Mayor Selected To County

Planning Commission

Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz

I’m happy to convey I was appointed by Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne to serve on the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission. My appointment was confirmed by County Council on January 25.

I look forward to helping the County Planning Commission prepare the region for future growth and development. 

Elmwood Fitness Loop

Listed On All Trails App

The one-mile Elmwood Fitness Loop takes about 20 minutes

to complete.

The Elmwood Fitness Loop is now available on the All Trails app. This app allows people to navigate the loop from their phone.

The Elmwood Fitness Loop has received two reviews, which you can read by clicking here. 

Police Department Saddened By Loss of Argo

Officer Bryan Vitron and Argo often attended community events and loved stopping by the schools and other events to greet children.

The Independence Police Department is deeply saddened to report the passing of K9 Argo on January 26.

Argo was 10 years old. His partner and handler was Officer Bryan Vitron and together they made quite a team.

Argo was a cherished dog and made a positive impact on those with whom he visited. The bond between handler and K9 is special and unique. Please keep Officer Vitron's family in your prayers.

Don't Keep A Good Dog Down; Renew Pet's License

The Animal Shelter of Cuyahoga County can help you with the adoption of a dog.

A friendly reminder to make sure your dog's license is up-to-date. If you purchased a license in the past four years, you already have an account with the Animal Shelter of Cuyahoga County.

Remember, all dog license registrations are subject to review. Knowingly providing false or misleading information can result in a penalty, fine, or prosecution.

For details about a dog license, call 216.525.7877 or send an email to: doglicense@cuyahogacounty.us.

It's Legit! Family Game

Night Fun For All

L-R: Sophia Stacy and her sister, Stella, are ready for Friday Family Game Night.

If you're looking for some quality time with your family, our Community Services team has just the answer.

Join us for Fun-tastic Friday Family Game Night on Friday, February 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Civic Center. Compete in the annual Battleship Tournament with Games Done Legit.

The event promises to be fun for all ages. Cost is $5 person. Register by clicking here.

East Pleasant Valley Road

To Close For 5 Nights

The closures along East Pleasant Valley Road are necessary to safely demolish the north side of the bridge over Old Riverview Road.

I appreciate your patience as East Pleasant Valley Road WILL BE CLOSED east of Rio Nero Drive starting Monday, February 12 for five evenings between 7 PM and

5 AM.

Starting February 12, motorists will be able to travel east on East Pleasant Valley Road from Rio Nero Drive between 5 AM and 7 PM.

Detour signs will be posted on eastbound Pleasant Valley Road, the northbound lanes of Brecksville Road (Route 21), eastbound on Rockside Road, and southbound along Northfield Road (Route 8).

Westbound East Pleasant Valley Road will remain closed between Hub Valley Parkway and Rio Nero Drive.

Traffic will be unaffected on East Pleasant Valley Road for motorists traveling east or west between Brecksville Road and Rio Nero Drive.

Canal Road will remain open for northbound and southbound traffic throughout this period.

Detailed maintenance of traffic information and plans are available on our website at independenceohio.org on the Engineering Department page. You can also access information by clicking here.

Please call the Independence Engineering Department with any questions or concerns at 216.524.1374 or email:

engineering@independenceohio.org.

'Senior Org' RSVPs Needed Now For February Meeting

My wife, Lyn, visited with John and Janet Young during the "Senior Org" Christmas Luncheon

on December 8, 2023.

Attention Senior Citizens of Independence members: here's a friendly reminder from the Community Services team to RSVP for the February “Senior Org” meeting by 5 PM today (Friday, February 2).

The February meeting will be held February 9 at the Civic Center starting with registration at 10:30 AM followed by lunch at Noon. Lunch is $5 for members and $7 for guests or caretakers.

Members may make lunch reservations by clicking here; by calling Community Services at 216.524.7373; or by visiting the Community Services Front Desk at the Civic Center.

County Treasurer Extends

Hours For Taxpayers

For the first time, the Cuyahoga County Treasurer’s Office will extend hours of operation for property taxpayers' convenience. The office is open to accept payments on Saturday, February 10 from 8:30 AM until 1 PM. 

The office will also extend hours on the due date, which is February 15, from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Cuyahoga County property taxes must be paid online, in person or postmarked by February 15, 2024. Bills can be paid online on the County website, via Point & Pay, or on the county website by clicking here.

Physical copies of tax bills have been mailed. Those who have not received their tax bill can call the Treasurer’s Office at 216.443.7400 (option 1).

Two Opportunities

Await To Donate Blood

Make an appointment if you plan

to donate blood.

The American Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to ensure patients at hospitals nationwide continue to receive critical medical care.

Two blood drives will be held this month at the Civic Center: February 12 and February 26 from Noon to 6 PM each day.

To schedule an appointment, call 800.733.2767 or click here.

Indoor Bocce League

Debuts At Civic Center

Anthony Coljohn throws a bocce ball while teammates look on during the first night of league play in the Civic Center's

White Oak Room.

Bocce anyone? This past week the Parks and Recreation Department staff constructed two indoor bocce ball courts that can easily be set up and taken down in the Civic Center's White Oak Room.

These courts will allow the summer bocce ball leagues to play and socialize with friends and family during the winter season.

Courts will be set up for play Monday through Thursday in the afternoons and evenings. Call the Civic Center at 216.524.3262 for times and dates to play.

How To Subscribe

If you know someone who would like to subscribe to Mayor Kurtz’s Weekly Updates, please ask them

to email their name to: cityhall@independenceohio.org.

February Independence

Post Arriving Soon!

Watch your mailbox for the February 2024 issue of The Independence Post. You can read this edition now on our website or by clicking here.

Take Note: February

Is American Heart Month

Every year more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease. It is the number one cause of death for most groups. Heart disease affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use.

You can actively reduce your risk for heart disease by eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and managing your cholesterol and blood pressure. February is a great chance to start some heart-healthy habits. Learn more by clicking here.