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Flock Camera Proposal Withdrawn for Further Funding Review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
Vermilion Honors Veterans and Dedicates Gold Star Memorial at Exchange Park
Vermilion residents gathered Tuesday morning at Exchange Park to honor the nation’s veterans and dedicate a new Gold Star Memorial stone recognizing those who gave their lives in service to the country. The ceremony was organized and led by veterans representing numerous local veteran service organizations, with fellow service members, Continue Reading
Students Serve Those Who Served: Vermilion High School Honors Veterans with Annual Luncheon
Vermilion High School’s Social Studies Department, in partnership with the Vermilion Teachers Association, hosted its annual Veterans Luncheon on Monday, November 10, at Open Door Church on Beechview Drive. The event brought together nearly 80 veterans, auxiliary members, and family guests for a meal prepared and served by students as Continue Reading
City to Challenge Voter-Approved Charter Amendment
VERMILION — Outgoing Vermilion Mayor Jim Forthofer has directed the city’s law department to begin a constitutional review of a newly approved charter amendment that limits the city’s use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Forthofer announced the move during Monday’s city council meeting, saying the amendment’s language may conflict with Continue Reading
Council President Addresses Firearm Incident at City Meeting
At Monday’s Vermilion City Council meeting, Council President John Gabriel opened with an unusual reminder: asking anyone carrying a firearm to return it to their vehicle unless they are a law enforcement officer. The statement followed an incident reported after the Nov. 3 council meeting, when officials learned that a Continue Reading
Vermilion Schools Restore High School Busing with Five New Drivers
After months of planning and training, Vermilion Local Schools is restoring high school busing beginning Monday, November 17. The change comes after the district successfully added five new certified bus drivers to its transportation team, filling crucial positions that had forced the district to suspend routes earlier this year. The Continue Reading
Vermilion’s Next Mayor Aims to Make Vermilion More Affordable
Incoming Vermilion Mayor-Elect Russ Owens says the rising cost of living is one of the city’s most pressing challenges, and one he plans to face head-on with a mix of business sense, collaboration, and creativity. Owens called affordability “the $64,000 question,” acknowledging that residents have felt squeezed by higher utility Continue Reading