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 […]
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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. ∞
Sponsored
Estate Planning for Pets
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 […]
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Prepare for the Cold Now
by Tom Olecki, Owner, Broadview Heating Every year we are faced with the inevitable task of preparing for the coming winter weather season. Cooler weather is showing its face and we have begun calling on our heating systems to go back to work for us. The change of seasons requires us to prepare our heating […]
The Singing Angels mark 60 years of making a difference
by Karen Nathan Make music. Make friends. Make a difference. That was the mission, plain and simple, when Bill Boehm founded The Singing Angels 60 years ago. A lifelong performer, Boehm returned home to Cleveland after World War II and became the stage director of Cleveland’s Musicarnival, a theater-in-the-round located on the Thistledown Racetrack property. […]
Residents voice opinions on zoning changes for Concordia development
by Laura Bednar Aug. 13 city council meeting Preceding the Independence City Council meeting was a public hearing on a proposed zoning overlay district for property the city purchased from Concordia Lutheran Church, which would allow for smaller housing lot sizes than existing zoning permits. Economic Development Director Jessica Hyser said the plan is to […]
Zoning changes, land sale approved for Concordia property
by Laura Bednar Sept. 10 city council meeting With a 5-2 vote, Independence city council approved adding an overlay district to the city’s zoning code, applying that overlay to two land parcels the city purchased at Brecksville and Stone roads, and selling those parcels to Petros Homes to develop maintenance-free homes on site. The final […]
Board selects new CVCC representative
by Laura Bednar Aug. 26 special board of education meeting The Independence Board of Education chose a new appointee to represent the school district on the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center School Board, following the death of former rep Russell Fortlage. Board members unanimously approved Linda O’Neil for the position. She is a 37-year resident of […]
Teacher hired for expanding kindergarten classes
by Laura Bednar Sept. 3 special board of education meeting Independence Board of Education hired a long-term substitute, Joy Lewis, as a kindergarten teacher for the 2024-25 school year. At the board’s regular August meeting, Superintendent Kelli Cogan said each of the three kindergarten classes had 23 students, an increase from 21 at the beginning […]
Pooches end the summer with doggie paddle in community pool [photos]
Derek Malicki stands with his dog Rosie on the jungle gym inthe middle of the pool. Remi is nervous to test the water as his owner Jamie Carselthrows a tennis ball. A golden retriever enjoys splashing andrunning in the water. Murphy swims proudly with his ball. Jase doesn’t tire from fetching his toy. Photo (main/above): […]
Letter to the Editor
Advertiser offers residents a chance to refute his claims To the Editor: It’s come to my attention that my advertisement in the September Independence Today upset a few of our fellow citizens, some of whom suggested that my ad be censored. I take seriously the responsibility of publishing information about elections; I research carefully and […]
Letter to the Editor
Concordia resistance To the Editor: For months, I have witnessed the desperate pleas of residents who are begging Independence Mayor Greg Kurtz and council not to destroy our city. Over our strong opposition, plans are now in place to change our zoning laws so future houses can be built on much smaller lots. The new lots […]
The Peach Cobbler Factory opens in Rockside Corners
by Alfred Hood The Peach Cobbler Factory in Rockside Corners Shopping Center has only been open since May, but patrons are already flocking to the Independence location to sample its sweets. Owners Wendy Ladd and her husband Phil were inspired to open a Peach Cobbler location when a friend also bought into the franchise. Ladd […]
Indy Sewing Studio teaches stitching skills for all generations
by Charles Cassady Dana Rowan, founder of the Indy Sewing Studio, said her new business in Independence perseveres, in an art and industry that is literally hanging by a thread. “My family made a lot of garments,” the Indiana transplant said. “We sold our own clothes. People in the old days would do that. They […]
The Grapevine
by Laura Bednar Longtime member of the Independence Athletic Boosters, Ron Bernstein, transitioned out of his role as treasurer in June with the graduation of his youngest son, Nathan. He has been a board member for 15 years, serving in every role, including president. He was treasurer for the past nine years. Ron Bernstein. Photo […]
