Lorain County Community Insider Weekly Newsletter

Joe here, and welcome to another edition of the Lorain County Community Insider! We’ve got plenty to catch up on this week, from important local news and community happenings to events you’ll want on your calendar and a look at the weather ahead.

Grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s see what’s happening around Lorain County this week. ☕

Elyria Schools is facing some tough financial decisions, and voters could have a big say in what happens next.

The district says it has gone more than 16 years without new operating revenue and has already made roughly $9 million in cuts. Without additional funding, officials say another $8 million in reductions could be necessary — potentially affecting classes, student services, programs and athletics.

To address the situation, an 8.9-mill operating levy will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. According to the district's estimate, the levy would cost about $26 per month for a property with a county auditor appraised value of $100,000.

For families in the district, this is one local issue worth watching closely as Election Day approaches. The outcome could have a significant impact on what Elyria students and families see in their schools in the years ahead.

Lorain County's use of automated license plate-reading cameras is coming to an end.

Sheriff Jack Hall says the county will discontinue its Flock license plate camera program after the cost of the service increased.

The cameras can help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to investigations, but license plate reader networks have also generated broader discussions about privacy, data collection and how information on everyday drivers is stored and used.

For Lorain County residents, the sheriff's decision brings both sides of that conversation into focus. Some may be disappointed to see a crime-fighting tool disappear, while others concerned about surveillance and privacy may welcome the change.

Either way, the decision means local law enforcement will soon be operating without a technology it had previously used to help monitor vehicle movements and assist investigations.

A tragic crash on the Ohio Turnpike near Olmsted Township claimed the life of a 31-year-old man.

Authorities say Justin Barker was driving a Cadillac Escalade when the vehicle left the roadway, struck a guardrail and bridge column, and then collided with another vehicle.

The driver of the other vehicle was reported to be okay.

Authorities are still investigating what caused the Escalade to leave the roadway, so there are still questions surrounding the crash.

It's heartbreaking news for Barker's family and loved ones. It's also another reminder for all of us traveling the Turnpike and other busy roads around Northeast Ohio: slow down, stay alert and give yourself plenty of room. A trip we've made a hundred times can change in an instant.

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If something from the Ohio Secretary of State's Office recently showed up in your mailbox, don't mistake it for your actual ballot.

The Lorain County Board of Elections is reminding voters that absentee ballot applications are being mailed to residents. What you're receiving is simply an application to request an absentee ballot — not the ballot itself.

If you'd like to vote absentee, you can complete the application and follow the provided instructions. If you don't plan to request an absentee ballot, there's nothing you need to do with it — you can simply discard the application.

It's a small distinction, but an important one as we get closer to the November election. Make sure friends, neighbors and family members — especially anyone who might be confused by the mailing — know what they're receiving.

Lorain County residents gathered at the Lorain County JVS Patriot Day Ceremony to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the first responders and everyday Americans who stepped forward that day.

The ceremony brought together Sheriff Jack Hall, Major A.J. Torres, students, staff, first responders and members of the community.

This year's remembrance carried special significance, marking 25 years since the September 11 attacks.

For younger students attending the ceremony, 9/11 is an event they know only through history books, videos and stories from previous generations. Gatherings like this help keep those stories alive while recognizing the firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel and ordinary citizens whose courage became such an important part of that day's legacy.

Twenty-five years later, Lorain County is making sure we remember.

Calling all aspiring Stephen Kings of Lorain County — it's time to get spooky. 🎃

The Lorain Public Library System is holding its third annual Spooky Story Contest, giving local writers a chance to put their imaginations to work just in time for Halloween.

The contest is open to students in grades 6–12 and adults who live in or attend school in Lorain County.

Library staff say horror doesn't have to mean blood, gore and familiar scary-movie clichés. The genre can be a creative way to explore fears, cultures and experiences through stories where our imaginations can run wild — while we remain safely on this side of the page.

Entries can be submitted online through the Lorain Public Library System and must be received by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21.

So if you've got a creepy tale bouncing around in your head, now's the time to get it down on paper. 👻

Date: Tuesday, September 15–Friday, September 25
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Vermilion Arts Guild Gallery, Vermilion
Details: A seasonal art exhibition celebrating fall colors, landscapes and autumn-inspired artwork. The show is listed throughout the ten-day period, making it an easy drop-in option for local art lovers.

🦋 Butterflies & Moths

Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Location: Vermilion River Reservation, Vermilion
Details: Lorain County Metro Parks' Homeschool Explorers program teaches kids ages 7–12 about butterflies and moths, their differences and life cycles, followed by activities, a craft and a hike to search for them. Registration is required and the cost is $3 per child.

⚽ Oberlin College Men's Soccer vs. Heidelberg

Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: Kahn Track & Shults Field, Oberlin College, Oberlin
Details: Catch the Oberlin College Yeomen men's soccer team at home against Heidelberg University.

🏐 Oberlin College Women's Volleyball vs. Case Western Reserve

Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: Philips Gymnasium, Oberlin College, Oberlin
Details: Another local college sports option Wednesday night as Oberlin women's volleyball hosts Case Western Reserve University.

🎶 3rd Thursday Music & a Sunset

Date: Thursday, September 17
Time: Evening; performances throughout downtown
Location: Downtown Vermilion
Details: One of Vermilion's signature summer traditions returns for its September installment. More than 30 bands and musicians are scattered throughout historic downtown playing rock, jazz, pop, country, oldies, gospel and more. It's free, and visitors can stroll the shops, restaurants and waterfront while listening.

