🌱 GCWW Monitoring Water Quality + Bunnies & Blooms Exhibit

Hello, friends. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Cincinnati Patch newsletter — here to explain everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 57 Low: 30.

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Here are the top three stories in Cincinnati today:

1. Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) is monitoring the water quality in the Cincinnati area following the toxic chemical release from a train derailment in East Palestine. After five tanker cars containing toxic chemicals were released into the air and burned, low levels of dangerous chemicals were detected in the Ohio River downstream from the incident; however, the chemicals detected are upstream of Cincinnati. City manager Sheryl Long assured citizens that GCWW is closely monitoring the water quality and will take quick action. (WLWT Cincinnati)
2. Cincinnati-based non-profit Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD) will be honored by the Zero Project, an international organization focused on the goals of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. LADD is being recognized in the field of Independent Living & Political Participation for its Smart Living program, which uses smart homes and technology to support adults with developmental disabilities. LADD CEO Susan Brownknight will receive the award on Feb. 22 at the UN office in Vienna. (WCPO 9 Cincinnati)
3. The Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park is showcasing a new exhibit called Bunnies & Blooms through Mar. 12. The family-friendly exhibit features locally-bred Holland Lop bunnies, who will be on display every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, along with scheduled petting hours. The conservatory is also partnering with the Hamilton County Library to read children’s books about bunnies a few days a week. (WCPO 9 Cincinnati)

Today in Cincinnati:

• Monday Night Out - Special Olympics Hamilton County At Margaret B. Rost School (6:30 PM)
• Monday Karaoke At Cobblestone OTR (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Down the road in Erlanger, a fantasy-themed craft brewery is slated to open in June. Fabled Brew Works will draw inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons and Lord of the Rings. (WKRC TV Cincinnati)
• Tickets for three popular events at the Cincinnati Zoo — Bourbon Flights, Wild About Wine, and Zoo Brew — are now on sale! Click here to get your tickets or browse all available events. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Hawkins Educator of the Year nominations are now open! Nominate a Cincinnati Public Schools educator here; winners will receive a personal award of $10,000. (Cincinnati Public Schools via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.