: Data from the [Ohio Secretary of State’s Office], as presented by Fox 8 Cleveland.” Voters rejected the Vermilion Local School District’s proposed $47 million bond levy in the May 6, 2025 election, with unofficial results showing 910 in favor and 1,361 against. The margin of defeat was Continue Reading
Drugs, Warrants, and Wildlife: Vermilion Police Blotter April 29–May 4
This week’s blotter comes directly from the desk of Vermilion Police Chief Chris Hartung, who shared highlights of calls and arrests handled between April 29 and May 4, 2025. We thank Chief Hartung and the department for their continued efforts to keep residents informed and safe. Remember: if you need Continue Reading
Should We Be Spending Big While Residents Struggle? Vermilion Council Debates Priorities
At the May 5, 2025 Vermilion City Council meeting, tensions emerged as city leaders weighed infrastructure spending against the financial burden already felt by residents. “We’re talking about the people of this town—who live here, breathe here—and they’re struggling,” said Council at Large Gary Howell. He expressed frustration that council Continue Reading
Main Street Momentum: 10,000 Volunteer Hours and Big Plans Ahead for Vermilion
At Monday night’s Vermilion City Council meeting, Main Street Vermilion Executive Director Kate Repola delivered a high-energy presentation on the nonprofit’s recent impact and ambitious plans for the future. In 2024 alone, the organization logged an impressive 10,000 volunteer hours, hosted 41 events, and coordinated 40 seasonal flower pots, seven Continue Reading