🌱 New Bill Fights Distracted Driving + Shop Safely At SouthPark Mall

Good morning, friends. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Strongsville Daily — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

A snow shower in the morning. High: 36 Low: 27.

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Here are the top three stories today in Strongsville:

1. On Thursday, the Ohio General Assembly passed an enormous criminal-justice reform bill, with a special amendment that will prohibit Ohio drivers from holding their phone when they're on the road. The bill will also toughen penalties for aggravated vehicular homicide when the victim is a firefighter or emergency medical worker. Additionally, the provision would decriminalize using test strips to detect fentanyl. (cleveland.com)
2. The Cleveland area is bustling this weekend with tons of different things to do and see, and one of the most popular is right here in Strongsville. ClevelandMetropark's Tobogganing regularly makes people's must-see list, and we're not surprised — the 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes make for a really cool time! What else on this list are you excited to try this weekend? (cleveland.com)
3. For the rest of this week and all of next week, Volunteers Police Service will be helping shoppers stay safe. SouthPark Mall patrons can ask to be escorted to their vehicles between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The Volunteers will be stationed at the food court, ready to help anyone who needs it. (Strongsville Police Department)

Today in Strongsville:

• Photos With Santa at SouthPark Mall (11:00 AM)
• Painting With The Grinch And Cindy Lou Who at SouthPark Mall (5:00 PM)
• Pajamas & Gingerbread House Party at Shop N Play (5:30 PM)
• Holiday Cookies And Wine Pairing at Wine Down & Sweets Cafe (6:00 PM)
• Farmhouse Frost at Painting With A Twist (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Cleveland Guardians have signed Mike Zunino to a one-year contract. Welcome to the team! (Cleveland Guardians)
• The Strongsville Community Band is holding its annual Christmas Concert on Dec. 18. Be sure not to miss this yearly tradition! (Strongsville Community Band)
• The VFW is hosting its annual Canteen Christmas Party! Grab your favorite ugly sweater and get ready for a festive, fun evening. (AllEvents)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. 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.