The Local Beat with O’Brien

The Chronicle-Telegram’s Dave O’Brien joins WEOL every Wednesday morning to discuss local Lorain County happenings. Interviews from past shows are archived below. To check out the latest from Vandemark Jewelers, including store hours and information, see their website HERE!

Local Beat – August 10th

Here’s “The Local Beat” for this week presented by Vandemark Jewelers, a trusted name in Jewelry! The Chronicle-Telegram’s own Dave O’Brien joins Rocco Nuosci as they touch on a number of local news stories!

This week, the guys recapped Monday’s meeting with the Lorain Schools Board of Education as they stood in opposition of “divisive concept” bills moving through the Ohio Statehouse. Plus, it looks like “Sherman’s Monument” will return to LaGrange after being destroyed earlier this summer. However, that may take some time…

Take a listen below!


The Local Beat Archive

8-3-22 This week, the guys talked about this week’s special August primary and some of the key races. Plus, Dave shares his research on his piece regarding the resignation of an Elyria police officer who was caught in an on-duty affair.

7-27-22 This week, the guys talked about a $24 million Berkshire facility slated to come to Sheffield along with up to 100 new jobs! Plus, two different Republican state representative candidates have similar yet different ways on how to handle funding for education in Ohio.

7-20-22- This week, Dave and Rocco talked about the rendered images for potential plans for the Avon Lake Power Plant site on the lakefront. Plus, the latest opioid settlement is set to bring over $3.3 million to Lorain County, where is that money going and what is going toward?

7-13-22 – This week, the guys went over some recent controversial comments made by a former administrative assistant of Lorain County Commissioner Michelle Hung. Plus, the guys discussed the new multi-million dollar project for the new Amherst Public Library!

7/6/22 – The guys address concerns over liability regarding recent Lake Erie drownings in our local communities. Also, Dave shared some remarks from his coverage of this past weekend’s memorial for the late former Lorain Police Chief Cel Rivera.

6/29/22 – This week, the guys talk about the latest financial developments in the proposed eSports facility in downtown Elyria. Plus, Dave shared the latest on the dispute over special deputies between Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson and Sheriff Phil Stammitti.

6/22/22 – This week, the guys talk about the the opening of a new medical facility in Sheffield that is much needed in the community. Plus, the Good Knights of Lorain County are looking for volunteers and supplies to help provide more local kids in need with beds.

6/15/22 – This week, the guys talk about the latest firearm law legislation signed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Plus, Dave has the latest on the protests at the former Avon Lake Power Plant.

6/8/22 – This week, the guys recapped a gun violence protest rally held this past weekend in Ely Square. Plus, the Community West Foundation is handing out some grant funding to many of our county non-profits!

6/1/22 – This week, the guys talk about continued discussions surrounding the old Shane Furniture building on Broad Street in downtown Elyria. Plus, the latest on a new rehabilitation village in Vermilion for women and children in need.

5/25/22 – Dave returns to the show this week as the guys break down the latest on the Lorain County Commissioners as state auditors are now getting involved over potential issues. Plus, a new subdivision proposal in Elyria is meeting some opposition.

5/18/22 – Pinch hitting for Dave O’Brien this week is Kevin Martin on the Local Beat! This week, Kevin talks about the city of Avon revisiting livestock regulations, plus, latest from the legal battle between Oberlin College and Gibson’s Bakery.

5/11/22 – This week, the guys talk about a “transformational” opportunity in North Ridgeville with a new proposal for a pairing of a new community center and school facilities. Plus, the latest from the censuring of one Oberlin City Council member and a preview of this week’s commissioner news.

5/4/22 – This week, the guys talk about the primary election and some of the bigger issues around Lorain County. Plus, the latest on the submarine dry dock proposal in Lorain!

4/27/22 – This week, the guys recapped the brief tornado touch-down on Monday in Eaton Township, plus, the latest on the trial of Keith Liedtke.

4/20/22 – This week, Dave O’Brien and Rocco Nuosci discuss the latest on James Kimbrough III who was captured over the weekend, plus, the debate is on for the future of Pioneer Plaza.

4/13/22 – This week, Dave and Rocco talk about the latest rulings on a fatal stabbing from 2019. Plus, former Firelands wrestling coach Josh Walbom is getting support from wrestlers and parents in the community, and the guys break down the situation.

4/6/22 – This week, the guys recap this past weekend’s “Ohio Innocence Project” event at Midview Middle School, plus, no fireworks in Oberlin this summer?

3/30/22 – This week, the guys talk about LC4Ukraine, a local relief effort for Ukraine refugees in Lorain County! Plus, after a meeting on Monday, Elyria City Council has a better idea on concrete plans for the future of Midway Mall.

3/23/22 – This week, the guys discuss the troubles with the Lorain County Board of Elections and the upcoming primary elections. Also, Elyria City Council has approved the 2022 budget, but without one key project from Mayor Frank Whitfield. Also for this week’s scanner story, dogs in a stroller?

3/16/22 – This week, the guys discuss the latest on Elyria City Council’s concerns with plans for the Midway Mall, as well as a retired Marine in Wellington planning on flying to Ukraine to help with the situation over there.

3/9/22 – This week, the guys talked about the latest on the charges against Elyria woman Eboni McElroy, as well as an insight into a local Ukrainian family dealing with the current horror in the news.

3/2/22 – This week, the guys talked about the cases of Joseph Allen and Nancy Smith and their 30 year fight for justice. Also, the guys touch on Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield’s plans for the Midway Mall!

2/23/22 – This week, Dave talks about a man who passed away while being held in jail, as well as the latest regarding the proposed naval sub project in Lorain.

2/16/22 – This week, the guys discussed the latest on James Kimbrough, a wanted man by local authorities, as well as new funding for Lorain County Public Health to fight addiction.

2/9/22 – This week, the guys focused on the city of Elyria as upgrades could be coming to Midway Mall, downtown, and the parks and recreation facilities!

2/2/22 – This week, the guys talk about the fourth fatal shooting in Lorain County since the start of 2022, this time a tragedy in LaGrange. Former 911 director Harry Williamson is also filing a lawsuit, and Dave fills us in on the latest.

1/19/22 – This week, the guys discussed the snowstorm that hit the area as well as the latest from Lorain County Community College!

1/12/22 – This week, the guys talk about a new eSports hub coming to downtown Elyria, as well as the latest from the Lorain County Commissioners as Matt Lundy takes over as President.

1/5/22 – The guys recap the traffic fatality and drug overdose totals from 2021, and then turn to a brighter note as North Ridgeville welcomes a new economic director!

Click the links below to listen to past interviews.

2021 Archive

2020 Archive

2019 Archive

2018 Archive