Welcome to a new investigative blog focused on local politics and human interest stories in Ohio. As a resident of Elyria, much of my research and writing will explore Lorain County.

If you’re unfamiliar with my work, I’ve spent years blogging about the places I’ve lived and loved. While living in Thailand I wrote extensively for the expat community and also covered the 2014 military coup. Having lived in California years ago, I covered the 2021 Caldor Fire in real time and then went on to investigate the cause and response. That wildfire became one of California’s most destructive, having burned a quarter million acres and destroyed hundreds of homes.

It was my coverage of that disaster that reignited my passion for researching and writing. The El Dorado County community was incredibly welcoming. They read my blog daily, sent me messages of support, and even offered intelligence tips as I began investigating the fire’s cause. Given the horrors these people have gone through, I was glad I could contribute to their community in some small way by answering whatever questions I could. It’s a story I’m still working on today, and much of my work from that time now lives here in this website.

I’m not a journalist, though I do what I can to ensure my work lives up to journalistic standards. I’m not a great writer, but I like to believe I’m decent enough. One thing I can say for sure, though, is I am a relentless researcher. I will, and have, spent hours and days investigating the tiniest details just so I can answer someone’s question, and then write about it so others can access the information, too. Simply put, I’m an investigative blogger.

This kind of “work” has always been an enjoyable hobby of mine. With the Caldor Fire, though, my perspective shifted. I realized my obsession with research and detailed writing could actually help people. At the very least, it could answer important questions on a community’s mind, whatever that community may be facing. I’m hopeful I can apply that experience here.

Elyria is a special, scrappy place that has seen it’s fair share of hard times. I grew up in a town not far from here. Ohioans are hardy. We are curious. We want our communities to be stronger and we aren’t shy about ringing the alarm bells when we feel we’re falling behind. As a resident here I hope to explore that strength and those alarms in my work.

The topics of my posts vary at times, but much of what I write about depends on what I’m hearing from the community. I rely on tips and questions from my readers to help guide my research (more on that below). Right now, the general election is fast approaching in Elyria so much of my initial work will focus on stories related to the political landscape. What those stories look like leading up to the election, and where my writing takes me after, primarily depends on the community’s interest.

My California audience has grown to trust my work, and I’m deeply appreciative of that trust. They know I do my best to leave opinion at the door when I’m writing, and that my posts contain facts and well-placed sources. I hope my Lorain County audience will share the same sentiment. I welcome the critics, many of whom end up being among my most prolific readers, and I don’t censor comments on my work.

So, with such a fine introduction out of the way, I invite you to steer my work. If you have news tips you’d like to share feel free to reach me on social media or my email. Likewise, if there’s a burning topic you think the community might want to know more about please reach out. All communications are strictly confidential.

• Twitter (X): kjcmedianet
• Facebook: facebook.com/KJCMedianet
• Email: Kevin@kjcmedia.net

Thanks for reading, and stay safe out there!