🌱 Iditarod Trail Adventure Event + NE Ohio Car Theft 'Pandemic'

Hello again, everybody! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Strongsville Daily. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Friday: A couple of morning flurries. High: 34 Low: 31.
• Saturday: Cloudy with a flurry or two. High: 38 Low: 36.
• Sunday: Cloudy with a little snow. High: 42 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories in and around Strongsville today:

1. Eleanor Csizmadia, an expert on the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, is sharing her knowledge and experiences of the event at the Strongsville Branch Library. She will be discussing the history and present of the race, as well as tips on how to follow it from home. Attendees will also learn the unique aspects of the race that make it special. The presentation is sponsored by the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library and registration is required via cuyahogalibrary.org or by phone. (City of Strongsville)
2. The Ohio Attorney General's office is searching for Cleveland rapper Dawud Sami, also known as "Officially GP," who is facing six felony charges related to human trafficking and promoting prostitution. Sami, who allegedly branded his victims with tattoos of his company's name "Red Karpet," is accused of using the identities of his victims to purchase luxury cars and a home. The public is encouraged to contact the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force with any information on Sami's whereabouts. (FOX News)
3. Surveillance footage captured a group of thieves dressed in black breaking into a high-end Mercedes-Benz dealership in nearby North Olmsted and stealing five vehicles. One of the vehicles belonged to Cleveland Browns quarterback, Deshaun Watson. North Olmsted police believe this is an ongoing issue and that similar thefts have been happening across Northeast Ohio. (WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland)

This weekend in Strongsville:

Friday, January 27

• Complimentary Aveda Facials At Aveda Store, SouthPark Mall (10:00 AM)
• Friday Night Dodgeball At Compound Fitness Strongsville (6:30 PM)
• DJ Skate At OBM Arena (8:00 PM)

Saturday, January 28

• 18th Annual Winter Walk For Epilepsy At SouthPark Mall (8:00 AM)

Sunday, January 29

• An Incomplete Education At Harvest Saloon Strongsville (4:45 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking to add a new four-legged member to your family? Check out Patch's latest adoptable pet roundup to meet Big Boston the Pit Bull Terrier, Oliver the Domestic Short Hair cat, Benny the Coonhound, and other adorable animals, now available at Strongsville-area shelters. (Strongsville Patch)
• As a reminder, the 18th Annual Winter Walk for Epilepsy is happening tomorrow, Jan. 28, at SouthPark Mall. This two-hour indoor walk through the mall is a family-oriented event featuring music, entertainment, a prize raffle, and more, all in the name of epilepsy awareness. (Patch)
• If you still need to pay your Cuyahoga County property taxes, the grace period to pay without penalty has been extended to Feb. 9. Visit the County's website at the link to learn more about when and how to make your tax payments. (Cuyahoga County Ohio)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager 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.