Hey neighbors! 👋
Joe here, and welcome back to another edition of the Lorain County Community Insider!
Can you believe Halloween is already here? 🎃🍂
We've got plenty to catch up on this week, from a stolen boat recovered in Lorain Harbor and a new roundabout opening to some well-deserved recognition for our local student-athletes.
Plus, we've rounded up upcoming events, local sports, and your 10-day weather forecast to help you plan your week.
So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's see what's happening around Lorain County!
Joe
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
🚨 Stolen Boat Recovered at Lorain Harbor, Three People Taken Into Custody
Lorain Police made a big discovery at Lorain Harbor after spotting a stolen boat on the river on October 16.
Officers recovered the vessel and took three people into custody, with one individual facing a felony charge of receiving stolen property.
The boat was one of two vessels reported stolen from Oasis Marina, along with more than $1,000 worth of fishing equipment.
While police were able to recover one of the boats, the second stolen vessel and the missing fishing gear have not yet been located.
Investigators are continuing to look into the thefts and are asking for the public's help.
If you know anything about the missing boat or fishing equipment, you're encouraged to contact the Lorain Police Department's Detective Bureau.
It's good to see one of the boats recovered, but there's still work to be done. Hopefully, the remaining property can be located and returned to its rightful owners.
🚗 New Lorain County Roundabout Opens at Previously Dangerous Intersection
Good news for drivers traveling through Lorain County!
The new roundabout at Oberlin Elyria Road and LaGrange Road officially opened to traffic on October 15, following the completion of construction by Fechko Construction.
And this wasn't just a project to make the intersection look nicer.
According to the Lorain County Engineer's Office, the intersection experienced 34 crashes over a five-year period, making safety improvements a priority.
The new single-lane roundabout is designed to reduce serious accidents while keeping traffic moving more efficiently.
It also includes a special slip lane for drivers traveling north on Oberlin Elyria Road who want to turn south onto LaGrange Road.
A couple of important reminders for anyone using the new intersection:
Yield to traffic already inside the roundabout before entering.
Drivers using the slip lane must yield to vehicles exiting the roundabout.
The project was funded through Ohio county engineer safety funds and the Ohio Public Works Commission.
It might take a little getting used to, but the goal is fewer crashes and safer travels for everyone.
📞 Lorain County Approves Raises for 911 Employees, Rejects Deputies' Contract
Lorain County commissioners have made some important decisions involving labor agreements for county employees.
The Lorain County Board of Commissioners approved a new contract for county 911 employees, including scheduled wage increases over the next three years.
Under the agreement, employees will receive raises of:
4.5% in 2027
3.5% in 2028
4% in 2029
However, commissioners did not approve a separate proposed agreement with the Sheriff's Office Deputies' Association.
County leaders cited concerns involving insurance provisions and proposed wage increases as reasons for rejecting that contract.
The board says it's still willing to work with the association to resolve the outstanding issues and reach an agreement.
Both 911 dispatchers and sheriff's deputies play important roles in keeping Lorain County residents safe, so these negotiations will be worth watching as they continue.
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🍂 Fall Leaf Collection Begins November 2 — Here's What Residents Need to Know
It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing colors, falling from the trees, and probably piling up in your yard.
The city's annual fall leaf collection program begins November 2 and is expected to continue for approximately six weeks.
Collection crews will follow a designated route throughout the city, with plans to visit every street at least once during the program.
If you want your leaves picked up, here are a few things to remember:
Rake leaves to the curb, but don't push them into the street.
Keep branches, sticks, and other debris out of leaf piles.
Avoid parking vehicles near leaf piles so collection equipment can reach them.
Keep children from playing in leaves near the roadway.
These simple steps help crews work efficiently and keep neighborhood streets safer.
Since crews will be moving through neighborhoods on a scheduled route, residents should have their leaves ready ahead of time.
A little preparation now can save a lot of cleanup later!
🏃 Elyria Cross Country Runners Earn All-SWC Honors
Let's give a big round of applause to some talented young athletes from Elyria City Schools!
Several Elyria cross country runners have earned All-Southwestern Conference (SWC) honors, recognizing their performances and hard work throughout the season.
