Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What do FirstEnergy’s new Lakewood upgrades really mean for your power?

Also, don't miss Dean Johnson on the Lakewood Patch calendar

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Friday September 18th Patch AM
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Good morning Lakewood! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What do FirstEnergy's new Lakewood upgrades really mean for your power?
  • How Lakewood schools plan to boost next year's state report card.
  • How Lakewood dads joined a countywide walk to support their kids.

Also on today's calendar: Winter Houseplant Care Happy Hour and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partly sunny and less humid, with a high of 73 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Saturday: A shower and thunderstorm, temps: high: 72, low: 67.
  • Sunday: Humid with rain and a t-storm, with a high of 70 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. LAKEWOOD: FirstEnergy outlines plan (westlifenews.com) — FirstEnergy is rolling out major upgrades to the Lakewood substation and local lines after months of criticism over frequent, lengthy outages. New transformers, pole upgrades, smart meters, and extensive tree trimming are underway, even as state regulators investigate aging equipment and propose penalties, with work expected to continue through 2026 and aimed at cutting outage times for Lakewood customers.
   

2. Lakewood City Schools Reaffirms Commitment To Continuous Improvement Following Ohio School Report Card Release (lakewoodobserver.com) — Lakewood City Schools just received a 3.5-star rating on Ohio's latest school report card, with standout 5-star marks for graduation and strong scores in achievement and gap closing. District leaders explain a dip in the Progress metric, outline how statewide gains affected the score, and detail curriculum and support changes they're using to keep improving Lakewood students' outcomes.
   

3. Fathers Walk sees 25,000 dads walking kids to school (cleveland19.com) — Lakewood families joined thousands across Cuyahoga County for the Fathers Walk, where dads and father figures walked children to school, including at Emerson Elementary in Lakewood. Organizers emphasized how involved fathers can improve kids' outcomes and used the event to highlight year-round fatherhood programs and a county helpline that connects men with support services.
   

4. November 4, 1934 — August 24, 2026 (vashonbeachcomber.com) — A woman who grew up in Lakewood and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1952 is remembered for a life of teaching, scholarship, and adventure that took her from Cambridge to Vashon Island and Japan. Her obituary highlights her academic achievements, dedication to students, love of travel and baseball, and the family members and causes that meant the most to her.
   

5. State audit shows Ohio energy prices up 30% (news5cleveland.com) — Lakewood residents frustrated by repeated FirstEnergy outages are now seeing their concerns echoed in a new state audit that found Ohio electricity prices have jumped 34% since 2022 and regulators lack a solid plan for rising demand. Lawmakers are split over who's to blame, with some defending the utilities commission's adjustment period and others criticizing long-term policies that limited cheaper renewable projects.
   

📸 Around Lakewood

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakewood

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📣 Lakewood Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost And Found Pets
    Found Pet Alert: Looking to Reunite Dog with Owner This dog was picked up as a stray and is located at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter (CCAS) and… (Nextdoor )
  • Hello neighbors!
    I hope everyone is doing well. I'm currently seeking new career opportunities and would sincerely appreciate any leads or connections. I hold a… (Nextdoor Hayes Elementary)
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Lakewood. Apply here.
  • Savers Value Village posted a job opening for Retail Warehouse & Production Associate in Rocky River. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakewood here.

Ok Lakewood! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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