Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Cuyahoga County / July 24, 2025

💦 Lake debate drama

Cuyahoga County • July 24, 2025

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Good morning, Cuyahoga County. The waters that have shaped our region's history are once again at the center of community debate. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District's recommendation to drain the historic 17-acre Lower Lake represents a complete reversal from earlier preservation plans, with officials citing $5 million in potential savings. This contentious decision echoes the 2019 Horseshoe Lake draining that similarly divided residents who treasure these century-old waterways.

Meanwhile, a nostalgic wave washes over Cleveland as Jeannie Emser Schultz's new memoir "As the Stage Turned" revives memories of the legendary Front Row Theatre. From 1974 to 1993, this innovative theater-in-the-round hosted luminaries like Sammy Davis Jr. and Michael Jackson, with audiences just 59 feet from its unique rotating stage. Elsewhere, community tension builds as Cincinnati hospital chaplain Ayman Soliman's asylum case draws hundreds of supporters to a Cleveland courtroom, with his bond decision postponed until July 29.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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💧 Historic Lower Lake Dam faces removal, sparking controversy. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District plans to recommend draining the 17-acre Lower Lake in Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights to prevent catastrophic flooding along Doan Brook. This marks a complete reversal from earlier plans to replace the 19th-century structure while preserving the lake. Officials cite new cost estimates showing $5 million in savings by removing the dam ($37.9 million) versus replacing it ($43.4 million). The decision echoes the contentious 2019 draining of nearby Horseshoe Lake, which similarly faced strong community opposition from residents who cherish these historic waterways.

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🎭 Cleveland's legendary Front Row Theatre turns in a new memoir. Jeannie Emser Schultz's book "As the Stage Turned" chronicles her time as marketing director at the innovative theater-in-the-round that operated from 1974 to 1993. The Highland Heights venue hosted major stars like Sammy Davis Jr., Michael Jackson, and Robin Williams, with its unique rotating stage placing audiences just 59 feet from performers. Schultz shares colorful backstage stories, from celebrity demands to memorable mishaps, before the beloved theater eventually closed as entertainment shifted back downtown.

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🕌 Imam's asylum revocation sparks national outcry and legal battle. Ayman Soliman, a Cincinnati hospital chaplain, had his asylum revoked over disputed terrorism connections to an Egyptian charity, despite neither the organization nor the Muslim Brotherhood being designated terrorist groups. A federal immigration judge postponed his bond decision until July 29, leaving supporters who packed the Cleveland courtroom disappointed. The case has generated significant backlash from Ohio Democrats, Cincinnati officials, and religious leaders, with hundreds protesting his detention. Supporters suggest his 2021 lawsuit against the government for FBI background check issues may have triggered retaliatory immigration enforcement.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Historic gem modern amenities: Priced at $625,000, this century home in Ohio City offers a rare combination of historic charm and modern updates, featuring 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on a generous 0.35-acre lot with recent improvements including a new roof, A/C, and hot water tank.
Real estate listing image Posh brick ranch huge value: This Middleburg Heights brick ranch is listed at $354,900, featuring hardwood floors, updated kitchen with stainless appliances, three bedrooms, and a finished basement, all set on a magnificently landscaped lot.
Real estate listing image Vintage lakefront gem needs updating: This lakefront Shaker Heights oasis, listed at $750,000, boasts panoramic water views through floor-to-ceiling windows, with five bedrooms, multiple entertaining spaces, and mid-century modern charm untouched since 1973.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎵 Jul. 25 - Bluegrass at Oxbow Farm: Stomp your feet to Cleveland bluegrass at Final Fridays! Cuyahoga Current plays at Oxbow Farm on July 25, with farm tours, shopping, and Lionforce BBQ. Just $10-20 suggested donation for local music.
🍽️ Jul. 25 - Dinner with History Slice: Step back in time at the International Women's Air & Space Museum for "Dinner With a Slice of History" on July 25! Enjoy a meal while authors Sue Morris and Brian Butko share fascinating stories.
🎵 Jul. 25 - Old Skool Summer Jam: Get ready to groove at Fairview Park Summerfest with OLD SKOOL! This high-energy Cleveland band brings their legendary tight sound to Bohlken Park on July 25. A summer night of unforgettable fun awaits!
🎭 Jul. 25 - Earthquake Comedy Show: Laugh until you shake at the Funny Bone Comedy Club when stand-up juggernaut Earthquake brings his "legendary" comedy to Cleveland on July 25. The New York Times-acclaimed comedian is on fire!
🍽️ Jul. 25 - Free Kids Summer Lunch: Hungry kids, head to Parma-Snow Branch! The Greater Cleveland Food Bank serves free lunches to anyone 18 and under Monday through Friday all summer long. Stop by 2121 Snow Rd on July 25!
🌮 Jul. 26 - Cleveland Tequila Fest: Sip and groove at Cleveland Tequila Fest 2025 with Sun King Warriors! Join the 12th annual celebration at Voinovich Bicentennial Park on July 26th, from 3-9pm, for a summer evening of spirits and music.
🎸 Jul. 26 - Pretty & Punk Fest: Get ready to rock at Pretty & Punk Fest! The Grog Shop transforms into Cleveland's hottest venue on July 26, with doors opening at 5:30 PM for an unforgettable night of music.
🤣 Jul. 27 - Comedy Cookout For Pets: Laugh for a cause at Comedy Cookout! Just $15 gets you comedy, trivia, and raffle fun at Cleveland Winery on July 27, with proceeds helping Memphis Ave Animal Shelter.
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