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
Man arrested after family member shot
Police say woman suffered facial wound LORAIN — A 40-year-old man was arrested Friday after a live-in family member was shot in the face at a Lorain residence, according to police. Officers responded at 5:22 p.m. Aug. 21 to the 500 block of West 18th Street following a report of Continue Reading
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