Lorain Man Arrested for OVI and Firearm Violation in Vermilion
A Lorain man was arrested late Sunday night in Vermilion after police say he was speeding, driving under the influence, and carrying a loaded handgun while intoxicated. At approximately 10:37 p.m. on July 27, Sgt. Leo Chandler of the Vermilion Police Department observed a motorcycle traveling 58 miles per hour Continue Reading
Ashlee McPeak, 34, Remembered After Fatal Shooting in Vermilion
Ashlee Summer McPeak, 34, was known for her compassion, her spiritual outlook on life, and her deep love for her young daughter. Originally from Virginia, McPeak was visiting Ohio. She was departing to Tennessee to see her family the next day. Her life was cut short on July 10, 2025, Continue Reading
Vermilion Police Blotter: July 21–27, 2025
From the Desk of Chief Chris Hartung Each week, the Vermilion Police Department works to protect and serve our community with professionalism and integrity. The following blotter provides a summary of notable incidents handled by officers between July 21 and July 27, 2025. These entries highlight a range of police Continue Reading
Severe Storm Batters Vermilion Township: Roads Washed Out, Trees Downed
Storm knocks down trees, floods residences, and damages roads in multiple areas A fast-moving storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to Vermilion Township over the weekend, flooding roads, damaging property, and leaving tree debris across multiple neighborhoods. Township Trustee Ken Baughman confirmed the widespread nature of the damage and Continue Reading
Texas Woman Held After Fleeing Traffic Stop in Vermilion
A 48-year-old woman from Austin, Texas, was arrested Saturday night in Vermilion after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop and briefly resisting officers near the Vermilion Boat Club on Liberty Avenue. According to police, an officer initiated the stop around 9:59 p.m. on July 26 after clocking a Mazda sedan traveling Continue Reading
Vermilion Fire Department Incident Reports: July 19–25
The Vermilion Fire Department responded to three EMS assist calls between July 19 and July 25. These calls demonstrate the coordination and preparedness of our department when working alongside local EMS to ensure timely and effective emergency care. From the desk of VPD Fire Chief Bill Brown. Call Summary July Continue Reading
Dog Barking Complaint on Colonial Ct Leads to Citation
A late-night call highlights the balance between pet ownership and neighborhood peace A noise complaint on Colonial Court in Vermilion led to a police response and a summons being issued under state nuisance dog laws early Sunday morning. According to police, the caller reported that a dog had been barking Continue Reading
Vermilion Resident Warns Others About Door-to-Door Pest Control Encounter
A Vermilion resident is cautioning neighbors after a suspicious encounter with a man claiming to represent Mira Home Pest Control. The incident, which took place at the resident’s home in the city, was reported to the Vermilion Police Department and is now under review. Police Chief Chris Hartung confirmed to Continue Reading
The Thrift House Opens in Vermilion to Aid St. Mary’s Church
A former church office on Exchange Street has found new life as a pop-up thrift store benefiting St. Mary Catholic Church. The Thrift House, located at 731 Exchange Street in Vermilion, is now open on Saturdays through August 23, offering secondhand goods on a donation basis or at marked prices. Continue Reading
Vermilion Zoning Board Splits on Driveways, Sheds, Homes
The Vermilion Board of Zoning Appeals met on July 22 to consider a range of residential variance requests, ultimately approving three new construction-related requests while denying a homeowner’s bid to keep a gravel driveway and another’s request to place a shed within six inches of a neighboring property. Gravel Driveway Continue Reading