ICAN! Program Vying

For State Award

The ICAN! program is a network of parents, residents, and City employees working together to provide adaptive athletic, fitness, recreational, and social activities for individuals with physical, sensory, and/or developmental disabilities.

The Independence Community Adapted Network! (ICAN!) program is one of three finalists for the 2023 Governor's Award sponsored by the Ohio Park and Recreation Association (OPRA). The Medina County Park District's Brown-Trump Homestead and Metroparks Toledo's Glass City Metropark were also selected for the award from among 13 first-place category award winners.

The award winner will be announced and the award presented at the OPRA annual awards dinner on February 6 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky.

Primary School Principal

To Lead OAESA

Independence Primary School (IPS) Principal TJ Ebert has been elected as the 2024-25 Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) President Elect. 

Ebert has been actively involved with OAESA for more than 10 years and will serve as President for the next three years.

City Hall Will Be Closed

To Observe MLK Jr. Day

In observance of the federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 15, City Hall will be closed but the Police, Fire, Community Services, Recreation Departments, and library, will be open regular hours.

There will be no trash collection on Monday, January 15. All trash and recycling will be delayed by one day and picked up on Tuesday,

January 16.

Independence Local Schools and other local school districts will be closed. All federal, state, and county government offices will be closed. Post offices will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery.

Wellness Week Concludes,

8 Dimensions Continue

Drum & Tone is a drum-based fitness class for all levels that is sure to get you moving

and burning calories.

Hopefully you're still sticking to your New Year's Resolution if you resolved to improve your wellness and fitness routines.

Wellness Week concludes today. This week, and all year long, the Community Services Department incorporates eight (8) dimensions of wellness: Social, Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, Financial, Occupational, Intellectual, and Environmental into a comprehensive wellness plan.

See how you can continue to make changes to your routine by calling Community Services at 216.524.7373.

Lt. Chuck Wilson, Brother

Det. Randy Wilson Retiring

Top photo: I had the honor of recently retiring the badge of Lt. Chuck Wilson. Bottom photo: I also was honored to swear him in to the Police Department on January 14, 1992. - Photos courtesy of the Independence Police Department

Independence Police Department Lieutenant Chuck Wilson and his brother, Detective Randy Wilson, are set to retire this month after long and successful law enforcement careers.

Lt. Chuck Wilson, who honorably served the City of Independence for 35 years, heard his Last Radio Call on January 2, 2024, officially making him a retired Police Officer.

He was joined by his family and co-workers who listened to his Last Radio Call and wished him well upon his retirement.

Det. Randy Wilson served the City of Independence for 33 years and joins his brother among the retirement ranks later this month.

Here's wishing both Chuck and Randy Wilson good health and a happy retirement.

Chinese New Year

Bus Trip Rescheduled

Community Services' Chinese New Year bus trip has been rescheduled for February 18.

That means you have an additional week to sign up for this fun trip through the heart of Cleveland's Asia Town!

Enjoy a wonderful meal at Cleveland's Li Wah restaurant, which also presents traditional entertainment including the Lion Dance.

Bring your family and enjoy a night of culture right here in Northeast Ohio!

Call 216.524.7373 to register

or click here.

Pleasant Valley Road

Bridges Project Under Way

City Engineer Don Ramm provided this update on the Rehabilitation of Pleasant Valley Road Project.

The project began on Monday, January 8 along East Pleasant Valley Road and will continue for the next three years.

The following three (3) bridges are being replaced with this $29 million dollar project:

The bridge over Old Riverview Road; bridge over the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad; and the bridge over the Cuyahoga River

Please direct your questions or concerns to the Independence Engineering Department at 216.524.1374 or by email: engineering@independenceohio.org

Details also can be found by clicking here.

Weekly Finance Review

Read Finance Director Vern Blaze’s Financial Updates for January 12, 2024 here.

How To Subscribe

If you know someone who would like to subscribe to Mayor Kurtz’s Weekly Updates, please ask them

to email their name to: cityhall@independenceohio.org.