🌱 Man Sentenced In Stolen Identity Marketplace + $78,532 In Grants

Hello, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Lakewood Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mild with periods of rain. High: 55 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories today in Lakewood:

1. A Nigerian man who sold stolen identities, including those of Lakewood residents, has been sentenced to over three years in jail. Blessing Adeleke, 31, was found guilty in a federal court in Cleveland for running an online marketplace where he sold stolen identities, bank accounts, and credit card information of people in the Northeast Ohio area. Adeleke was arrested in June in Ghana. (Subscription: cleveland.com)
2. The Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation is providing $78,532 in grants to local nonprofits and to fund student scholarships/awards. Senior high school students will receive $15,000 toward scholarships while another $7,000 will be dedicated to the rotary's annual speech, music, and art competition. Organizations that received grants include Trials for Hope, Rocky River Meals on Wheels, Lakewood Community Services Center, and more. To date, the foundation has provided over $1.25 mullion in scholarships and grants. (Lakewood Observer)
3. Lakewood High School and West Shore Career-Tech Media Art & Design students' work has received awards at the Regional Scholastic Art Exhibition. The 98-year-old competition doled out a total of 47 awards to local Lakewood students, including six Gold Keys — the highest award possible. Award-winning gold and Silver Key art — a total of 28 pieces — are on display now through Feb. 3 at the Cleveland Institute of Art. (Lakewood Observer)

Today in Lakewood:

• Drop In And Play At Cove Community Center (9:00 AM)
• After School Drop In At Cove Community Center (3:00 PM)
• Board Of Zoning Appeals Meeting At Lakewood City Hall (6:30 PM)
• Sunshine Daydream "Third Thursdays" At The Winchester (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to Lincoln fourth-grader Keira Gardner who was recognized as a Start Student at last night's Lakewood City Schools Board of Education meeting. (Lakewood City Schools via Facebook)
• Did you get your tickets for the Loving Lakewood: Out Of This World Event being held on Feb. 25 at the Lakewood Masonic Temple? Get your tickets here! (LakewoodAlive via Facebook)
• Construction at the new recycling center is progressing! Check out the photos at the link. (City of Lakewood, Ohio - Municipal Government via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be back 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.