Here's who received recognition:
🥇 First Team All-SWC
Kaleb Freeman
Gage Hopkins
🥈 Second Team All-SWC
Madison Moran
👏 Honorable Mention
Tyler Freeman
Preston Haley
Allison Blake
Aubri Hoskinson
Earning conference recognition takes dedication, countless hours of training, and plenty of determination.
These student-athletes have represented their schools and community well, and their achievements deserve some hometown recognition.
Congratulations to all seven runners, along with their coaches and families, for a job well done!
Keep up the great work, Pioneers! 🎉
🎃 Lorain County Deputies Join Families for Annual Trunk or Treat Celebration
Halloween fun brought together local families and first responders for the 6th Annual First Responders & Community Trunk or Treat!
Members of the Lorain County Sheriff's Office joined the Lorain County Deputies Association for an evening filled with costumes, candy, photos, and plenty of smiles.
Kids and families had a chance to meet deputies in a relaxed, festive setting while enjoying some early Halloween fun.
Events like this are about more than handing out candy. They give families an opportunity to connect with the people who serve their communities and help build positive relationships between residents and local law enforcement.
The Sheriff's Office thanked everyone who stopped by, said hello, and posed for pictures.
A big shout-out to the deputies, organizers, and volunteers who helped make the celebration possible.
It's always nice seeing our community come together for a little hometown fun! 🍬
☕ Coffee & Conversation in Downtown Lorain
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 9:00–10:00 AM
Location: Magdalen's Gallery & Espresso, 633 Broadway Avenue, Lorain
Details: Join Main Street Lorain for a casual morning of coffee, conversation, and community connections. Meet neighbors, local business owners, and people working to make downtown Lorain a great place to be.
🦆 Wednesday Morning Birding at Sandy Ridge
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 8:00–10:30 AM
Location: Sandy Ridge Reservation, 6195 Otten Road, North Ridgeville
Details: Explore the wetlands with fellow birdwatchers, starting from the Johnson Wetland Center meeting room. No registration required.
🏓 Beginner & Intermediate Pickleball Clinics
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: Beginners: 8:00–9:30 AM; Intermediate: 9:30–11:00 AM
Location: French Creek Family YMCA, Avon
Details: Improve your pickleball skills with instructional sessions designed for different experience levels. Registration and fees apply.
🎃 T3 Kids Halloween Party
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: T3 Performance, Lorain County
Details: A Halloween celebration for kids featuring seasonal fun. Advance reservations are requested, so check with the organizer before attending.
🎃 Super Thursday Halloween Party
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: North Ridgeville Office for Older Adults, North Ridgeville
Details: A festive Halloween gathering for local seniors. Enjoy a chance to socialize and celebrate the season with friends and neighbors.
🍝 Lasagna Dinner Fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 4:30–6:30 PM
Location: Amherst Junior High School, Amherst
Details: Enjoy a delicious lasagna dinner while helping support pediatric cancer fundraising efforts. A great opportunity to share a meal and contribute to a meaningful cause.
🍬 Tots Trick-or-Treat
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: North Ridgeville City Hall, 7281 Avon Belden Road, North Ridgeville
Details: A free, not-too-spooky Halloween event designed for younger children. Little ones can dress up and collect treats throughout City Hall. Preregistration is required.
🎷 Civic Jazz Band Concert
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Hoke Theatre, Lorain County Community College, 1005 North Abbe Road, Elyria
Details: Enjoy an evening of big-band jazz featuring music associated with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and other favorites. Tickets are listed at $9 for adults and $8 for LCCC students, staff, and seniors.
🎳 Pins & Pumpkins Classic Bowling Tournament
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM
Location: Park Lanes, 249 Park Avenue, Amherst
Details: A Halloween-themed nine-pin no-tap bowling competition featuring costumes, prizes, and cash awards. Costumes are required for competitors; entry is listed at $50 per bowler.
🎸 Whiskey Stills and Hash Halloween Show
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Lake Erie Lanes, 4523 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion
Details: Enjoy live music with a spooky twist as Whiskey Stills and Hash perform Halloween-themed favorites.
🎸 A Farewell to Kings: Rush Tribute
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway, Lorain, OH 44052, United States
Details: Celebrate Halloween with a live tribute to the legendary rock band Rush. A fun night out for classic-rock fans.