🎭 I Hate Hamlet

Date: Thursday, September 17–Sunday, September 20
Time: Performances include 7:30 PM and 3:00 PM shows; check performance date for exact time
Location: Workshop Players Theatre, Amherst area
Details: Workshop Players presents the comedy I Hate Hamlet, a humorous story revolving around an actor, Shakespeare and the ghost of legendary performer John Barrymore. Ticketed event.

🧵 Intro to Sewing with Jevon Terance

Date: Thursday, September 17 & Thursday, September 24
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Lorain Public Library System
Details: International fashion designer and Lorain native Jevon Terance leads a hands-on workshop teaching participants how to use a sewing machine while completing a project. Part of the library's Maker-in-Residence program; designed for ages 12+. Preregistration is recommended.

🚜 LaGrange Engine Show

Date: Wednesday, September 16–Sunday, September 20
Time: Varies by day
Location: Lorain County Fairgrounds, 23000 Fairgrounds Road, Wellington
Details: The annual public engine show returns to the fairgrounds, with the fairgrounds calendar also listing an Auto Show component Friday through Sunday. A good pick for fans of vintage machinery, engines and vehicles.

🎵 Rockin' on the River — Bad JuJu with Old Skool

Date: Friday, September 18
Time: Gates/listing begins around 5:30 PM; county calendar lists music at 6:15 PM
Location: Black River Landing, 421 Black River Lane, Lorain
Details: Rockin' on the River continues its waterfront concert season with Bad JuJu joined by Old Skool. Expect an outdoor Friday night of live music along the Black River.

🌌 Public Observing at Oberlin

Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 9:00–11:00 PM
Location: Observatory & Taylor Planetarium, Peters Hall, Oberlin College
Details: A chance to spend Friday night looking skyward during Oberlin College's public observing program.

🐂 Bulls in the Ballpark

Date: Friday, September 18 & Saturday, September 19
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: ForeFront Field, Avon
Details: Baseball gives way to bull riding for two nights as Bulls in the Ballpark takes over the home of the Lake Erie Crushers. One of the more unusual sporting events on this week's calendar.

🚒 Big Trucks

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Avon Lake Safety Center, Avon Lake
Details: A family-friendly event where kids can get an up-close look at big trucks, emergency vehicles and other impressive equipment.

🎾 Oberlin Women's Tennis — Oberlin Invitational

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: Schedule varies
Location: Hunsinger Courts, Oberlin College, Oberlin
Details: Oberlin College women's tennis hosts the Oberlin Invitational for a full day of collegiate tennis action.

🐦 Birding Walk

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville
Details: Grab your binoculars and explore one of Lorain County's prime birding spots during a guided Saturday morning bird walk. The event is listed as free.

🥕 Oberlin Farmers Market

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 9:00 AM–Noon
Location: Downtown Oberlin, across from the Post Office near Oberlin Public Library and City Hall
Details: Shop locally grown produce and other goods from area farmers and vendors at this weekly downtown market.

🚗 Car Show Fundraiser

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: Noon
Location: Lorain County Community College, Elyria
Details: A community car show and fundraiser featuring vehicles on display at LCCC.

🔥 FireFish Festival

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: Begins at 4:00 PM
Location: Broadway & Black River Lane, Downtown Lorain
Details: One of the week's standout events. FireFish transforms downtown Lorain into a celebration of art, music and community, bringing together artists, performers and vendors along the Black River.

🔥 19th Annual Gregg Gilder Memorial Firewalk

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Common Ground Center, Oberlin
Details: The annual memorial firewalk returns to Common Ground for its 19th year. This is a ticketed event.

🕵️ Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Date: Friday, September 18–Sunday, September 20
Time: Evening performances around 6:00 PM, with a 2:00 PM performance also listed
Location: Amherst Historical Society, Amherst
Details: Dinner and live theater combine for an interactive murder mystery weekend. Guests can enjoy the meal while trying to piece together clues and solve the mystery. Tickets required.

💪 T3 Avon HYROX Simulation

Date: Sunday, September 20
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: T3 Performance, Avon
Details: Fitness competitors can test themselves in a HYROX-style simulation combining running with functional fitness challenges.

🎸 John Oates Live

Date: Wednesday, September 23
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway, Lorain
Details: Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Oates comes to downtown Lorain. Best known as half of Hall & Oates, Oates brings decades of hits and musicianship to the historic Palace Theatre.

🚋 Black River Reservation Tram Rides

Date: Thursday, September 24
Time: 10:00 AM–Noon
Location: Days Dam Picnic Area, 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain
Details: Take a free 15–30 minute tram tour through Black River Reservation. Rides are first-come, first-served, seating is limited, and trips are weather-dependent. September 24 is the final scheduled date of the season.

🏈 Lorain Titans vs. Brunswick — Band Senior Night

Date: Friday, September 25
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: George Daniel Field, 2601 Oberlin Ave., Lorain
Details: Friday night high-school football returns to Lorain as the Titans host Brunswick. It's also Band Senior Night, adding a little extra hometown atmosphere to the game.

🎬 Movie in the Park

Date: Friday, September 25
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: East Exchange Park
Details: Bring a chair or blanket for an outdoor community movie night at East Exchange Park.

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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Thanks for spending a few minutes with me and catching up on what’s happening around our community. Get out there, support something local, enjoy the week ahead, and as always, keep looking out for your neighbors.

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