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Please Note: Cuyahoga and Lorain counties expect an influx of out-of-town visitors to view Monday's total solar eclipse. We are anticipating some lapses in cellphone service and higher than normal traffic before, during, and after the eclipse.
If you are able to stay home and watch the eclipse from your yard, we recommend that you do so.
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Cause of Man's Easter Morning Death Determined | |
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Twenty-eight-year-old Donel Clayton died accidentally on Sunday, March 31 after falling from a 90-foot cliff near Rockside Road just east of Brecksville Road. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner determined Mr. Clayton succumbed to hypothermia from exposure to the cold weather.
Independence Police determined no foul play was involved in Mr. Clayton's death. An earlier news report that suggested foul play was involved was incorrect. Our hearts go out to Mr. Clayton's mother and family at this difficult time.
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City Has Plans In Place
To Enjoy April 8 Eclipse
| People within a 124-mile-wide band in Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse. This exciting celestial event should be enjoyed safely. |  | |
Monday's (April 8) total solar eclipse will take place at about 3:15 PM when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun. This phenomena will block light for several minutes. This occurrence will not take place again for more than 300 years, so the interest in the eclipse is understandable.
Some items of note regarding to the eclipse:
● The Community Services Department will have its standard operating hours on Monday - 7 AM to 9 PM. The Fieldhouse will have regular hours as well.
● Monday's Total Eclipse in the Park will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 PM at the Kiwanis Pavilion in Elmwood Park. The fun includes DJ music and games, a craft for the kids, and treats, including custom cookies, for purchase.
● Unless otherwise noted by the Independence Police Department, all City Campus parking lots will be available to those attending the Total Eclipse in the Park.
● Arrive early for an insightful presentation about the eclipse by Independence resident and retired NASA employee Jim Soeder on Monday at 1:15 PM in the Elmwood Park Old Rec building next to Elmwood Pond.
● Nearly 700 residents have requested glasses. Glasses should be picked up between 1:30 and 4:30 PM on Monday at the Kiwanis Pavilion.
For information on how to watch the total solar eclipse safely, visit https://ema.ohio.gov/media-publications/ohio-total-solar-eclipse or click here.
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A Grand Prize of $1,500
Awaits At Boosters' Event
| The Independence Athletic Boosters' inflatable tunnel was a hit at the finish line of last year's Independence Primary School Fun Run. | |
The Independence Athletic Boosters are gearing up for the 2024 Reverse Raffle, which will be held on April 13 from 5 to 10 PM at the Independence Civic Center.
The highlight of this fun evening is the $1,500 minimum grand prize. Only 199 main board raffle tickets will be sold - and I'm told tickets will sell out. So don't delay, get your tickets today by visiting iab.ptboard.com or by clicking here.
Alumni, family, friends, and fans of the Blue Devils are invited to celebrate this special evening. Two ticket options are available: Dinner and drinks only for $50 per person or the main board ticket, dinner, and drinks for $70 per person.
The tradition of the Reverse Raffle is the signature fundraiser for the Independence Athletic Boosters. All proceeds from the event are invested in equipment and projects that support current and future Independence High School and Middle School athletes.
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Red Cross Hosts Special
Eclipse Blood Drive
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Attention blood donors! The American Red Cross will host a special Total Solar Eclipse Blood Drive on Monday, April 8 from 7 AM to 1 PM in the Civic Center's Red Oak Room.
Donors can receive a special T-shirt and Total Solar Eclipse sunglasses. You can help by donating blood and still have time to enjoy the eclipse.
Donors must be 17 years of age (16 with parental permission) or older to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of photo identification. Appointments are strongly recommended. For details, click here or visit redcrossblood.org.
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Selig Drive Sign Receiving Facelift | |
L-R: Nick Sidor, Alec Jendre, and Ryan Wancata of the Parks and Recreation Department construct a landscape wall around the marquee sign located at the corner of Selig Drive and Brecksville Road. | |
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The City of Independence was selected by the Northern Ohio Damage Prevention Council and Ohio 811 for a beautification project to promote April Safe Dig Month. The beautification project will consist of a landscaping project around the Selig Drive marquee sign at the corner of Brecksville Road and Selig Drive.