🏃 Oberlin College Cross Country — NCAC Championships
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Oberlin College North Fields Cross Country Course, Oberlin
Details: Oberlin hosts the North Coast Athletic Conference cross-country championships, bringing collegiate runners together for a big day of competition.
🏑 Oberlin College Field Hockey vs. John Carroll — Senior Day
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Austin E. Knowlton Athletics Complex, Dick Bailey Field, Oberlin
Details: Cheer on Oberlin's field hockey team as it hosts John Carroll University and celebrates its graduating players.
🏐 Oberlin College Women's Volleyball vs. Ohio Wesleyan — Senior Day
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Philips Gymnasium, Oberlin College
Details: The Yeowomen take on Ohio Wesleyan University in a conference volleyball matchup while honoring their seniors.
🏊 Oberlin College Swimming vs. Mount Union
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 1:00–4:00 PM
Location: Carr Pool, Oberlin College
Details: Catch a collegiate swimming meet as Oberlin hosts the University of Mount Union.
🐴 Halloween Costume Horseback Ride
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: Ride begins at 1:00 PM
Location: Carlisle Equestrian Center, LaGrange
Details: The Lorain County Ohio Horseman's Council is organizing a Halloween Day Ride. Riders are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes for a festive afternoon on horseback.
🧩 Community Puzzle Exchange
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Wellington First United Methodist Church, Wellington
Details: Bring a puzzle and discover a new one at this free community exchange. A simple way to share a hobby with fellow puzzle enthusiasts.
🎻 Fire & Grace — Faculty and Guest Recital
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Fairchild Chapel, Oberlin College
Details: Enjoy a performance by violinist Edwin Huizinga and guitarist William Coulter, performing together as the duo Fire & Grace.
🎧 Halloween Night with DJ Kung Fu Bob
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 7:30–10:30 PM
Location: Speak of the Devil, 201 West 5th Street, Lorain
Details: DJ Kung Fu Bob Spehar returns with an eclectic mix of music on vinyl and CDs for a Halloween-night celebration.
🎄 Downtown Amherst Christmas Open House
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: Varies by participating business
Location: Downtown Amherst
Details: The holiday shopping season gets an early start as downtown businesses welcome shoppers for a Christmas open house. A nice opportunity to browse local shops and support small businesses.
🚴 Red Flannel Metric Century Bicycle Ride
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: The Lodge at New Russia Township
Details: The Lorain County Bicycle Club hosts its Red Flannel Metric Century Ride, a fall cycling event for riders who enjoy getting outdoors and taking in the scenery.
🎟️ 3rd Annual Boozy Bingo Fundraiser
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: American Legion Post 211, Lorain County
Details: A bingo fundraiser featuring an evening of games and community fun. Tickets are available through the event listing. Check with the organizer for admission details and age restrictions.
🏛️ Stone Carving & Architectural History Presentation
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Amherst Historical Society, Amherst
Details: Nicholas Fairplay presents a program on stone carving and its role in architectural elements. A free educational event for anyone interested in craftsmanship, architecture, or local history.
🏐 Oberlin College Women's Volleyball vs. Kalamazoo College
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: Philips Gymnasium, Oberlin College
Details: The Yeowomen host Kalamazoo College for an evening of collegiate volleyball. The event is open to the public.
🤝 Lorain County Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 3:30–6:30 PM
Location: Tom's Country Place, Lorain County
Details: The Chamber's 12th annual Business EXPO brings together more than 110 exhibitors, local businesses, and professionals. An opportunity to make connections and discover companies serving Lorain County.
🎨 Allen After Hours — Evening at the Allen
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 5:00–7:30 PM
Location: Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin
Details: An evening event at Oberlin's art museum, giving visitors a chance to spend time with art and connect with the local cultural community.
🍸 An Evening with Robert Simonson
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Speak of the Devil, 201 West 5th Street, Lorain
Details: Award-winning cocktail writer and author Robert Simonson visits downtown Lorain for a special evening centered on cocktail culture and his writing. Check the venue for reservation or ticket details.
🕺 MJ The Illusion — Michael Jackson Tribute
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway, Lorain, OH 44052, United States
Details: A concert tribute celebrating the music, dancing, costumes, and showmanship of Michael Jackson. The production revisits well-known songs from his career, including Thriller, Billie Jean, and Smooth Criminal.
