There is more to Valentine’s Day than just hearts and candy

By SHERI STAFFORD Contributing Writer

On February 14, cards, chocolates, flowers, and other gifts will be exchanged as an expression of love, but there is more to the story than just hearts and candy. The tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day has roots that date as far back as the third and fourth century AD, and through the course of time, the holiday has become synonymous with love.

The story of how Saint Valentine earned his title is unclear. Although there is more than one St. Valentine noted in history, they have something in common; they were martyrs. Perhaps the most ....

Beware of current cell phone scams Beware of current cell phone scams

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK Contributing Writer

As with many things, with benefits comes responsibility. Cell phones provide accessibility and connectivity, but cell phone users need to be vigilant. Scams regarding cell phones have increased as the utilization and reliance on cell phone technology increases.

A recent release from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) alerts to an increasing occurrence of a scam involving cell phones, called the One-Ring Phone Scam. According to the BBB, “perpetrators of this scam program their computers to blast out thousands of calls to random cell phone ....

Planning Commission to take over ARB duties

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK

Contributing Writer The North Royalton City Council unanimously adopted legislation that will disband the city’s Architectural Review Board and incorporate the duties into the Planning Commission. The legislation was first introduced at the December 17 meeting and referred to the Planning Commission, as well as the City Council Building and Building Codes Committee. The Building and Building Codes Committee approved the legislation on January 21 and the Planning Commission recommended approval at their January 29 meeting.

According to the city’s codified o ....

School Board votes to place bond issue on May ballot

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK Contributing Writer

The North Royalton Board of Education approved the placement of a 35-year, $49.8 million bond issue for the May 6 ballot. This will be the third time that a school bond issue will be placed on the ballot, after failing in November of 2012 and 2013. If passed in May, it will be first collected in 2015. School District officials note that the bond issue can be used only for facilities costs. By law, it cannot fund operational expenses and salaries. According to district officials, the bond issue would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $7.50 pe ....

JAN 28 2014 NR AND STRONGSVILLE TO OFFER JOINT SAFETY DISPATCH SERVICE

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK Contributing Writer

Legislation was introduced at the January 21 City Council meeting that would approve an agreement with the city of North Royalton and the city of Strongsville that would, in effect, consolidate the two cities’ safety dispatch services. The agreement is in response to a 2012 mandate from the state of Ohio to pare down the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) by 2018. Cuyahoga County, by far, has the most PSAPs in the state.

Ohio Law as passed by Substitute House Bill 360 mandates that the 45 dispatch centers, supporting 54 jurisdictions, ....

JAN 16 2014 EYESORE IN TOWN CENTER IS TORN DOWN

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK Contributing Writer

City officials have made some headway in their three-pronged process to revive the corner of State and Royalton Road. Clean up, clear title and redevelop. The old Clark station at that corner has finally been demolished, according to North Royalton Community Development Director Tom Jordan. "One company removed the gas tanks on the property, starting on December 20 and finishing up just before Christmas," said Jordan. "The other company tore down the building on December 27. It's not entirely down, though. We are waiting for soil samples to come b ....