🌱 Transportation Budget Passed + Strongsville Dentist Convicted

Hi all. Danielle Fallon-O'Leary here with your weekend edition of the Strongsville Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A mix of snow and rain. High: 45 Low: 34.
• Saturday: Cloudy, a bit of snow; windy. High: 41 Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories in Strongsville today:

1. Ohio's transportation budget of $12.6 billion has been passed, which includes plans for potential Amtrak connection between Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The budget includes funds for various projects such as road, bridge and pavement projects to reduce congestion and train safety. Although there are concerns from the Republican party about investing in trains, there is optimism that the Senate will approve the budget. (The Columbus Dispatch)
2. Strongsville dentist Douglas Smith was sentenced to four years of prison after being convicted of tax evasion and criminal contempt in court. This is not Smith's first run of attempting evasion, as court records show that Smith had attempted to evade paying taxes from 2004 to 2012, as well as from 2014 to 2017. He has failed to file for a tax return since 1992. After several warnings by the IRS authorities seized approximately $250,000 from his Columbus Station home after not paying income tax. Smith tried to avoid payment through multiple methods including a trust account as well as filing for bankruptcy. (The Highland County Press)
3. The Strongsville Community Band will hold a free concert at Strongsville Middle School auditorium on Mar. 5 at 3 p.m. The program will feature a variety of music genres, including traditional Jewish songs performed in "klezmer style" and music from Les Misérables, with guest vocalist Carl Fernstrum. All are welcome to attend the event. (The City of Strongsville)

Today and tomorrow in Strongsville:

Friday, March 3

• Lucky Wine Globe - Carso Rosso Winery (12:30 PM)
• Italian Village - Italian Village Restaurant (6:00 PM)
• A New Dawn - Painting With A Twist (6:30 PM)

Saturday, March 4

• GriefShare Grief Recovery Support Group - St. Joseph Catholic Church (10:00 AM)
• Saturday Crafter-Noon - Strongsville Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library (2:00 PM)
• Abstract Flower Pour Painting - 20771 Rudy Dr. (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In case you missed it: The City of Strongsville's March Newsletter has been released. Take a look on the city's website. (The City of Strongsville)
• Strongsville Police's very own Officer Aaron and some high school DARE Role Models visited Surrarer Elementary and spoke with some of the fifth graders and what peer pressure situations they may run into growing up. (Strongsville Police Department via Facebook)
• Strongsville Firefighters IAFF Local 2882 is sending their deepest condolences to the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282 team and the loss of one of their members. Lost is never easy to cope with. Please keep the members of Local 282 in your thoughts. (Strongsville Firefighters IAFF Local 2882 via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• 2023 Cuyahoga County Solar Co-op Online and In Person Info Session (March 9)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! I'll be in your inbox soon with another 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.