🌱 Strongsville 'State Of The Schools' + Plastic Bag Ban Grants

Hello, neighbors. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Strongsville Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Winds gradually subsiding. High: 65 Low: 36.

Business owners and marketers in Strongsville: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Strongsville today:

1. Strongsville City Schools' annual State of the Schools presentation will take place this evening (Wednesday, Mar. 1) at 6 p.m. at Strongsville Middle School. Superintendent Dr. Cameron Ryba will discuss how financial management has allowed for investment in students and staff. Enrollment trends, facility needs, and the district-wide strategic plan will also be addressed. Parents are encouraged to attend and the presentation will be live-streamed. (Strongsville City Schools via Facebook)
2. Investigators of the Feb. 20 explosion over at the I. Schumann & Co. metal foundry in Bedford said they do not believe the cause to be criminal, though the investigation is ongoing. The initial fire location was found to be in or around furnace No. 5 and furnace experts have been called in to further investigate what triggered the blaze, according to a news release from the Ohio Department of Commerce. Steven Mullins, a 46-year-old maintenance worker, was killed in the explosion. Thirteen other workers were injured. (News 5 Cleveland)
3. The Cuyahoga County plastic bag ban that has been in place since 2022 may start gaining some traction at your favorite retailers in light of a new grant program. Eligible retailers may receive up to $5,000 to fade out plastic bags at checkouts. "It still is in the ordinance; however, the state has set the situation such where we cannot do enforcement, which is why we are pivoting and are doing an education campaign and focusing on the incentives here," program officer Katharyne Starinsky said. The county has given out 48,500 reusable bags and hopes the community continues to phase out its use of plastic bags. (News 5 Cleveland)

Today in Strongsville:

• Donovan Peoples-Jones And David Njoku Autographs At Cleveland Auto Show, Buick GMC Display (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Today (Mar. 1), Toddler Storytime will take place at the Strongsville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library! Toddlers ranging from 19-35 months will be entertained with rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories starting at 10 a.m. (Cuyahoga Library)
• Who doesn't love a crusty loaf and a complimentary glass of wine? Learn how to make your own no-knead artisan bread with just four ingredients during this class starting at 5 p.m today, Mar. 1. (Wine Down & Sweets Cafe event page)
• The Strongsville Women's League is kicking off the month with its general meeting at 7 p.m. today, Mar. 1. Suzanne Ortiz, director of open enrollment programs at Corporate College, a division of Cuyahoga Community College, will discuss professional development, Encore 55+ Learning, and community education opportunities offered by Tri-C. (Strongsville Women's League via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you soon with a new update.

— 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.