Resident’s craftsmanship, community spirit shines through yard and beyond
by Laura Bednar No matter what time of year you drive down Valley Woods Drive, you won’t miss resident Robert Wright’s house. For almost a decade, Wright has set up a colorful yard display anchored by a large Styrofoam pumpkin, Easter Bunny, snowman, or whatever fits the season’s theme. His artistic talent and community spirit […]
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ICAN! organization earns state award for extensive programming
by Charles Cassady Perhaps lost in the shuffle of awards handed out earlier this year was not an Oscar or a Golden Globe, but in a way it was a people’s choice. In February, the Independence ICAN! program earned first place in the “Adaptive Programming” category through the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. “This was […]
Veteran ties discovered, servicemen and women honored at annual veteran’s program
by Dan Holland City officials, organizations and community members came together at Independence Civic Center on Nov. 1 to honor the city’s military veterans with a luncheon and special program. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilperson James Trakas, Major, Ohio Military Reserve, Retired, which was followed by the National Anthem played by the […]
Independence Local Schools on the hunt for more bus drivers
by Emily Canning-Dean A shortage of bus drivers is not a new problem in school districts throughout the region, but up until recently, Independence Local Schools had remained unaffected. “We were kind of smiling behind the scenes because we weren’t having those issues, but I think we knew it was eventually going to happen,” Assistant […]
Board discusses building projects; hears new teaching technique
by Laura Bednar Oct. 15 board of education meeting The Independence Local Schools Board of Education heard from Assistant Superintendent Tom Dreiling about two potential projects: a security vestibule at the primary school and windows for the wrestling room in the middle school. The security vestibule has been considered for several years, but the district […]
Millcraft goes beyond paper with vendors in various fields
by Laura Bednar Millcraft Paper Company gave the public an inside look at its facility on Rio Nero Drive this November, after moving into the new location earlier this spring. The building is one of 19 locations throughout the Midwest ranging as far west as Illinois and as far south as Tennessee. General manager for […]
Student choice drives curriculum
Submitted by Independence Local Schools Independence High School has taken a step towards personalizing education by adjusting its course selection process for the current academic year. In a departure from previous years, IHS opened its entire course catalog to students last spring, allowing them to request any class that piqued their interest. The only exceptions […]
Pastor supports, grows future church leaders
by Samantha Lumpkin Jordan Neimetz, worship and young adult pastor, recently won the Leader Development Award through the Ohio Ministry Network. He was nominated for this state level award because of his efforts in identifying, training, resourcing and equipping new leaders within Rockside Church in Independence. As a credentialed pastor through the Ohio Ministry Network, Neimetz and […]
Cuyahoga Valley Genealogical Society meeting
The Cuyahoga Valley Genealogical Society will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in the Willow Room of the Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Dr. Members and interested public are invited to attend. CVGS Vice President Jane Gramlich will present “Navigating Ancestry.com.” The most popular subscription genealogy database is a powerhouse […]
Police Beat
Oct. 4—Police made a traffic stop on Rockside Road for a car with excessively tinted windows. The driver had a suspended license and a firearm in the vehicle. Due to conflicting records on his criminal history, police seized the firearm. Oct. 7—A female was cited for disorderly conduct at a Quarry Lane hotel for refusing […]
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by Tom Olecki, Owner, Broadview Heating Around this time of year some of us may be heading away to visit family and friends, travelling to a vacation destination or spending some time in a warmer climate to escape our frigid winter. These situations will leave our homes vulnerable should a no-heat situation occur while we […]
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Using the Holiday Season to Discuss a Difficult Topic
by Dan A. Baron, Baron Law LLC It’s unbelievable, but 2024 is almost over. As we approach the holidays, we unite with family, enjoy great food, and engage in many discussions. One often overlooked discussion is the importance of communicating your wishes regarding estate planning. It’s challenging, difficult, and maybe even unthinkable to imagine losing […]
Prepping ahead, delegating can take stress out of Thanksgiving
by Emily Canning-Dean When people think of Thanksgiving, they often picture Norman Rockwell’s famous image of all the happy, expectant faces gathered around the dining room table as the matriarch sets down a beautifully dressed turkey waiting to be carved. “I’m really not sure how many people even do that in this day and age,” […]
Portion of Sand Run Metro Park jogging trail closed for maintenance
A portion of the jogging trail at Sand Run Metro Park is closed to provide necessary repairs to a failing retaining wall. The trail is closed from Chestnut Drive (the entrance to Chestnut Lodge off Sand Run Parkway) to the Shadowfield area. Repairs are expected to be complete by May 2025 or sooner. During the […]
Students and community get hands-on learning experience at outdoor education center
