🌱 Lakewood Car Thefts Increased + Lakewood Supply Chain Issues

Hello, hello. I'm here with your Thursday edition of the Lakewood Patch newsletter, full of all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly cloudy and cooler. High: 43 Low: 33.
• Friday: Showers of rain and snow. High: 44 Low: 38.

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Here are the top three stories in Lakewood today:

1. According to the Lakewood Police Department’s 2022 crime report, there has been an increase in aggravated assaults property crime, larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft, and rape. Police Chief Kevin Kaucheck said the increase in motor vehicle thefts is "the result of the TikTok challenge where they showed people how to start Kias and Hyundais without a key and steal them." He also said Lakewood's "violent crime totals for murder, aggravated assault, and robbery [are] actually down in a multi-year low, which is good.” (Subscription: Cleveland.com)
2. Due to pandemic-related supply chain issues and material shortages, the City of Lakewood is considering changing an ordinance to allow city leaders to purchase specific vehicles and equipment without specific council approval, advertising, or competitive bidding. For example, the city has been searching for a new vehicle for the parametric, but cannot purchase the only one available because of the current ordinances. (Subscription: Cleveland.com)
3. "St. James Church Fabulous Fish Fry" is now every Friday from Mar. 3-31! All are welcome to the family-friendly events, which feature live music and food. The weekly event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Andrews Hall. (Patch)

Today in Lakewood:

• Screen Printing 101 At Wave Space Gallery (6:00 PM)
• Planning Commission Meeting At Lakewood City Hall (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Lakewood High School Barnstormers will perform "Anastasia" from Mar. 9-11 in the Lakewood Civic Auditorium! The cast of 30 students includes two elementary school-age actors and will be supported with live music from the large student orchestra. (Subscription: Cleveland.com)
• This year's book for One Community Reads is "Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival and Hope in an American City" by Andrea Elliott. On Mar. 6, there will be a forum with Andrea Elliott at 7 p.m. in the Mimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square. Reserve your free ticket here. (Lakewood Public Library via Facebook)
• Looking for a new home or just curious about what's out there? Check out the latest homes for sale and upcoming open houses in the Lakewood area, including a four-bedroom with a great porch and balcony on Olive Avenue for $250,000! (Lakewood Patch)

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Featured events:

• St James Church Fabulous Fish Fry! (March 3)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new 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.