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Cuyahoga County buildings including the Administrative Headquarters, the Jane Edna Hunter Building, and the Virgil E. Brown building reopened to the public today, Wednesday, June 25 at noon for normal business. The buildings were previously closed due to a power outage.
Today’s grand opening celebration of the new Cuyahoga County Board of Elections building has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon.

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Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) issued a statement in response to the Ohio House’s election of new Democratic leadership. 

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Leader Isaacsohn and the members of the House Democratic leadership team,” said Antonio. “I look forward to working with Leader Isaacsohn and his team as we continue fighting for opportunity, equity, and an Ohio that works for everyone.”

On Tuesday, the Ohio House of Representatives officially elected the following members to House Democratic leadership roles:

• Rep. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati), House Democratic Leader
• Rep. Phillip M. Robinson, Jr. (D-Solon), House Assistant Democratic Leader
• Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna), House Democratic Whip
• Rep. Desiree Tims (D-Dayton), House Assistant Democratic Whip

While Northeast Ohio faces a sweltering summer heatwave, a story of grit and community from a frigid winter past resurfaces — one tied deeply to a longtime neighborhood institution: Carriage Auto Wash.

A Blizzard to Remember

When a blizzard struck in January 2022, dumping close to 10 inches of snow, Carriage Auto Wash had to temporarily shut down. With snow piling up fast, the crew received an invitation to shovel and help reopen.

Their answer: “When and where?”

Those with four-wheel drives picked up others, grabbed breakfast from McDonald’s, and got to work. Armed with shovels, snowblowers, a plow truck, and even a tractor, the team spent nearly 20 hours over two days digging out the entire property.

But the effort didn’t stop there.

“We helped neighbors get unstuck on Terminal Avenue and W. 150th. We even dug out a hotel shuttle bus trying to reach the airport so passengers could make their flight. That weekend wasn’t about business. It was about community — and I’ll never forget it,” says Owner Eric Schafrick.

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But, the story of Carriage Auto Wash doesn’t begin with a blizzard. It begins in 1970, right here in West Park.

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A West Park Original Since 1970

Originally called Carriage Gas and Wash, the company opened with two locations—one on W. 150th Street and another across from Holy Cross Cemetery on Brookpark Road. It remained under the care of the McGlynn family until 2018.

The current owner who began working at Carriage in 2005 while still in high school, says the business has always been more than a job. 

“I didn’t just grow into the job—I grew up here,” Schafrick says.

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Growing Up & Learning the Ropes

Over the years, the now-owner learned every corner of the car wash — from the tunnel to high-tech control systems — eventually taking full ownership more than a decade later. Carriage Auto Wash has grown in size, scope, and technology — but has never strayed from its local roots.

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A Pioneer in Unlimited Washes

Long before national chains popularized it, Carriage was among the first in the region to offer a Monthly Unlimited Wash program—an innovation that many now take for granted.

“It was a game-changer then—and still is,” says the current owner.

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From Hooks to High-Tech

In its early days, vehicles were pulled through the tunnel with hooks attached to bumpers, scrubbed with coarse brushes, and sprayed with harsh chemicals. Those methods left many wary of automatic washes for years.

“That history created a stigma — that automatic washes are tough on cars. We work every day to change that narrative,” says Schafrick.

Today’s Carriage Auto Wash is powered by a suite of innovations:

• Camera-guided sensors to prevent collisions
  
• Smart switches and timers that conserve water and chemicals
  
• Neoprene friction materials that clean gently and effectively
  
• Queue tracking software to ensure every customer receives the wash they paid for
  
• State-of-the-art chemistry, where “you wouldn’t believe how important a P.H. level is to getting a clean, shiny, dry car,” the owner notes.
  

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Built and Maintained In-House

From welding and plumbing to electrical and IT work, everything at Carriage is maintained in-house. This hands-on approach has led to fewer breakdowns and faster repairs—a key benefit for the wash’s Unlimited Members.

Later this year, the team will install a new conveyor system, engineered and built by their own crew.

In an era where most washes are operated by large corporations or private equity firms, Carriage remains a rare breed: locally owned, locally staffed, and locally invested.

“Many of our team members grew up in West Park. When you visit, you’re not just another car—you’re part of the community,” the owner says. “Chances are, you’ll be greeted by name.”

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Still Standing. Still Shining.

Now more than 50 years strong, Carriage Auto Wash continues to serve its West Park neighbors on W. 150th Street, thriving not just on soap and shine—but on trust, tradition, and tenacity.

The tunnel may be sleeker, the brushes softer, and the software smarter—but the mission remains the same: to treat every customer like part of the family.

