Hey Lorain Community!
Welcome back to another edition of the Lorain County Community Insider! I'm Joe, and I'm glad you're here.
This week we've got a little bit of everything—from a major decision on Amherst's proposed data center and an important safety warning from Elyria Police to some well-deserved local heroes, a new park celebrating our area's history, and a few community updates you won't want to miss.
We've also rounded up upcoming events, local sports, and your 10-day weather forecast to help you plan the week ahead.
Thanks for spending a few minutes with us. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's catch up on what's happening around Lorain County!
Joe
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
⚠️ Police Warn Against Dangerous Cliff-Jumping Trend at Cascade Park
Elyria Police are urging people to stay out of the Black River after social media posts promoted a cliff-jumping “link up” near Cascade Falls.
Swimming in the river is prohibited within the city, and police say the area poses several serious risks, including strong currents, changing water levels, submerged hazards and shallow spots filled with rocks. In other words, what looks exciting in a social media video could turn dangerous very quickly.
Residents who frequent Cascade Park echoed those concerns, noting that the water may not be nearly as deep or safe as it appears from above. Police are especially asking parents to talk with teens and young adults who may be tempted to participate for views or online attention.
Officers plan to increase patrols around the park, and anyone caught swimming or jumping from the cliffs could receive a citation.
Cascade Falls is one of Elyria’s most scenic spots, and officials want everyone to continue enjoying it — just safely and from the designated trails and overlooks.
🏗️ Amherst Rejects Proposed Data Center at Nordson Campus
A proposed data center at the longtime Nordson campus in Amherst has hit a major roadblock after the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals rejected the developer’s request for a use variance.
More than 100 residents packed Amherst City Hall and the surrounding area for the public hearing, with many speaking against the project. Neighbors raised concerns about noise, the project’s proximity to homes and whether a data center fits the character of the community.
The developer, Cervenka Development Partners, argued that the specialized Nordson buildings could be difficult to reuse for traditional manufacturing. Board members were not convinced, noting that the properties had only recently been placed on the market and that other industrial uses may still be possible.
Because data centers are not specifically listed as a permitted use under Amherst’s industrial zoning code, the developer needed an exception. The board ruled that the developer had not demonstrated enough hardship or justification to receive one.
The company now has 30 days to appeal the decision in Lorain County Common Pleas Court. Mayor Mark Costilow said the city would defend its zoning rules and that he personally does not support the project.
🚨 Scam Alert: Fake Zelle Payment Emails Are Circulating
Lorain County residents are being warned about another email scam designed to steal banking information.
The message may claim that a Zelle payment was successfully processed, even though the recipient never sent any money. The email then directs the person to call a toll-free number to dispute the transaction or receive a refund.
That phone number does not connect you with your bank or Zelle. Instead, scammers use the call to pressure victims into sharing bank account details, passwords, security codes or other sensitive information.
Remember: A legitimate bank representative should never call or email and ask you to provide your full banking credentials or one-time security code.
Anyone who receives a suspicious payment message should avoid clicking links or calling the number listed in the email. Instead, open your banking app directly or call the phone number printed on the back of your debit card.
It is also a good idea to delete the message, block the sender and report the email as phishing. Please share this warning with friends and relatives, especially anyone who may be less familiar with online scams.
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🏅 Trooper and Good Samaritan Honored for Lifesaving Actions
Trooper Tara M. Yurek of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Milan Post and Adam Callahan have received the agency’s Distinguished Service Medallion for their actions during an emergency on the Ohio Turnpike.
The two responded to an incident involving an unresponsive passenger in Lorain County on April 11. Trooper Yurek and Callahan worked together to perform CPR, providing immediate help and giving the passenger’s family valuable time during an incredibly difficult situation.
The Distinguished Service Medallion recognizes people who demonstrate exceptional courage, compassion and commitment while helping others.
Their quick response is a powerful reminder that knowing CPR and being willing to step forward in an emergency can make a real difference.
Congratulations to Trooper Yurek and Adam Callahan, and thank you both for answering the call when someone needed help most.
🐕 Dog Found at University Hospitals Needs Help Getting Home
A friendly dog discovered inside the University Hospitals Emergency Department is now safe at the Lorain County Dog Kennel.
Kennel staff are working to identify the pup and locate his owner, but they need the community’s help. Anyone who recognizes the dog or knows where he belongs is encouraged to contact the kennel as soon as possible.
The Lorain County Dog Kennel can be reached at 440-326-5995.