by Dan Holland The Independence Outdoor Education Center & Land Lab, located behind the Independence Local Schools Administrative offices and adjacent to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, welcomed visitors to its annual public open house on Oct. 6. Visitors explored the numerous hiking trails and ponds on the 50-acre wooded property, the site of a […]
Police Beat
Aug. 29—Police found a driver on Rockside Road was not the registered owner of the vehicle, but the owner was staying in a nearby hotel with an active warrant. Police found the vehicle owner, who was issued a criminal summons for drug abuse after illegal substances were found in his wallet. The driver had a […]
Cuyahoga Valley Genealogy Society meets
The Cuyahoga Valley Genealogical Society will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Willow Room of the Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Blvd. in Independence. Members and interested public are invited to attend. The meeting topic will be “DAR: Yesterday and Today” presented by Cynthia Kettler, who has been […]
Primary school hosts new student breakfast
Independence Primary School hosted a “Welcome Breakfast” for its new elementary students in September. Guidance Counselor Brooke Gradert organized this event, which aimed to help new students feel welcomed and connected to the IPS school community. The breakfast included a warm welcome from IPS staff, fun activities, icebreakers, and a chance to meet new students […]
Primary school starts school year with ‘Getting to Know You’ initiative
At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, the halls of Independence Primary School buzzed with more than just the usual back-to-school excitement. This year, something special was in the air. “Today, we’re not just starting a new school year,” said IPS Principal TJ Ebert. “We’re beginning a journey of discovery – about ourselves and […]
Independence Middle School earns Purple Star designation
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce awarded Independence Middle School with a Purple Star designation, which recognizes schools that have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to supporting the unique wellness and academic needs of Ohio’s military-connected youth. To earn this distinction, schools must meet criteria established by the state’s Purple Star Advisory Board. “This designation […]
Football team shares meal with local firefighters
The Independence Middle School football team took the opportunity to share a meal with the local heroes from the Independence Fire Department in September. Students enjoyed dinner while engaging in meaningful conversations with the firefighters, who shared thoughts about firefighting and their job. The players were also given a tour of the firehouse and the […]
District sees decreased cash balance; new CVCC rep introduced
by Laura Bednar Sept. 17 board of education meeting Treasurer Jennifer Knapp updated the Independence school board on district finances. Independence Local Schools saw a decrease in real estate tax revenue but an increase in other revenue due to a new business in the tax increment financing district. TIF is a designation for commercial properties […]
District earns higher ratings in all categories on state report card
by Laura Bednar Independence Local Schools raised its star ratings in all five categories on the 2024 state report card compared to last year, earning an overall 4.5 stars as a district. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s star-based system defines 4.5 stars as “exceeding state standards.” The state rates schools in five categories: […]
Primary school adopts updated reading curriculum
by Laura Bednar Independence Primary School will implement a new English Language Arts curriculum for grades K-4 starting next school year. Director of Curriculum and Technology Mike Pennington said the Ohio Department of Workforce and Education announced a new initiative last year to support literacy in schools. This included a new list of approved ELA […]
Administration touts accomplishments at State of the City address
by Laura Bednar Independence Mayor Greg Kurtz gave the annual State of the City address on Oct. 4, summarizing the accomplishments of each of the departments. The address began with a video featuring the engineering and building departments. Independence has spent $3.8 million for street improvement projects on Kleber Court and Longano Drive, which include […]
Police add school security, K-9 officer
by Laura Bednar The Independence Police Department continued to combine safety and community connections by hiring a new K-9 officer and assigning a rotating member of the force to be the third school resource officer in the Independence Local School District. Police Chief Robert Butler said he intends to have at least two K-9 officers […]
Council approves regulations for discount retail stores
by Laura Bednar Oct. 8 city council meeting Independence City Council unanimously approved new regulations for small box discount retail stores within the city. The addition to the city’s zoning code came after a six-month moratorium on any new stores of this type, which was enacted in March. During that time, Economic Development Director Jessica […]
What happens to my ballot?
by Tracey Mackay, president of the League of Women Voters of Hudson This is what happens to your ballot in Cuyahoga County when you vote in person: Before Polls Open All poll workers attend training prior to Election Day. The night before the election, poll workers set up and test all equipment, then disassemble and […]
Trick or Treat time set
Independence will hold its citywide Trick or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 31, (Halloween) from 6-8 p.m. ∞
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by Dan A. Baron, Baron Law LLC Nobody wants to think about losing their pet, but have you thought about what will happen to your pet if they lose you? Creating a pet trust clause as part of your comprehensive estate plan will ensure that your furry friends are left in the right hands and […]