Carriage Auto Wash: A Legacy in Photos

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Due to a power outage, Cuyahoga County buildings including the Administrative Headquarters, the Old County Courthouse, the Jane Edna Hunter Building, and the Virgil E. Brown building will be closed to the public today, Tuesday, June 24. The buildings are expected to open tomorrow for normal operations.
A decision will be made by noon regarding today’s County Council meetings.
The Justice Center Complex, including the Cuyahoga County Corrections Center, is affected by the power outage. The Cleveland Thermal Plant, which supplies power to the Justice Center Complex’s chilled water system, lost power, causing the air conditioning system for the complex to go down. Justice and Corrections Center officials are assessing the situation and monitoring temperatures within the facility and will make adjustments as needed to ensure the safety of all staff and residents.
The Cuyahoga County Administration will remain in close contact with the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Public Power, and Cleveland Thermal as this situation develops. 

PRESS RELEASE

On June 17, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) celebrated the over $7.5 million investment in school safety infrastructure awarded by the Ohio Department of Transportation. 

“This crucial investment in our schools follows through with the legislature’s promise to ensure a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for communities across the state,” said Antonio.

Over 24 projects across the state were chosen to receive funding through ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program. This funding was secured after Leader Antonio and Senate Democrats advocated for the program to be included in House Bill 54, the state’s Transportation Budget.

Among those included in this round of funding were:

• Bike Cleveland, which trains Cleveland Metropolitan School District physical education teachers to deliver high-quality bicycle and pedestrian safety education to K–8 students,
• Lakewood City Schools to promote Hike & Bike Week, a year-round active transportation, and school/community-wide safety initiative, and;
• The City of Cleveland to design and build separated bike lanes on East 55th Street between Outhwaite Avenue and Lake Erie.

More information on the Safe Routes to Schools program can be found here.

The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) is alerting residents and community partners after a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 viral levels was detected in untreated wastewater samples collected from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s (NEORSD) Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Recent monitoring results show a high and increasing trend in SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), triggering notification thresholds established by the Ohio Department of Health. The alert was issued after a sample showed a more than 250% increase in million gene copies per day (MGC/D) compared to the average of the previous month’s samples—indicating a strong likelihood of increased community spread in the coming days or weeks.
Additional findings from the same sample also revealed high levels of influenza, which is also trending upward and high levels of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), though RSV data is still in its baseline collection phase.

“Increasing viral concentrations in wastewater are often a leading indicator of future spikes in illness, hospitalizations, and transmission throughout the community,” said Director of Public Health Dr. David Margolius. “This data provides us with an early warning system, and we’re encouraging residents and institutions to take preventive steps now.”

75 Erieview Plaza
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1839
www.clevelandhealth.org

What Residents Should Know:

• Wastewater data reflects community infection trends, including among people who may not seek testing or show
  symptoms.
• We urge residents to consider getting vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19 and influenza.
• Individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms should consider themselves contagious and stay home or wear a mask
  if they need to leave the house.
  CDPH will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. For the latest public health
  information, visit clevelandoh.gov/health or follow us on social media.

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The City of Cleveland is proud to announce that it has officially signed the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), joining a coalition of 300 cities worldwide committed to developing sustainable and equitable urban food systems. This milestone comes as Cleveland completes it’s first-ever Food Policy Landscape & Audit, a tool for understanding the city’s food landscape and setting a path for coordinated action.
The audit, conducted over the past year in partnership with the Harvard Law School Food Law & Policy Clinic, examines policies and programs across the city’s food system. It provides an initial assessment of where Cleveland is succeeding and where there are gaps. The findings now serve as a baseline as Cleveland steps into global collaboration through the Milan Pact.
“The health of our city starts with the health of our people — and that means rethinking how we grow, share, and access food in every Cleveland neighborhood,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “Food is not just a basic need — it’s a foundation for opportunity, dignity, and resilience. By completing this audit and joining the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, we’re making a clear commitment: to center equity in our food system, to invest in our local economy, and to build a future where all Clevelanders can thrive.”
By signing the Milan Pact, Cleveland is aligning itself with six key areas of action: governance, sustainable diets and nutrition, social and economic equity, food production, food supply and distribution, and food waste. The city will use the audit’s recommendations to develop a clear roadmap for progress in each area.
Key Opportunities as a Signatory of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact:
 Access to global best practices and peer learning to strengthen Cleveland’s food system
 Support for policy innovation in areas like sustainable public procurement, circular food
systems, and inclusive food governance
 Tools to track progress through the MUFPP Monitoring Framework
 Elevated visibility and leadership on the world stage as a city advancing food justice, public health, and climate resilience
“Joining the Milan Pact gives Cleveland a new platform for learning, sharing, and growing,” said Zainab Pixler, the City’s Local Food Systems Strategies Coordinator. “Together with the Food Policy Landscape & Audit, we now have a clearer picture of what’s working and where we have room to grow. This is an important step toward building food sovereignty here in Cleveland.”