Even when you do not personally recognize a missing pet, sharing a photo or post can help it reach the right neighbor, friend or family member. A single share may be all it takes to reunite this dog with the people who are looking for him.
🪶 New Showse Park Space Celebrates Indigenous Heritage
A meaningful new community space is now open in Vermilion following a ribbon-cutting celebration at Showse Park.
The space honors the six Native American tribes that once called the region home and gives residents and visitors a place to learn more about the Indigenous history that helped shape Lorain County.
New features at the park include tiki-style huts and totem poles intended to recognize and celebrate that heritage. Local leaders and community members gathered for the dedication, marking the opening as an important moment for Vermilion.
The new area offers families another reason to visit Showse Park while also encouraging conversations about the people, traditions and stories connected to the region’s past.
It is a welcome addition to the community and a reminder that Lorain County’s history stretches back long before the towns and neighborhoods we know today.
⚾ Lake Erie Crushers vs. Mississippi Mud Monsters
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: ForeFront Field
Details: Professional Frontier League baseball. Family-friendly afternoon game with concessions and promotions. One of the biggest sporting events in Lorain County this weekend.
⚾ Lake Erie Crushers vs. Down East Bird Dawgs
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: ForeFront Field
Details: Another opportunity to catch Lorain County's professional baseball team in action. Great outing for families and sports fans.
🌽 North Ridgeville Corn Festival
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Time: Begins around 8:00 AM (activities throughout the day)
Location: South Central Park
Details: One of Lorain County's signature summer festivals. Corn, food vendors, live entertainment, crafts, rides and family activities. Draws visitors from across Northeast Ohio every year.
🎨 Splash on the Lake Art Show
Date: August 9–10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM daily
Location: Vermilion Arts Guild Gallery
Details: Juried art exhibition featuring regional artists. Paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry and more. Great stop while enjoying Vermilion's waterfront.
🎭 Community Art Making for the FireFish Festival
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: Daytime (Second Saturday program)
Location: Downtown Lorain
Details: Residents help create artwork that becomes part of September's FireFish Festival. Open to all ages. Free hands-on community art experience.
🏁 Lorain Raceway Park Saturday Night Racing
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: Evening racing (check track for gate times)
Location: Lorain Raceway Park
Details: Weekly local stock car racing. Features multiple racing divisions and family entertainment. Popular summer tradition for Lorain County racing fans.
🥕 Oberlin Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Oberlin Farmers Market
Details: Fresh produce from local farms. Homemade baked goods, flowers, artisan products and live music. A favorite weekly community gathering.
🦋 Butterfly House at Miller Nature Preserve
Date: August 6–9, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Miller Nature Preserve
Details: Walk through a butterfly habitat. Educational displays. Great family activity before or after visiting the Fairy & Dragons exhibit.
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: High 85°F | Low 64°F — Warm with a mix of clouds and sunshine. A few afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible.
⛈️ Thursday: High 83°F | Low 67°F — Humid with intervals of clouds and sun. A thunderstorm is possible in parts of the area.
🌦️ Friday: High 79°F | Low 67°F — Mostly cloudy and humid with scattered thunderstorms.
⛈️ Saturday: High 86°F | Low 65°F — Warm and muggy with a mix of sun and clouds. A few thunderstorms could develop.
🌤️ Sunday: High 84°F | Low 66°F — Partly sunny, warm, and humid with only a slight chance of rain.
🌦️ Monday: High 83°F | Low 68°F — Partly sunny and humid with a couple of afternoon showers possible.
⛈️ Tuesday: High 82°F | Low 65°F — Mostly cloudy and humid with a chance of thunderstorms.
🌤️ Wednesday: High 81°F | Low 63°F — Partly sunny with seasonably warm temperatures.
☀️ Thursday: High 80°F | Low 62°F — Mostly sunny with comfortable humidity.
🌤️ Friday: High 82°F | Low 64°F — A pleasant summer day with a mix of sunshine and a few clouds.
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.
My uncle named his dogs Timex and Rolex. They're his watch dogs.
That's it for this week's edition of the Lorain County Community Insider!
Thanks for spending part of your week with us! We hope this edition helped you stay connected with what's happening around Lorain County and maybe even inspired you to check out a local event or support a neighbor.
Until next time, stay safe, enjoy the rest of your week, and don't forget to share the Lorain County Community Insider with your family and friends. The more neighbors we reach, the stronger our community becomes.
See you next week!
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