Winter Storm Warning Issued; Plows Prepared

As always the Service Department is ready to plow City streets.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning lasting through Saturday morning, January 20.

Please be patient and give the crews time to clear the main roads first. Next, they will plow secondary streets before clearing snow from residential developments.

If you signed up for Senior Snow Removal, remember the plow operators have 16 hours after they are called to finish their assigned routes. If you don't have to travel - stay home and please do not park on the street.

Let's give trucks room to clear roads quickly and efficiently.

Elmwood Park Pond

Ready For Ice Skating

L-R: Alexander and Elizabeth Duchoslav get set for action

on the Elmwood Park Pond

skating rink.

I've got some breaking news for you skaters out there! The Elmwood Park Pond has finally frozen and is open for skating this weekend.

Dress warmly and enjoy ice skating with family and friends. Warm up with hot chocolate from the Elmwood Park pool concession stand during these hours:

January 19, 5 to 9 PM

January 20, 3 to 9 PM

January 21, 3 to 9 PM.

Next week, hot chocolate will be served from 5 to 8 PM weather permitting.

Kickstart Basketball

Scores Points With Players

Players compete in games as part of the Kickstart basketball program.

The City's Kickstart basketball program has become a popular program with our youngsters. Ten teams comprised of more than 60 players tipped off the season on the weekend of January 6.

Because of the number of players participating in the program this year, several games are being played at the Fieldhouse. It's nice to see more players and teams competing this season.

Keep an eye out for these programs heading your way this year. Youth Golf, Sand Volleyball, Adult Kickball, Adult Soccer, Wiffleball, and Adult Flag Football are among the new programs planned in 2024.

Click here for more details.

Presbyterian Church Hosts

Community Crafting Event

Calling all crafters! You won't want to miss Independence Presbyterian Church's Community Crafting program on Saturday, February 3 from 10 AM to 4 PM. The church is located at 6624 W. Public Square.

Bring your creative supplies while you knit, quilt, crochet, or cross stitch.

For information you can contact the church office via email by clicking here.

Police Chief Butler,

Wife Karen Welcome Son

Police Chief Robert Butler and his wife Karen present their son

Aaron James who also sports an Independence Police

Department shirt.

Chief Robert Butler and his wife Karen are the proud parents of Aaron James Butler, who was born on January 11, 2024 at 11:01 AM.

Aaron weighed in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces and is 19 inches long. I'm happy to report that mom, dad, and baby Aaron are all doing well!

Police and Community

Engagement Meeting Set

The next Police Community Engagement (PACE) meeting will be held on Thursday, February 1 at 7 PM at the Civic Center.

If you have questions or concerns you would like to discuss with an officer, please attend this meeting. You can also call Officer Jim Green at 216.524.0375.

U.S. Postal Service Raising

Cost of Forever Stamps

It's going to cost you more to mail your bills, birthday cards, and letters now that the U.S. Postal Service has scheduled a 2-cent increase to the Forever Stamps to 68 cents each.

The increase will go into effect on Sunday, January 21.

The Forever Stamp is used for letters weighing up to one ounce.

Blood Donations of All

Types Urgently Needed

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage with the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.

Blood drives will be held at the Civic Center on Mondays January 22, February 12, and February 26

from Noon to 6 PM.

Donors must be 17 years of age (age 16 with parental permission) or older. An appointment is recommended.

Please bring your Red Cross Blood Donor card or other form of photo identification. You can also call 800.733.2767 to see how you can donate blood.

Weekly Finance Review

Read Finance Director Vern Blaze’s Financial Updates for January 19, 2024 here.

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.