Ohio Leads In Hate Groups, Strongsville Kids Pay It Forward, Alianna DeFreeze's Killer Pleads Not Guilty​: Patch PM

CLEVELAND, OH – Here are some stories to talk about tonight on Ohio Patch:

Ohio Has 8th Most Hate Groups In America

• The state has 35 active hate groups. Many of Ohio's hate groups are white nationalists, Neo-Nazis, and skinhead groups.

Budget Proposal Would Require Ohio Teachers To Get Externships

• As part of their license renewal process, teachers would be required to get job shadowing hours with local businesses.

Accused Killer Of Alianna DeFreeze Pleads Not Guilty

• Christopher Whittaker, 44, faces charges of aggravated murder in the death of the 14-year-old. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

58-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Avon Lake

• Police do not yet know how the woman died. She was found on Oakwood Drive.

Strongsville Pay It Forward Grant Helps Kids Give Back To Their Community

• The grant funds projects for Strongsville kids, ages 3 to 18, who want to help bolster their community in some way.

Westlake Middle School Sends Care Package to US Army Engineer in Kuwait

• The students collected everything from iTunes gift cards to wet wipes to good old fashioned candy.

Cleveland Heights Coffee With A Cop On Feb. 24

• This will be the first Coffee with a Cop event held in the city. Residents will be able to engage local law enforcement on any topic.

» Across America

• 'Day Without Immigrants' Closes Businesses Across American Cities
• How To Stop Charity Junk Mail Solicitations, IRS Scams
• 7 Things To Know From President Trump's Grab-Bag Press Conference

Did you miss Wednesday's Patch PM? Read it here.

Thank you for reading.

» find Your Patch and more news of the day, including our most-read stories