🌱 Lakewood To Appoint New Director Of Public Works + New Justice Bill

Hi all. I'm back with your new copy of the Lakewood Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

A p.m. rain or snow shower. High: 45 Low: 33.

Are you a business owner or marketer in Lakewood who wants to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales? If that's you, then I invite you to see how our newsletter sponsorships combine our local audience reach with your expertise to attract new customers. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top four stories today in Lakewood:

1. Lakewood City Council is expected to appoint Chris Gordon as the city's new director of public works, replacing the recently retired Roman Ducu. Mayor Meghan George said Gordon is a "very good fit" and was chosen because of his experience, interactions, and approach to management throughout the interview process. (Subscription: Cleveland.com)
2. On Jan. 3, Ohio joined the rest of the country by making strangulation a felony offense. Gov. Mike DeWine signed the large criminal justice bill, which included the strangulation legislation, on Tuesday morning. Sen. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) was a joint sponsor of the original strangulation bill, SB 90, which was added to the criminal justice bill, SB 288. (News 5 Cleveland WEWS)
3. The City of Lakewood announced the northern tennis court at Lakewood Park will be closed until further notice. According to the city, the excavation at Foster Pool caused "erosion of sand and soil which has undermined the path and playing surface" of the court. (City of Lakewood via Twitter)
4. Cultivate Yoga has opened a temporary location at 18615 Detroit Ave. Extension in Lakewood. Cultivate Yoga is sharing the 25-person space with Revive Spa. The nonprofit will still move into the former Trinity Church property, but construction has been delayed. Cultivate Yoga founder and Lakewood resident Evan Scharfeld said they are still under lease with Trinity, but "don't have a move-in date there. My guess is it's more than a year away." (Subscription: Cleveland.com)

Today in Lakewood:

• In-Person Just Baby ‘N Me At Lakewood Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Adult Grief Support Group At Centering Space (6:00 PM)
• Screen Printing 101 At Wave Space Gallery (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don't miss Lakewood Community Services Center's series of live cooking demos on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Cove Community Center. Meet Ruth Kostadinov, chef and owner of Gathering's Kitchen at Gingham Market, and learn how to prepare a delectable risotto. (Lakewood Community Services Center via Facebook)
• LakewoodAlive will host 'Loving Lakewood: Out Of This World' on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Masonic Temple! The fundraiser benefiting LakewoodAlive will include "force field foods, Big Bang beverages, and more meteoric fun!" (LakewoodAlive)
• The Lakewood Historical Society is hosting drop-off events on Jan. 12 and Jan. 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Haber Center at 13314 Detroit Ave. Donate housewares, home decor, holiday decorations, china, silver, and more. Unfortunately, no clothing, shoes, or bedding can be taken at this time. Call (216) 221-7343 if you want to donate furniture, as space is limited. (Lakewood Historical Society, Ohio via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be 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.