fox 8 Morning Digest: Ice jam flooding along the Chagrin River prompts closures, strikes and school leadership changes
Good Morning. This is the latest for Wednesday, February 18 (ET): thawing ice has produced river ice jams and localized flooding, municipal services face labor action, and a school board will select an interim superintendent tonight. Below are the key developments to watch this morning.
Ice jam flooding along the Chagrin River forces park and road closures
Warm overnight temperatures triggered thawing along local waterways, and broken river ice has piled up in places, producing ice jams and localized flooding. Overnight video captured floodwaters overtopping the banks near the Chagrin Tavern and along King Street in Eastlake. Large ice chunks that broke upstream on the Grand River have been cited by emergency crews as a cause of downstream blockages.
Park authorities have closed parts of the Grand River Metroparks after water levels exceeded banks, and personnel warned that incoming rain this Wednesday could worsen conditions. Crews are monitoring vulnerable low-lying roads. Front Street between Broad Boulevard and Sackett Avenue in Cuyahoga Falls is closed to northbound traffic while work continues, and Canal Road beneath the Pleasant Valley Bridge in Valley View remains shut through the end of the week as crews evaluate safety and drainage.
Emergency responders advise residents in flood-prone areas to avoid driving through standing water and to move to higher ground if water begins to encroach on properties. Fire department crews are staging equipment near known choke points on rivers to respond quickly if ice jams release suddenly and floodwaters surge.
Labor strike begins at Lorain County jobs and family services; mediation stalled
Members of the county jobs and family services workforce are initiating a strike this morning after contract talks reached an impasse. Negotiations had been centered on wage increases and backpay dating to last September, when the previous contract lapsed. The county’s latest proposal offered cumulative annual raises totaling 12% over three years plus performance incentive opportunities, while union representatives pressed for higher base adjustments and retroactive compensation.
Service disruptions are possible where picket lines and reduced staffing affect routine operations. County leaders and union negotiators remain in contact but have not reached a new agreement prior to the walkout. Residents who rely on county services are advised to check local notices or contact office numbers during business hours for updates on in-person appointments and emergency assistance options.
Midview Board to name interim superintendent tonight; Toni Morrison birthday celebrations planned
The Midview Board of Education will appoint an interim superintendent at a 6 p. m. ET meeting tonight at Midview Middle School. The action follows the board’s move to relieve Dr. Frank Major of duty on Sunday after allegations were presented; the board has said an investigation is underway and did not disclose details of the allegations. Community members are expected to attend the meeting as the board discusses short-term leadership and next steps for the district.
Elsewhere today, local libraries and humanities organizations are marking the birthday of a celebrated author with programming at the main branch and community kickoff events at 6 p. m. ET. The statewide observance highlights the author’s ties to the area and includes readings and discussions designed to engage residents of all ages.
Weather conditions will continue to influence river behavior through the rest of the week. If rain arrives on warmer days, snowmelt and rising flows can combine with unstable ice to increase flood risk. Motorists should expect delays from weather- or flood-related closures and consult traffic updates before travel.
