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 – May 31st

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 talk about Durling Middle School 7th grader Bridget Smith, who won the Lorain County Spelling Bee and is headed to Washington D.C. this week to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee! Plus, a couple of local high school students took up the role of Dave this month as they served as reporters for the 2023 Dazzle Awards in Cleveland.

Take a listen below!


The Local Beat Archive

5-24-23 This week, Dave and Rocco discuss a potentially huge financial deficit for the Lorain Schools in the coming years. On a brighter note, one Elyria High School senior will have her award-winning artwork on display down in our nation’s capitol!

5-17-23 This week, the guys are all over Avon Lake as the city embraces a ceramic poppy field to honor the fallen from World War I. Plus, the guys go over who is taking home Avon Lake’s citizens AND projects of the year!

5-10-23 This week, the guys recap development plans for the Nagel Crossing project in Avon being pushed back over concerns with drive-thru lines. Plus, it’s not always easy to get a man to shave his beard, especially one he’s had for 20 years! But, enter a fight against leukemia and, well, a razor may come out after all.

5-3-23 It’s election week! What races and results should you be concerned about? And what’s the latest construction update near Jaycox and Detroit in Avon?

4-26-23 This week, the guys discuss the controversy behind Sheriff Phil Stammitti’s investigation into the way the county has gone about securing a new emergency radio system for deputies and other emergency first responders. Plus, the guys take a look at Elyria City Council’s ongoing discussions regarding remaining ARPA funds.

4-19-23 This week, the guys talk about a new “Make-A-Wish” project coming to the city of Avon. Plus, Elyria may not be able to afford maintaining pools on every side of the city as Dave shared the latest.

4-12-23 This week, the guys go over the latest in the city of Lorain. On the east side of the city, a new go-kart and motorsports complex could be coming following a vote by the Lorain County Commissioners. Plus, no pool, but a splash pad could be on the way to Oakwood Park.

4-5-23 This week, the guys discussed Oberlin City Council’s latest resolution in asking the Lorain County Commissioners to reconsider its repeal of a contract with Cleveland Communications Inc. to provide public safety radios to first responders. Plus, the former Lorain Products building on Lorain’s east side has finally met the wrecking ball as the guys talked about potential redevelopment options.

3-29-23 This week, we’re talking radios on the radio as the Elyria Fire Department continues their push for upgraded equipment, including a new aerial firetruck and new radios. Plus, Joelle Magyar has been named the next superintendent of the Avon Lake Schools as the guys take a look at her background and what she will bring to the Shoremen community.

3-22-23 This week, the guys discuss upcoming development plans at Chestnut Commons in Elyria and some of the feedback the project is getting from residents. Plus, in Lorain, new luxury apartments could be coming to the 8th Ward, which has mixed reactions from locals.

3-15-23 This week, the guys break down Elyria City Council’s finance committee’s final approval of the 2023 budget as it gets sent to full council next week. Plus, Dave shares the latest out of Avon Lake as the city looks to upgrade their cybersecurity services amidst a number of scams going around town.

3-8-23 This week, the guys take a look at what Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield had to say about the upcoming deadline for approval for the 2023 Elyria city budget. Plus, in Lorain, the city is backing upgrades coming to the Black River Landing as the guys take a look at what changes could be coming to the area.

3-1-23 This week, Avon was awarded a “Tree City USA” designation as the guys talk about what that means for the community and why the city takes pride with that title. Plus, members of a Lorain parish rallied down in Washington D.C. to support Ukraine as they continue their fight for peace.

2-22-23 This week, the guys discuss a really unfortunate car crash that led to serious damage at Expresso Bakery in Elyria. Plus, one group is pushing for free meals for Ohio’s students as Dave gives us the latest update.

2-15-23 This week, the guys touch on the latest development plans around Chestnut Commons and what traffic concerns Elyria residents have. Plus, Dave breaks down former Lorain County 911 Director Harry Williamson dropping his lawsuit against Lorain County officials.

2-8-23 This week, the guys take a look at the latest “player” in the county’s ongoing emergency responder radio contract lawsuit. Aside from those metaphorical fireworks, real fireworks are now ok in Elyria according to Elyria City Council! Well, at least for some holidays.

2-1-23 This week, the guys discuss the long-awaited completion of the expansion at the Avon Branch of the Lorain Public Library System and the open house the branch is having this Saturday. Plus, we congratulate Maya Austerman, a girls basketball player at Avon Lake, for receiving the Courage Award at the Cleveland Sports Awards!

1-25-23 Dave and Rocco talked about the recent lawsuit between Lorain County and Cleveland Communications Inc., after the commissioners rescinded a new radio contract for emergency first responders. Plus, the guys take a look at “Elyria”, a new off-Broadway play that premiers next month in New York!

1-18-23 This week, the guys discussed the Lorain County Port Authority voting to purchase a 58-acre portion of the Midway Mall and what kind of development options they are considering. Plus, Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield unveiled the new “Our Elyria” plan on MLK Day, which looks to encourage community involvement in important city decisions.

1-11-23 This week, the guys discuss the Lorain County Commissioners rescinding the county’s new radio communications contract with Cleveland Communications Inc. that was favored by county fire chiefs, the sheriff, and his deputies. Plus, North Ridgeville will try again this year to get the funding they need for school expansion along with other city updates.

1-4-23 This week, the guys go over the beginning of Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley’s reelection campaign, plus, a look at the “Our Elyria” plan that will help residents be involved in rewriting city planning and zoning codes.

Click the links below to listen to past interviews.

2022 Archive

2021 Archive

2020 Archive

2019 Archive

2018 Archive