Levy failure threatens deep cuts
Cash could run out by 2028 VERMILION — Vermilion schools could face major reductions to staffing, sports, clubs and transportation if voters reject a five-year operating levy renewal in November, with officials warning current spending could drain the district’s cash by the end of 2028. Superintendent Wes Weaver said administrators Continue Reading
Charles Berry Bridge inspections scheduled
LORAIN — Inspections of the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge on East Erie Avenue, also known as U.S. 6, are scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, and Monday, Aug. 31. Vehicle traffic will continue across the bridge as normal, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. The Continue Reading
Loaded weapon found in backpack
Discovery made during search for vapes LORAIN — A loaded weapon was found in a student’s backpack Wednesday during a search for vapes at Lorain High School, according to Lorain City Schools. School safety officers were searching the male student when they discovered the weapon, the district said in a Continue Reading
JFS strike turns toward election
Labor board dismisses competing complaints ELYRIA — A six-month strike involving Lorain County Job and Family Services workers moved into the political arena Tuesday as union members rallied outside the county administration building and announced plans to campaign against Commissioner Jeff Riddell. The rally came the same day the State Continue Reading
Commissioners reject 65-acre annexation
Road questions drive 2-1 vote ELYRIA — Lorain County commissioners rejected a request Tuesday to annex about 65 acres of Amherst Township into Elyria after a lengthy discussion centered on the accuracy of the application, access to the property and who would be responsible for roads serving future development. The Continue Reading
Mother sues over daughter’s school release
Lawsuit alleges woman posed as parent VERMILION — A federal lawsuit accuses Vermilion school officials of releasing a high school student to a woman who allegedly falsely claimed to be the girl’s mother and later gave the student a marijuana vape. The student’s mother, who is the plaintiff in the Continue Reading
Levy helps, but budget concerns persist
Residents question cuts, communication LORAIN — Months after voters approved a new operating levy expected to generate more than $10 million annually, Lorain City Schools continues to face deficit spending, staffing reductions and longer-term financial pressure, while residents are raising questions about what has been restored and how those decisions Continue Reading
Cellphone evidence suppressed in felony cases
State must choose dismissal or appeal ELYRIA — A Lorain County judge has suppressed all evidence recovered from an Elyria man’s cellphone, a ruling that could dismantle two felony cases containing eight pandering charges and three gross sexual imposition charges. Lorain County Common Pleas Judge D. Chris Cook granted Jacob Continue Reading
Not guilty plea entered in felonious assault case
Preliminary hearing set for Aug. 31 LORAIN — Court records list a not guilty plea for a Lorain man accused of shooting a live-in family member in the face Friday. A criminal complaint filed Monday identifies the defendant as Jonathan Lopez-Hance, 40. Lorain police initially identified him as Jonathan Lopez. Continue Reading
Cuts buy schools more financial time
Forecast still shows renewed trouble ahead ELYRIA — A $9 million reduction plan has given Elyria City Schools additional time before facing possible state fiscal caution, but the district’s latest forecast continues to show deficit spending and declining cash reserves. Treasurer Colleen Aholt presented the district’s budget and three-year forecast Continue Reading