🌱 Storm & Possible Blizzard Warning + Gambling Addiction Program

Good morning, Lakewood! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the holiday season, so you may not see as many newsletters in your inbox between now and the New Year. We will resume our normal schedule during the first week of January. For now, here’s what you need to know about what’s happening around town.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: Very windy; a snow shower. High: 16 Low: 13.
• Sunday: A.M. flurries; windy, frigid. High: 20 Low: 9.
• Monday: Very cold; a little p.m. snow. High: 22 Low: 20.

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Here are the top three stories in Lakewood today:

1. The first major storm of the season, Winter Storm Elliott, hit early yesterday morning, Dec. 23, bringing snow, high winds and below-freezing temperatures. Winter Storm, Wind Chill Advisories and Warnings remain in effect through today, Dec. 24. Additional snow is expected today in parts of northern and eastern Ohio. Heavy lake-effect snow and blizzard conditions are possible in some areas, including Cuyahoga County. (WKYC News)
2. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court is launching a first-of-its-kind program, the Problem Gambling Addiction Program, that will identify defendants with gambling addictions and connect them to treatment. Judge Brendan Sheehan said the court wants to start the program before Ohio's new sports betting laws go into effect on Jan. 1. (Cleveland.com)
3. Patrol Officer Melissa Marquard, a Cleveland police officer, received a 20-day suspension without pay for allegedly conspiring to puncture the car tires of two fellow Cleveland officers at their Lakewood home. Marquard's former boyfriend and his female friend, the other Cleveland officers, told Lakewood Police that he had recently ended a three-month relationship with Marquard and that she was upset he had befriended the female officer. Marquard was not charged, but she paid restitution to both colleagues. (Cleveland.com)

This weekend in Lakewood:

Saturday, December 24

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service At 14560 Madison Avenue (4:00 PM)

Sunday, December 25

• The Christmas Corner Bar Pop-Up : Christmas Karaoke At Around The Corner Cafe (8:00 PM)
• Christmas Day Service At Church of the Ascension (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Due to the Christmas holiday, no refuse or recycling will be collected on Monday, Dec. 26. Click here for more information on collection day changes. (City of Lakewood via Twitter)
• Since Winter Storm Elliott started, Lakewood plow crews have been out in full force plowing and salting roads. Due to the high winds causing drifting snow, the City of Lakewood suggests residents allow extra time and drive slow if they need to go out. (City of Lakewood via Twitter)
• The Cove Community Center will be closed today, Dec. 24. (City of Lakewood, Ohio - Municipal Government via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon for your next update. Happy holidays!

— 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.