The second portion of the Food Policy Landscape & Audit, a deep dive into key areas of improvement, will be published in June.
Learn more about the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact: https://www.milanurbanfoodpolicypact.org/
To access the Food Policy Landscape & Audit, visit https://www.notion.so/Cleveland-s-Local-Food-Policy-Landscape-Audit-1df8944e923b80c6bc38dd9211abde79.

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The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) is committed to improving the quality of life of City residents by promoting healthy behavior, protecting the environment, preventing disease, and making the City a healthy place to live, work, and play.
CDPH offers a range of programs, including clinical, environmental, health promotion, and population-based services.

Our mission is to promote and protect the health and well-being of residents, communities, and partners in the City of Cleveland. Our vision is to be the most responsive, trusted, and impactful health department in the country. For more information, please visit
www.clevelandhealth.org.

PRESS RELEASE

The Cuyahoga County Office of Child Support Services has launched new online tools for document signatures and live chat, aimed at making the agency more accessible and easier to use for parents and getting resources to children faster.

“New and improved resources give families better options and access to child support services,” said Tiffany Dobbins-Brazelton, Director of the Cuyahoga County Office of Child Support Services. “By implementing DocuSign and chat support through our website, the Office of Child Support Services is increasing the ways in which people can access the resources they need.”

DocuSign is a software platform that allows users to electronically sign and manage documents. It is being used by the Office of Child Support Services for the Application for Child Support Services and Hearing Waivers. Both forms can be accessed on the Office of Child Support Services website, replacing some manual paper-based processes and eliminating the need to print, mail or be physically present at the agency to file these documents.  

Live Chat support is now available to assist clients with basic questions regarding child support services. Individuals seeking guidance about how to establish a support order, how to make support payments, or similar matters can chat with an agent Monday – Friday between 10 AM – 2 PM. The chat option is available on the Office of Child Support Services website. For more in-depth case-specific questions, individuals are encouraged to call the Contact Center at (216) 443-5100.

Lorain-Triskett Locksmiths Inc., 15802 Lorain Ave., has been a trusted name in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood for decades, serving many Clevelanders from its longstanding storefront.

While the original brick-and-mortar location no longer providing in-person services, Lorain-Triskett Locksmiths continues to serve the community through its mobile locksmith offerings. This transition allows them to bring their trusted expertise directly to customers’ doors, offering greater convenience in today’s fast-paced world. ​

Customers have praised their professionalism and reliability. One reviewer noted: “… Bob is my knight in shining armor! Arrived in a jiffy! Promptly solved my problem at a very reasonable price…” ​

Lorain-Triskett Locksmiths Inc. can be reached for mobile service at (216) 252-3336.

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Tuesday, April 8 was Library Legislative Day. A delegation of 10 Cleveland Public Library (CPL) staff along with a CPL trustee and a patron met with legislators in the House and Senate to advocate for continued funding for Ohio’s libraries. The timing was significant given the proposed changes to library funding unveiled in the House budget last week.

Thank you to each and every one of you who contacted your representatives and for speaking up on behalf of Cleveland Public Library. Your efforts paid off. Over 9,000 messages were sent. Your stories made a difference. Our voices were heard, and progress was made. The Ohio House changed their budget bill.

The state budget is now with the Senate, and the process will not be completed until the end of June. There is still work to be done. We will continue to work alongside our fellow library systems to advocate for the restoration of the Public Library Fund (PLF) to 1.75% per Governor DeWine’s proposed budget.

Thank you to each and every one of you who contacted your representatives and for speaking up on behalf of Cleveland Public Library.

What can you do? 

Stay engaged. Share your story with us! These stories make a difference. Share why you love your library, a personal story about what the library means to you, or how the library has helped you and your family.

Stay tuned for our advocacy newsletter, launching in May to stay informed about our work and how you can support our efforts.

Thank you for believing in libraries.

PRESS RELEASE

The Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building is a landmark in downtown Cleveland, and stands as a symbol of public service, justice, and civil rights. The federal workers employed there play a vital role in contributing to the economic stability and growth of the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. The County administration is aware of the discussions surrounding the potential sale of the building and has been in contact with federal officials. Cuyahoga County urges leadership within the federal government to reinvest in the building to ensure that all federal jobs are retained in our urban core.