⚽ Oberlin College Men's Soccer vs. John Carroll
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Oberlin College, Oberlin
Details: The Yeomen host John Carroll University for an evening soccer matchup.
🏈 Avon Lake Shoremen vs. Toledo Waite — Football Playoffs
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM (standard OHSAA playoff kickoff; confirm with school)
Location: Confirm host stadium with Avon Lake athletics
Details: The Shoremen begin postseason play against the Waite Indians. The team's website lists the October 30 playoff matchup.
🏃 Oberlin Monster Mash Dash 5K Fun Run
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: 15 South Main Street, Oberlin
Details: A Halloween-themed 5K fun run for those who want to combine some exercise with spooky-season festivities. Check registration requirements before attending.
🎃 Old West Pumpkin Fest
Dates: Select days through Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: Noon–5:00 PM (listed festival hours)
Location: Rockin'-R-Ranch, Columbia Station
Details: Enjoy hayrides, a pumpkin patch, farm animals, an inflatable slide, a kid-friendly haunted house, and other fall activities. General admission is listed at $15, with children ages 2 and under free.
👻 Spooky Ranch Haunted Attractions
Dates: Select nights through Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM (listed start)
Location: Rockin'-R-Ranch, Columbia Station
Details: A Halloween attraction for those who prefer their fall fun a little scarier. Check the attraction's operating calendar and ticket availability before visiting.
🌽 Brasee's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Dates: Through Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM (listed start; daily hours may vary)
Location: Brasee's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, Lorain County
Details: Explore the corn maze and pick out a pumpkin before the season ends. A classic fall outing for families.
Weather Forecast
Weather forecast: Guaranteed to be 100% accurate at least 20% of the time—unless it changes. Expect sunny skies… or rain. But definitely weather. We guarantee some form of that. No refunds!
🌤️ Wednesday, Oct. 28: Partly sunny — High: 70°F / Low: 53°F
🌤️ Thursday, Oct. 29: Partly sunny, breezy and warm — High: 74°F / Low: 54°F
☁️ Friday, Oct. 30: Mostly cloudy and cooler — High: 62°F / Low: 52°F
☁️ Saturday, Oct. 31: Cloudy for Halloween 🎃 — High: 63°F / Low: 51°F
🌦️ Sunday, Nov. 1: Cloudy with occasional showers — High: 68°F / Low: 53°F
🌧️ Monday, Nov. 2: Morning rain, then mostly cloudy — High: 64°F / Low: 53°F
🌧️ Tuesday, Nov. 3: Cloudy with possible showers, especially at night — High: 62°F / Low: 49°F
🌧️ Wednesday, Nov. 4: Cloudy with scattered showers — High: 58°F / Low: 46°F
🌧️ Thursday, Nov. 5: Morning rain, then cloudy — High: 56°F / Low: 45°F
🌬️ Friday, Nov. 6: Windy and cloudy with a possible shower — High: 55°F / Low: 42°F
Note: While the provided forecast gives a general idea of expected weather conditions, it should be treated with caution due to potential inaccuracies in long-term predictions. Checking closer to the date will provide a more reliable forecast.
I asked my dog, ‘What's two minus two?’
He said nothing!
Well, that’s a wrap for this week, neighbors! 👋
Thanks for spending a little time catching up on what’s happening around Lorain County. With Halloween here and the leaves putting on their annual show, I hope you get a chance to enjoy some fall fun, support a local business, and make a few memories with family and friends. 🎃🍂
Stay safe out there, look out for your neighbors, and don’t eat all the Halloween candy in one sitting! 😉
Have a great week, and I’ll see you right back here next time!
Joe
Disclaimer!
Hey there, awesome readers! 🥳Just a quick heads-up: All the juicy tidbits, hilarious anecdotes, and breaking news you see here come straight from our fabulous fans (SIBAF) or are curated from other sources. Now, we’re not exactly detectives over here, so we don’t fact-check a thing! Consider all the info as satire, exaggerated, completely untrue, or just a good ol’ joke—until you do your own sleuthing. Got some mind-blowing news to share? Hit us up! We love you!!!
Thank you for reading this week's newsletter. Stay safe and have a wonderful week!
Lorain County Community Insider