First-day photos can reveal too much
Police urge families to protect privacy As students return to classrooms, the Elyria Police Department is reminding families to look closely at what their first-day-of-school photos may reveal before posting them online. The popular pictures often show children holding signs listing their names, ages, grades, teachers and schools. Although the Continue Reading
Walmart Announces Tap-to-Pay Rollout Across U.S. Stores
Walmart will begin rolling out tap-to-pay technology at select U.S. stores and Sam’s Club locations next week, giving shoppers another option for making purchases at checkout. The retailer announced Friday that Tap to Pay will become available at select locations beginning Monday, Aug. 24. Walmart plans to expand the technology Continue Reading
Sobriety Checkpoint Announced for Lorain
LORAIN, Ohio — A sobriety checkpoint is scheduled for Friday night in Lorain as part of an Ohio State Highway Patrol impaired-driving enforcement effort. The checkpoint will be conducted on State Route 57 in Lorain from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21. The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced Continue Reading
Ohio changes school absence requirements
Excused time triggers earlier family notices COLUMBUS — Ohio schools must now contact families earlier about missed instructional time, including absences supported by medical documentation, under attendance changes taking effect for the 2026-27 school year. Medically excused absences remain excused and do not count toward truancy. However, they are included Continue Reading
Plaque recognizes support after officer’s death
Departments stood together following 2025 tragedy NORTH RIDGEVILLE — The Lorain Police Department has recognized the North Ridgeville Police Department for its support following the line-of-duty death of Lorain Officer Phillip Wagner. Lorain Officer Brent Payne recently presented North Ridgeville police with a plaque on behalf of his department, according Continue Reading
Ramp, roundabout work alters traffic
ODOT outlines detours through September LORAIN COUNTY — Two Ohio Department of Transportation projects are bringing traffic changes to Lorain County, including a September ramp closure on Interstate 90 and an ongoing intersection closure at state routes 18 and 511. The state Route 254 entrance ramp to I-90 west will Continue Reading
Police probe second Washington Avenue homicide
Three deaths announced within five days LORAIN — Police are investigating the death of a man found at a Washington Avenue building Thursday morning as a homicide, marking the second homicide investigation announced along the street in less than a week. Officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Washington Continue Reading
Council weighs reach of Flock ban
Members question penalties, outside access VERMILION — City council members expressed broad support Monday for preventing Vermilion from installing Flock Safety automated license plate readers but disagreed over whether police should be prohibited from using data collected by other agencies. Council discussed Ordinance 2026-46 during its Legislative Committee meeting Aug. Continue Reading
New Emergency Response Vehicle Coming to Lorain County Sheriff’s Office
COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office will receive a new six-passenger low-speed vehicle to help deputies respond to emergencies at the Lorain County Fair and other community events. The Columbia Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4003 donated $18,000 toward the purchase of the vehicle during a presentation Continue Reading
Ohio law bars out-of-state marijuana
Lower Michigan prices carry legal risk COLUMBUS — Marijuana may be legal for recreational use in both Ohio and Michigan, but Ohioans cannot legally purchase it in Michigan and bring it home. The distinction has become more significant as Michigan dispensaries continue offering substantially lower prices than their Ohio counterparts. Continue Reading