🌱 Roundstone Ins. Backs Out Of Lakewood + Train Derailment Discussion

Hello, everybody. It's Friday in Lakewood and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

A snow shower; windy, colder. High: 31 Low: 24.

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Here are the top three stories in Lakewood today:

1. Roundstone Insurance has decided not to continue the redevelopment of Lakewood Hospital and will build its headquarters in Rocky River. The "shifting timelines and the complexities of a mixed-use project" caused Roundstone Insurance to back out of the proposed $90 million Casto of Columbus remake in Lakewood. (Subscription: Crain's Cleveland Business)
2. Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, Assistant Senate Minority Whip Paula Hicks-Hudson, D-Toledo, and state Rep. Lauren McNally, whose 59th House District includes East Palestine, discussed how to protect residents and bring federal resources to the area after the train derailment. McNally said the entire Mahoning Valley is affected by the catastrophe. Many legislators and experts believe a state of emergency declaration will open up federal resources to the area and help residents with the cost of bottled water, long-term health monitoring, and more. Antonio said she thinks a disaster declaration "sounds like something that we may advocate for" and knows Gov. Mike DeWine is also looking into it. (WKYC)
3. Stephen Mitchell Brown, a Lakewood photographer who owns Stephen Mitchell Brown Photography, is hosting a competition to find Northeast Ohio’s Ulti-Mutt Cute Dog to support the Brady’s K-9 Fund, a charity that protects the K-9s who protect and serve the communities throughout the United States. The dogs working with law enforcement and other "working dogs deserve to be protected by a ballistic vest for their entire shift, just like their human partners." The bracket-style competition begins in March, and online voters can decide which dogs advance. The winner will be named the Ulti-Mutt Cute Dog of Northeast Ohio and move on to a national competition. (The Lakewood Observer)

Today in Lakewood:

• Coffee With A Cop At Despina’s Bakery (9:00 AM)
• Happy Hour At Western Reserve Distillers (2:00 PM)
• Acathla Clothing Presents: The Bunny, The Bear, And Friends At Avenue Tap House (6:00 PM)
• Ghost The Musical At Senney Theater (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Black Dahlia Murder added two more shows to their spring tour, including one in Lakewood! The band will perform at The Foundry on Apr. 12. (MetalSucks)
• A Lakewood native turned her medical emergency into a teachable moment and "Lindsay's Law" to protect others. Lindsay Davis and "Lindsay's Law," which has been around since 2017, are back in the spotlight for American Heart Month following the medical emergency of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin. The law requires parents, coaches, and students to learn the signs of sudden cardiac arrest and how to best respond. (News 5 Cleveland)
• Are you searching for the perfect rescue to add as a new member to your family? Check out these adorable adoptable pets in the Lakewood area, including a young Pit Bull Terrier mix puppy named Namaste! (Lakewood Patch)

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• Valentines Couples Competition (February 17)
• History on Tap | A Celebration of Black Culture (February 23)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow 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.