St. Michael Church celebrates 175 years as a parish
by Laura Bednar A church that predates the Civil War still stands strong in the city of Independence. St. Michael Catholic Church at Brecksville and Chestnut roads is celebrating its 175th anniversary as a parish this year. Rev. Matt Jordan, St. Michael pastor, said this year's anniversary theme is "175 Years of Faith and Fellowship." […]
Police consider Cybertruck purchase, explain Flock camera usage
by Laura Bednar The Independence Police Department is considering adding a Cybertruck to its vehicle fleet. The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup released in 2023. Some vehicle functions can be controlled through a smartphone. Police Chief Robert Butler said the department received a $320,000 federal grant for vehicle upgrade modernization and he wants to […]
K-9 obstacle course challenges dogs to grow in confidence
by Elie Aoun For residents seeking to give their dogs a new experience, the city of Independence recently installed a K-9 obstacle course in the "Bark Park" in Elmwood Park. Police Chief Robert Butler and Recreation Director Tom Walchanowicz worked together on the project to put the police department's obstacles in the public dog park. […]
Government
Police consider Cybertruck purchase, explain Flock camera usage
by Laura Bednar The Independence Police Department is considering adding a Cybertruck to its vehicle […]
Cornerstone of Hope to double building size
by Laura Bednar The Cornerstone of Hope grief counseling center on Brecksville Road plans to […]
Brecksville Road to be resurfaced following repairs
by Laura Bednar Sept. 8 city council meeting Independence and the Ohio Department of Transportation […]
Schools
CVCC maintains financial stability amid property tax changes
by Sheldon Ocker The Ohio General Assembly's recent focus on property tax reform has left […]
Superintendent’s Corner
by Kelli Cogan As we settle into the 2026-27 school year, it has been wonderful […]
Forecast shows stagnant revenue because of tax reform
by Laura Bednar Aug. 18 board of education meeting Treasurer Jennifer Knapp presented her semiannual […]
Sports
Cheerleading is headed for varsity status in Ohio
by Judy Stringer A persistent question has echoed through Ohio high school hallways for decades: Is cheerleading truly a sport? Earlier this year, the Ohio High School Athletic Association and the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators provided a definitive answer. A landmark partnership between the two organizations has launched competitive cheer on a direct […]
Community
Rumple Recycling do’s and don’ts
Recently, Rumpke has seen a noticeable increase in diapers at the Rumpke Recycling & Resource Center, resulting in substantial contamination and loss of items that are recyclable. As such, the company is reminding customers about what can and cannot be recycled. Recycling don'ts Anything not included in Rumpke's acceptable items list would be a recycling […]
Polish Genealogical Society of Greater Cleveland
The Polish Genealogical Society of Greater Cleveland will meet on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church Hall, 5375 Broadview Rd. in Parma. The speaker will be Glenn Sobola, president of the Slavic Village Historical Society. His presentation is titled "It Wasn't Always Slavic Village," which hints at the earliest […]
Cuyahoga Valley Genealogical Society
The Cuyahoga Valley Genealogical Society will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, 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. Sunny Morton will present "How Learning about the Past Can Change the Future." As we commemorate […]
Author’s new children’s book tells story close to her heart
by Dan Holland For local children's author Christina Scalese, writing her first illustrated children's book involved taking a trip down memory lane. Scalese held an Aug. 23 book launch party at the Independence Gazebo for the release of Elroo and Me, a book that includes memories of Scalese's oldest son's "lovey" or stuffed animal, and […]
Author credits Independence with her success as writer, artist
by Charles Cassady Millions of readers were captivated by Delia Owen's debut novel Where the Crawdads Sing, set in the Outer Banks marsh territory of North Carolina. This October, an Independence-born author-artist with ties to the same area is presenting her own love letter to the region. Linda K. Sienkiewicz (Nerva) is the author of […]
Police Beat
Aug. 5 – Police were advised of a suspected impaired driver on E. Pleasant Valley Road who was unable to stay in the lane and had no taillights or headlights. When stopped by the police on I-480, the backseat passenger got out of the vehicle, sat on the guardrail and put on noise-canceling headphones. He […]
Polish Genealogical Society of Greater Cleveland
The Polish Genealogical Society of Greater Cleveland will meet on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church Hall, 5375 Broadview Rd. in Parma. The speaker will be Glenn Sobola, president of the Slavic Village Historical Society. His presentation is titled "It Wasn't Always Slavic Village," which hints at the earliest […]
Cuyahoga Valley Genealogical Society
The Cuyahoga Valley Genealogical Society will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, 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. Sunny Morton will present "How Learning about the Past Can Change the Future." As we commemorate […]
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Information & Advice
Get Your HVAC System Ready for Winter: Tips from a Local Pro
by Kevin Olecki, President & Owner, Broadview Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical As the leaves […]
Top Five Celebrity Estate Planning Mistakes
by Dan A. Baron, Baron Law LLC We recently lost one of my favorite artists, […]