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
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
Schools end second meal servings
Free breakfast and lunch remain available LORAIN — Lorain City Schools will stop offering second meal options during the 2026-27 school year as the district works within its available food-service resources. The district announced the change Saturday, acknowledging that many families rely on school meals each day. “We recognize that Continue Reading
Two teens killed in Lorain shooting
Man held on firearms-related charges LORAIN — Two teenagers were fatally shot early Sunday during a gathering at a short-term rental on Washington Avenue, according to police. Officers responded about 3 a.m. Aug. 16 to the 700 block of Washington Avenue. They found an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy Continue Reading
Surveillance debate heads to local council
Submitted by Liberty On The Lake VERMILION – Vermilion City Council will consider an ordinance Monday evening that would prohibit Flock cameras and other Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology within the City of Vermilion. The proposed ordinance was authored by Drew Werley, Ward 3 City Councilman, and would establish Continue Reading
Write-in bid centers on public trust
Independent councilman urges measured county growth ELYRIA — Independent Elyria Councilman Andrew Lipian is running as a write-in candidate for Lorain County commissioner, saying his campaign is centered on rebuilding public trust, expanding access to government and approaching development more deliberately. “I feel that trust has been one of the Continue Reading