This week, Parks and Recreation Department installed a landscape wall around the marquee sign. On Wednesday, April 10 at 9:30 AM, members of the Northern Ohio Damage Prevention Council and Ohio811 will be on hand to complete the landscaping project by planting shrubs and perennials.
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Egg Hunters Get Crackin',
Scramble For Prized Eggs
| The Easter Bunny helped to point children toward eggs during the hunt. | L-R: Harper, Madison, and Vivie Stefanski share a hug with the Easter Bunny. | L-R: George Simon, Stacey Simon, and Addison Simon take a break from gathering eggs. | |
Children up to age 12 tracked down hundreds of prized eggs during the March 30 Old Fashioned Egg Hunt that was moved into the Fieldhouse due to rain.
Children were able to cash in their winning tickets for prizes once their age group completed the hunt.
A tip of the hat to Parks and Recreation Department Director Tom Walchanowicz and his team for quickly moving the hunt indoors after determining the weather outside wasn't going to cooperate. The hunt was the first of its kind to be held indoors. The team did a tremendous job accommodating the families who enjoyed the festivities.
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Don't Be Alarmed
By Siren Testing
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On Saturday, April 6 at Noon the Technical Services Department will conduct a siren test that will be activated by the Brecksville Dispatch Center. The strength of the signal that is sent to multiple communities will be tested.
The Technical Services team will work in conjunction with the Cuyahoga County Emergency Management office so that the proper signal is sent to each siren. Siren testing is conducted on the first Saturday of each month at Noon to ensure the signal functions properly.
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IHS After Prom Committee
Seeking Donations
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The Independence High School After Prom Committee is working diligently to plan a safe and fun After Prom experience for the students. In addition to the current fundraising efforts, the committee is seeking donations to help make this year’s After Prom a success.
The committee asks that you review the available volunteer opportunities by clicking here to see where you might be able to assist. Please have all donations to the high school office by Friday, April 19 to the attention of Marcia George or to one of the following committee members:
Beth Adams, Kelli Bernstein, Krista Biondi, Michelle Botzman, Jen Eisenmann, Celine Gangale, Viveka Jenks, Angela Joliffe, Laura Masek, Carrie Mazzola, Annie McGhee, Donna Narduzzi, Julie Panichi, Victoria Rich, Stephanie Rodriguez, Sally Valenti, Jen Valenti, or Angela Zambito.
Thank you for your support and generosity.
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Birchway Title Agency
Opens New, First Office
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Top: Guests gather for Birchway Title Agency's ribbon cutting ceremony on April 2.
Bottom L-R: Billie Finkler looks on as Birchway Title Agency President Sonya Rarey cuts the ribbon with the help of Amy Medinger and City of Independence Economic Development Director Jessica Hyser.
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A warm welcome to Birchway Title Agency, which opened its new (and first) office in Independence earlier this year but hosted its ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 2. Birchway Title Agency is located at One Independence Place, Suite 600, 4807 Rockside Road.
Birchway Title Agency is a title insurance agency specializing in commercial real estate transactions. Prior to moving to Independence, Birchway Title Agency operated remotely until finding the right office space.
To learn more Birchway Title Agency, visit birchwaytitle.com or click here.
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To register for the virtual City Council meeting click here.
To read The Legislative Review click here.
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Upcoming City Council & Committee Meetings | |
April 9
City Council Caucus, 5 PM
Followed by City Council Meeting
April 18
Architectural Review Board, 3 PM
Board of Zoning Appeals, 5:30 PM
May 2
Architectural Review Board, 3 PM
May 7
Planning Commission, 5:30 PM
May 14
City Council Caucus, 5 PM
Followed by City Council Meeting
May 16
Architectural Review Board, 3 PM
Board of Zoning Appeals, 5:30 PM
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Police Chief Butler
To Become OACP VP
| L-R: In February, Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association Executive Director Kevin Nietert swore into office Police Chief Robert Butler for his his second term on the organization's Executive Board. Additionally, Chief Butler will be sworn into office as the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Vice President on April 28 in Columbus. Chief Butler will serve as the group's President in 2025. | | |
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Check Out The
Weekly Finance Review
| Read Finance Director Vern Blaze’s Financial Update for April 5, 2024 by clicking here. | | |
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Subscribe Now To Receive
Mayor's Weekly Update
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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.
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