🌱 $9.7 Million For Broadband Expansion + Human Trafficking Case

Hello again, everybody. It's Thursday in Strongsville and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Let's dive right in.

First, today's weather:

Breezy; humid in the morning. High: 87 Low: 69.

Here are the top three stories today in Strongsville:

1. A partnership with the state of Ohio has freed up $9.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for Cuyahoga County. The state will be contributing to the county's expansion of broadband access by providing half of the necessary funds. The expansion of broadband is an important initiative post-COVID. The expansion will guarantee county residents the ability to participate in the economy, education, and healthcare services. (Cleveland.com)
2. Are you growing increasingly frustrated with online home listings and are seeking an alternative? Patch and Redfin have teamed up to create a list of four upcoming in-person open houses occurring in the Strongsville area this weekend. Click for the full list that includes times, dates, property dimensions, prices, and photos. (Strongsville Patch)
3. Two individuals accused of human trafficking plead not guilty in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday. Nicholas Hutchins and Nadine Siggres are accused of operating a prostitution ring in greater Cleveland and have been charged with human trafficking. The two were arrested after an undercover sting operation that the county's Human Trafficking Task Force conducted in February. (Cleveland 19)

Today in Strongsville:

• ESOL Class At The Strongsville Public Library Branch (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Swagelok Company will be conducting interviews on Saturday on the Commons. The interviews will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Royalton Road. They are hiring experienced Setup and Machine Operators. Click to learn more. (City of Strongsville)
• Cuyahoga County is celebrating Plastic Free July. To participate, reduce your consumption of single-use plastic. Click for a list of plastic conservation tips. (Cuyahoga County)
• A 5 percent penalty for past due property taxes in Cuyahoga County will be assessed on Jul. 30. Don't get penalized. (Cuyahoga County)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll see you around!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.