🌱 DeWine's Budget Proposal + Stout It Out Loud + Volunteers Wanted

Hi all. I'm back with your fresh edition of the Lakewood Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Let's get this Tuesday started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

But first, today's weather:

Mild with increasing clouds. High: 55 Low: 49.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Lakewood? Partner with the Lakewood Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Lakewood:

1. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has proposed a budget for the state which includes $103.3 billion in spending for the coming fiscal year and $99.8 billion for the next. The budget emphasizes supporting families through tax incentives, education policy, and a new cabinet department focused on youth. However, lawmakers have raised concerns about the impact of the proposed tax deductions, with Representatives Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) and Beth Liston (D-Dublin) arguing that families making $31,000 or less would receive no benefit from the tax deduction, while those making $250,000 or more would receive a maximum benefit of $100. (Ohio Capital Journal)
2. After a two-year hiatus, Stout It Out Loud — a local celebration of beer and oysters — will return next Saturday, Feb. 18 from 12:00-8:00 p.m. at Butcher and the Brewer in Cleveland. Among the confirmed participating breweries is Immigrant Son Brewery here in Lakewood. Tickets for the event can be purchased online. (cleveland.com)
3. The Lakewood Animal Shelter is seeking volunteers to assist with transporting animals to and from the Animal Protective League (APL) for spay or neuter appointments. The appointments take place on Tuesdays; volunteers would need to drop off the animals in the morning between 8:00-8:30 a.m. or pick them up in the afternoon between 4:00-5:00 p.m. If you're interested in volunteering, you can reach out to Mollie at lakewoodanimalshelter.volunteer@gmail.com. (Cleveland 19 News)

Today in Lakewood:

• After School Drop In At Cove Community Center (3:00 PM)
• Pay What You Can Intermediate Yoga At Lakewood Library (6:00 PM)
• Crystal Make-N-Take Mixer At Oktober's (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• What happens to free COVID-19 tests and vaccines when the public health emergency ends? Cleveland.com breaks down what the change means for Ohio residents. (cleveland.com)
• If you're looking for a new career opportunity, several companies in and around Lakewood are looking to hire. Visit the link for job descriptions and application information. (Lakewood Patch)
• Valentine's Day in northern Ohio is expected to be cloudy with a chance of rain. Visit the link for the full weather report. (cleveland.com)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Valentines Couples Competition (February 17)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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.