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Police Department

Honors Retired Officers

Standing L-R: Chief Robert Butler, Andrew Belin, Nicholas Amato, Joseph Coyne, Jordan Krucek, Jason Berger, John Smith, Mark Hoprich, and Joe Vanecek.

Seated L-R: Don Strainer, Paul Luikart, Tim Franko, Mike Furlan, and Joe Furlan. Not pictured is Dan Anders.

L-R: John Smith and Don Strainer reminisce during the luncheon.

The Independence Police Department honored its retired Police Officers during the second annual IPD Retirees Luncheon on May 15 at the Civic Center. Retirees were also introduced to new IPD Officers Andrew Belin, Nicholas Amato, Joseph Coyne, and Jordan Krucek.


The retired Officers honored were Dan Anders, Jason Berger, Tim Franko, Joe Furlan, Mike Furlan, Mark Hoprich, Paul Luikart, John Smith, Don Strainer, and Joe Vanecek.


Police Chief Robert Butler planned the event to coincide with National Police Appreciation Week when the country recognizes law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Officers who continue to serve and protect communities every day were also recognized.


The IPD retirees were reminded that they have not been forgotten and their hard work during so many years help to build the strong foundation for the IPD's current operations that make Independence the premier community it is today.

Residents Can Support

Slain Euclid Officer, Family

Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin

was killed on May 11.

Police Departments from throughout Northeast Ohio will gather to honor and remember slain Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin on Saturday, May 18. The 23-year-old Derbin was shot and killed on May 11 when he and other Officers responded to a disturbance call in Euclid. 


Funeral services will be held at St. Columbkille Church on Broadview Road in Parma on Saturday, May 18 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. 


Afterward, the procession will travel east on Rockside Road from Broadview Road at approximately 12:45 PM. The procession will continue along Rockside Road then turn north into Cuyahoga Heights for burial in St. Mary Cemetery.


Those wishing to show their support of Officer Derbin and his family can set up chairs along Rockside Road or Brecksville Road (north of Rockside Road) to view the procession.


The Independence Police Department expects heavy traffic in the area on Saturday from about 9 AM to 1 PM because of the events surrounding Officer Derbin’s funeral. Traffic will be very heavy and stopped for the entirety of the procession. It is estimated that traffic will be affected or stopped for one to two hours.


If you planned to shop or run errands on Saturday, please make arrangements now if you want to avoid the traffic. Please be patient with your fellow drivers.

Information Meeting Set

For IHS Boys Varsity Soccer

The Independence High School Boys Varsity Soccer team will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, May 21 from 6 to 7:30 PM in the Independence High School Media Center.


The meeting will welcome returning and new players to the team. For information, contact Coach Brien McDonald at brienamcdonald@gmail.com.

Grace Brothers CSA

To Launch New Season

Healthy family meals start with fresh produce.

Grace Brothers Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is excited to kick off the CSA season on Tuesday, May 28. Grace Brothers brings fresh, locally-grown produce straight to the Independence community again this year.


Pickups will be Fridays May 31-October 25 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at Independence Middle School. 


Do you want to learn more about the benefits of eating locally-grown produce? Grace Brothers' representatives will host an informational meeting on Monday, June 3 at 7 PM at the Cuyahoga County Public Library's Independence Branch, 6361 Selig Drive.


For more information, visit www.shopgracebros.com/community-supported-agriculture or click here.

Meeting Set To Discuss

Property Reappraisals

Fiscal officers and state licensed appraisers have been reviewing properties across Cuyahoga County.

The fiscal team of Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne is scheduling several public information meetings to discuss the Sexennial Reappraisal process.

 

The meeting for our County Council District 6 will be held on Thursday, May 30 from 6 to 8 PM at the Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Parkway in Solon.


Residents who own property will be receiving a Proposed Valuation Notice in July. The May 30 community meeting in Solon will prepare residents for any potential change in their property value and provide resources within Cuyahoga County to help with property tax payments.


This meeting is a great opportunity to ask questions of the Cuyahoga County staff and find out more about the appraisal process, reviews, and appeals.

 

For information on the Sexennial Reappraisal, visit //cuyahogacounty.gov/sexennialreappraisal or click here.

Athletic Boosters Club

Hosts Annual Walk Around

The Independence High School softball team benefits from funds raised during the Walk Around.

On Monday, May 20 Independence High School student athletes will participate in the Independence Athletic Boosters Club's annual door-to-door Walk Around fund-raising event.


The Boosters appreciate the community's continued support as this event makes up about 35% of the funds for the upcoming school year. Donations can be made in person, by mail, or electronically through the Boosters' website: iab.ptboard.com.


Rain date is planned for Tuesday, May 21. The Boosters and the student athletes appreciate your support!

Outdoor Pool Set To Open;

Get Your Pool Passes Now

The outdoor pool is always a popular spot in the City during the summer months.

Let the countdown begin! The City's outdoor pool will open on Sunday, May 26, weather permitting.


If you want to make a splash with your family, be sure to purchase your pool passes today and avoid the lines.


For information about pool passes, call 216.524.3262.

Rain Doesn't Dampen

Spirits At Fishing Derby

Children braved the wind and rain to catch fish in Elmwood Pond.

The raindrops were falling, and the fish were biting on May 11 at Elmwood Park for the Independence Kiwanis Club's annual Bob and Donna Agan Fishing Derby. 


Families came prepared with umbrellas, rain boots, and other gear. There were prizes and raffles, and a good time was had by all. 


Thank you, Independence Kiwanis Club for all you do for our community.

Red Cross Schedules

Several Blood Drives

Make an appointment if you plan to donate blood.

The American Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to ensure patients at hospitals nationwide continue to receive critical medical care.


Two blood drives will be held in Independence this month. The first is Saturday, May 18 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Elmwood Park Recreation Building. The second is Tuesday, May 28 from Noon to 6 PM at the Civic Center.


Donors must be 17 years of age (16 with parental permission) or older. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or another form of photo identification. Appointments are strongly recommended and can be made at www.redcrossblood.org or by clicking here.

Upcoming City Council

& Committee Meetings

May 21

Special City Council Meeting, 3 PM

Finance Committee, 3:30 PM


June 4

Planning Commission, 5:30 PM


June 6

Civil Service Commission, 9 AM

Architectural Review Board, 3 PM


June 11

City Council Caucus, 5 PM

Followed by City Council Meeting


June 20

Architectural Review Board, 3 PM

Board of Zoning Appeals, 5:30 PM

School Leaders Address

State Of The Schools

L-R: Cuyahoga Heights' new Superintendent Tim Young, Independence High School Principal Mike Janatovich, Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Superintendent Dave Mangas, and Dr. Robert Mengerink, Superintendent of the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio comprised the panel.

Three local superintendents and a high school principal addressed the State of the Schools during a panel discussion on May 15 hosted by the Cuyahoga Valley Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at the Holiday Inn Cleveland South in Independence.


Independence High School Principal Mike Janatovich joined Matt Young, the new Superintendent of Cuyahoga Heights Schools, Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Superintendent Dave Mangas, and Dr. Robert Mengerink, Superintendent of the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio for the discussion. Long-time Cleveland radio personality Ed "Flash" Ferenc moderated the discussion.


Independence Superintendent Ben Hegedish resigned in April and new Superintendent Kelli Cogan will start in August.


These leaders shared news and addressed issues facing schools today.

Check Out The

Weekly Finance Review


Read Finance Director Vern Blaze’s Financial Update for May 17, 2024 by clicking here.

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