Independence Boys Soccer team seeks fresh start
by Chris Collins Last season was one of the Independence High School Boys Soccer team’s most successful. The senior-dominated Blue Devils posted a 13-7-1 record and won the Division III District Tournament before falling in the regional semi-final to fellow Chagrin Valley Conference member Beachwood. The district championship was the first in five years for […]
Coming Events
'Hands-on Halloween'
Akron Children’s Museum hosts “Hands-on Halloween” on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Children will start their trek around the museum by designing a goody bag to fill up as they complete their Halloween Fun Guide. Children will groove to spooky sounds during live performances by “Mr. Jeff.” Attendees can contribute to a community service project by bringing new, fuzzy socks to be donated to children at Summit County Children Services for Foster and Kinship Homes. Tickets are $12 per child, $10 per adult with a $2 discount for members and are available at akronkids.org/Halloween. ∞
Milestones Autism Resources fundraiser
Milestones Autism Resources is hosting its “Strike It Big” bowling event on Oct. 27 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Spins Bowl, 5619 Brecksville Rd. in Independence. The family-friendly event will feature bowling teams, face painting, balloon artists, costume contests, local mascots, a raffle and more. Contributions to the fundraiser will support Milestones’ free autism Helpdesk, a service which allows individuals and families to contact Milestones’ professional staff for personal guidance, local resources and individualized information at every stage of development. To register or donate, visit milestones.org/events/2024/10/27/strike-it-big or contact Vanetta Perry at 216-464-7600 ext. 113 or at vperry@milestones.org. ∞
The International Women's Air & Space Museum dinner
The International Women's Air & Space Museum announces its “Dinner with a Slice of History” on Nov. 1. Featuring NASA’s Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche, this program will explore JSC’s historic impact on human space flight and offer a glimpse of the future of space. For more than 60 years, Johnson has led the world in human space exploration and plays an integral role in enabling commercial industry to build, own and operate space systems. Registration is required at iwasm.org or by calling 216-623-1111. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. Deadline to register for in-person is Oct. 31. ∞
CVCC Craft Show
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, 8001 Brecksville Rd. in Brecksville, is hosting a craft show on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature numerous vendors offering unique gifts, handcrafted items and baked goods. Admission is $1. The craft show is the largest fundraising event for the SkillsUSA Local Chapter, a career and technical student organization. All proceeds will support leadership activities and programming throughout the year. For more information, contact Julie Jakubczak at jjakubczak@cvccworks.edu. ∞
CVSR North Pole Adventure
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad announces the return of its North Pole Adventure beginning Nov. 7 and running through Dec. 21. Passengers will depart from the Rockside Station in Independence and begin their 1.5-hour journey to the North Pole. Onboard entertainment features holiday music, merry elves and letter-writing to Santa. The visit to the North Pole culminates in a light display, holiday cookies, hot cocoa and a special gift for each child. Tickets are on sale at cvsr.org. ∞
Fair Trade Holiday Boutique
St. Basil the Great Church presents the 20th annual Fair Trade Fair and Holiday Boutique on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church’s Family Life Center, 8700 Brecksville Rd. in Brecksville. Experience “shopping with a conscience,” knowing that the artisans represented by the vendors receive a living wage and a fair price for their work, have decent working conditions and a long-term commitment from buyers that provide reasonable security for the producers. The fair will include women’s beaded necklaces, bracelets and purses from Indonesia; coiled bamboo bowls from Vietnam; Middle Eastern spices and olive oil; jewelry made from African amber; scarves and ponchos woven in Ecuador; organic 100% cotton clothing made in Cleveland; El Salvadoran purses and jewelry from recycled materials; beautiful silk scarves made from recycled saris from India and much more. Enjoy free fair trade coffee and donuts while browsing at this free event. ∞