Lorain County Community Insider Weekly Newsletter

Welcome to this week's edition of the Lorain County Community Insider! I hope you're finding some time to enjoy everything summer has to offer here in Lorain County.

We've rounded up the biggest local stories, upcoming events, sports, and your 10-day weather forecast so you can stay in the know without having to search all over the internet.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us each week. Whether you're reading with your morning coffee or winding down after a long day, I'm glad you're here. Let's dive into what's happening around Lorain County!

Joe

Lorain could soon add stronger anti-discrimination protections as city leaders consider a pair of "Human Dignity" ordinances aimed at expanding existing fair housing laws and extending protections to businesses and public accommodations.

The proposals would prohibit discrimination based on factors like race, sexual orientation, gender identity, income, and military or veteran status while also creating a volunteer Human Dignity Commission to help mediate complaints and educate the community.

Supporters say the measures reflect Lorain's diverse identity and could make the city even more welcoming for residents and businesses. The ordinances are now being reviewed by the city's law department before heading back to City Council for discussion.

Lorain County has agreed to pay approximately $6.35 million to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Jeffrey Fry, who suffered a broken neck and paralysis after an encounter with a corrections officer at the county jail in 2023.

The lawsuit alleged Fry, who was handcuffed at the time, was slammed head-first into a wall and floor before being denied prompt medical care. While the defendants denied violating Fry's rights, the settlement closes one of the county's highest-profile civil cases in recent years.

County officials have since implemented new oversight measures at the jail, including creating an inspector general position to review use-of-force incidents.

Lorain County health officials are urging everyone to give their fruits and vegetables an extra good wash after a surge in cases of cyclospora, a parasite that causes severe gastrointestinal illness.

Ohio has reported 177 cases so far this year, with nearly 30 hospitalizations, and Lorain County has confirmed several local cases. Officials believe the outbreak is linked to contaminated produce, though the exact source hasn't been identified.

Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite, but the illness is treatable with antibiotics. Until investigators identify the source, washing fresh produce thoroughly remains the best defense.

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The Lorain County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a growing phone scam involving callers pretending to be law enforcement officers. Victims are told they've missed jury duty or have an outstanding warrant and are pressured to pay money immediately to avoid arrest.

Officials stress that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone, by gift card, or by wire transfer. If you receive one of these calls, hang up, don't provide any personal information, and contact the Sheriff's Office directly to verify the claim.

A little skepticism could save you from becoming the next victim.

An early Sunday morning confrontation on Rush Street in Elyria ended with one man hospitalized and another behind bars. Police say the victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries after the shooting and was taken to a local hospital.

Officers later arrested a 57-year-old Oberlin man without incident and recovered the firearm believed to have been used. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering information about what led to the incident.

The Lorain Police Department is inviting the community to come together on Friday, July 24, at 3:00 p.m. for a memorial honoring Officer Phil Wagner.

The ceremony will be held at the Lorain Police Department, located at 200 W. Erie Avenue, and offers residents an opportunity to pay their respects and recognize Officer Wagner's service to the community.

Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: Evening (businesses and entertainment begin late afternoon; live music throughout the evening)
Location: Downtown Vermilion
Details: One of Lorain County's favorite summer traditions returns with live music throughout downtown, extended shopping hours, restaurants, food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Great night to stroll Main Street and enjoy the lakefront atmosphere.

🛍️ Vermilion Farmers Market

Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: Morning
Location: Victory Park, Vermilion
Details: Shop dozens of local vendors featuring fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, flowers, specialty foods, and artisan products. A perfect Saturday morning outing supporting local businesses.

🤠 Lorain County Fair Rodeo

Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: Gates open 5:00 PM • Rodeo begins 6:30 PM
Location: Lorain County Fair, Wellington
Details: One of the county's biggest summer sporting events featuring professional rodeo action including bull riding, barrel racing, roping events, and live entertainment after the rodeo.

🥋 Tai Chi at Firelands

Date: Wednesday, July 15
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Firelands campus, Lorain County
Details: Community Tai Chi session designed for all ages and experience levels. Excellent opportunity to improve flexibility, balance, and wellness.

🧑‍🌾 Oberlin Farmers Market

Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: 9:00 AM – Noon
Location: Oberlin Farmers Market
Details: Browse fresh fruits and vegetables, locally raised meats, baked goods, flowers, and handcrafted items while supporting area farmers and artisans.

🚗 Lorain Cruise Night & Waterfront Activities

Date: Weekend evenings (July 17–19)
Time: Evening
Location: Lorain Harbor / Black River Landing area
Details: Weather permitting, expect classic cars, food vendors, waterfront dining, live entertainment, and plenty of activity around Lorain's revitalized downtown waterfront.

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!

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.

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A. Bison.

Thanks for letting me spend a little time with you each week. I hope you found something useful, interesting, or maybe even a new event to check out around the county.

Be sure to share this newsletter with your friends, family, and neighbors so they can stay connected too.

Have a fantastic week, stay safe, and I'll see you back here next time with more local news, events, and everything happening around Lorain County.

Take care!

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