The Morning Journal

VERMILION — The Christmas Tree Ship will make its annual appearance at McGarvey's Landing in Vermilion about 11 a.m. Saturday. Full Story »

Janis Ian, performing at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Stocker Arts Center, is putting her life together. And sheSSRqs doing so on the written page and on the CD. Full Story »

Next training class for Lorain County Sheriff's Auxiliary set Full Story »

PERKINS TOWNSHIP — Sandusky officials should consider a new regional water plan that will cut the water rates for Erie County residents, according to the Erie County Commissioners. Full Story »

LORAIN — The Lorain City Jail will remain open on a week-to-week basis as city officials pursue different ways to cut costs and bring in more revenue. The decision delays the layoffs of three corrections officers. Full Story »

VERMILION — Vermilion police Chief Robert Kish said yesterday he is confident his department will solve the murder of Jeremy Simko, although it may take months before all the evidence can be analyzed. Full Story »

ELYRIA — Lorain attorney Robert Gargasz is suing Lorain city, county and state officials saying using money from utility funds to pay its obligations and failing to balance the city budget are illegal actions. Full Story »

ELYRIA — Alverno Howse, charged with reckless homicide in the shooting death of 17-year-old Charles "Chuckie" Howard Jr., threw away or disposed of the gun that killed the teen, according to Lorain County Common Pleas Court documents. Full Story »

LORAIN — Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council members will notice smaller natural gas bills starting in January. Full Story »

ELYRIA — It was a sobering night at the Spitzer Conference Center at the Lorain County Community College at last night's Zero Proof Mix-Off. Taste testers picked the best nonalcoholic drinks and guests took the opportunity to sample a variety of the drinks that can be served at holiday parties this season. Full Story »

ELYRIA — The Elyria High School student diagnosed with tuberculosis does not have a drug-resistant form of the disease, parents were told at an information meeting last night hosted by the district and Lorain County Tuberculosis clinic. Full Story »

LORAIN — City officials will again try to increase the fee for license plates. Full Story »

ELYRIA — Lorain County Commissioner Betty Blair, known throughout the county as the commissioner with the red hat, has decided to retire at the end of next year. Blair, who is finishing her 19th year as a commissioner, decided when her term ends Dec. 31, 2010, there won't be a sixth term for her. Full Story »

ELYRIA — Eliminating Lorain County Transit bus routes could result in roughly 300 residents losing their jobs because of lack of transportation and 50 LCT employees being laid off, Lorain County Commissioner Ted Kalo said yesterday during county budget hearings. The numbers were worked out by the Department of Job and Family Services. Full Story »

To register your child/children for the Mary Lee Tucker Clothe-a-Child Program, you MUST bring the following: Full Story »

ELYRIA — Lorain County Commissioner Betty Blair, known throughout the county as the commissioner with the red hat, has decided to retire at the end of next year. Blair, who is finishing her 19th year as a commissioner, decided when her term ends Dec. 31, 2010, there won’t be a sixth term for her. Blair got very emotional when telling the audience at yesterday’s commission meeting how much the ... Full Story »

VERMILION — The Christmas Tree Ship will make its annual appearance at McGarvey’s Landing starting at 11 a.m. Saturday. Full Story »

Weenee Hut in Sandusky robbed, police investigating Full Story »

ELYRIA — An Elyria man has been charged in connection with the death of a teenager gunned down in Elyria last summer. Full Story »

ELYRIA — An Avon middle school art teacher has now been indicted for 12 charges related to using credit cards stolen from cars parked in Lorain County Metro Park facilities, according to the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office. Full Story »

CARLISLE TOWNSHIP — After crouching in a tree stand on a neighbor's property for more than an hour Monday morning, Kathy Little finally got her big break. A white-tail deer wandered into the field near her stand, and when she saw it was a buck, she barely could contain herself. Full Story »

LORAIN — Mary Tench can no longer drive because of a muscle disorder, so she relies on the Lorain County Transit to get her to the grocery store, Social Security building and doctor's appointments. She takes the bus not because she can't find a ride, but because it helps her stay in control of her life and continue to be independent. Full Story »

LORAIN — Four area agencies will share more than $700,000 in state money earmarked to help the homeless. Full Story »

VERMILION — A $2,500 reward is being offered by the Lorain County Farm Bureau for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction in Jeremy Simko's murder or the burglary of his North Ridge Road home. Full Story »

SHEFFIELD VILLAGE — A closely contested race for the fourth seat on the Sheffield Village Council, between incumbents Edward Dugan and Leo Sheets, has been decided in Dugan's favor. A recount of ballots from November was scheduled for yesterday. However, it was canceled by Sheets who said he was satisfied with the results, even though it didn't make him happy. Dugan won the election by one vote ... Full Story »