LATEST LOCAL NEWS

North Royalton and Strongsville

Mike Farrell is now the city's Ward 4 councilman.

City Council approved his appointment at its Jan. 6 meeting.

Former Ward 4 Councilman Kurt McKee resigned effective Dec. 19 due to his moving out of the city.

City administrators in North Royalton and Strongsville offer insights into their goals, plans and challenges for 2009.
NORTH ROYALTON
The city historically has been conservative in working with its annual budget and planning ahead.
The year of 2009 will be slightly different -- leaders will be even more vigilant.
"We are cautiously optimistic that 2009 will be like this year (2008)," said North Royalton Mayor Robert A. Stefanik. "We're taking a real conservative approach. We have a lean operation here."

Despite a rather orderly traffic jam early Monday morning at the high school, some signalization changes were made Tuesday to aid motorists in their quest to reach classes or work.
This is the first week 1,000 of the North Royalton high students who used to ride district buses had to find their own way to school. The district cut high school busing due to the failure of a 5.9-mill levy in November.
Police Chief Paul M. Bican said Monday the re-timing of the Royal Ridge/Ridge traffic light will permit more efficient southbound traffic. He also said school zone lights will flash earlier in the day to remind motorists that they must drive 20 mph.

Your child's coloring skills can win you free tax return preparation from H&R Block in North Royalton.
The H&R Block office at 6090 Royalton Road will host a youth coloring contest and open house on National Tax Advice Day, Jan. 17.
Parents are encouraged to bring their tax questions and their young artists to the open house for fun and refreshments.
Prizes will be awarded in two age groups: 5 to 8 and 9 to 12, with the grand prize winner receiving a free tax return for his or her family.

A Westlake man has been indicted on four counts in connection with a collision that badly injured a Strongsville woman Dec. 4.
David Sides, 46, was charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular assault and two counts of drunken driving, according to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason.

Southern Hills Community Church, 13511 W. 130th Street in North Royalton, will have two free showings of the movie "Fireproof" at 3 and 7 p.m. Jan. 24.
Doors open 30 minutes before each showing. Child care will be provided during both.
Tickets are free, but must be requested in advance as seating is limited. E-mail your ticket request to tickets@southernhillschurch.com, indicating the show time, number of tickets needed, and number of children and their ages for child care, as well as your name and phone number.
For information, call (440) 877-1479 or visit www.southernhillschurch.com.

Pat Catan's is helping support the Warm Up America Foundation in January and February by creating and distributing knitted and crocheted afghans to local charities and relief agencies.
The public can participate in several ways:
• Drop off odds and ends of their old yarn.
• Knit or crochet 7-by-9-inch sections.
• Volunteer to assemble the knitted sections into afghans.
• Help to donate the finished afghans to local charities.
Individuals, churches, scout troops, school groups and others are invited to participate.
To get involved, contact Pat Catan's, 14225 Pearl Road, Strongsville, (440) 238-1190.