? Missing 14-Year-Old In Cleveland + 2023 Mac N' Cheese Throwdown

Good morning, everybody. It's Wednesday in Cleveland and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and cooler. High: 41 Low: 39.
• Thursday: Windy with rain at times. High: 59 Low: 41.

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Here are the top three stories today in Cleveland:

1. Cleveland police are searching for a missing 14-year-old girl. Janiah Smith was reported missing on Feb. 5. According to the police report, she is 5?4 with pink braids and brown eyes. Smith may be on the west side, Hough area, or on East 30th street and Cedar Avenue. She was last seen in a black coat and blue and beige pants. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 216-621-1234. (Cleveland 19 News)
2. The 2023 Mac ?N? Cheese Throwdown is set for Mar. 5. Now back in person after the pandemic, this year's Mac ?N? Cheese Throwdown will take place from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Mar. 5 at The Madison. Tickets are available here. (cleveland.com)
3. A Tuesday morning fire in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood is under investigation. While no one was home at the time of the fire, no injuries were reported, and fire crews were able to control the blaze, a witness alleged there was a small explosion before the fire broke out. As such, the cause of the fire is still under investigation. (Cleveland 19 News)

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Today and tomorrow in Cleveland:

Wednesday, February 8:

• Senior Walking on the Track - Cleveland Heights Senior Center (11:00 AM)
• Girls Basketball Championship - Cleveland Municipal (1:30 PM)
• Book Lovers' Club - Adults - Warrensville Heights Branch Library (2:00 PM)

Thursday, February 9:

• Destroy Lonely, At House of Blues Cleveland (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• New homes are for sale in Cleveland. If you're looking to take advantage of a buyer's market and find a new residence in the Cleveland area, take a look a the listings currently available; like a $75,000 924 sq. ft. home with three beds and one bath. (Cleveland Patch)
• Cleveland Police, along with the FBI, seized $5.2 million in drugs. The FBI Cleveland Cartel Gang Narcotics & Laundering Task Force announce on Feb. 6 the recent seizure of 36 kilograms of suspected fentanyl. In all, 88 pounds of Fentanyl were seized. (Cleveland Police via Facebook)
• City Dogs Cleveland has a snuggly dog ready for her fur-ever home. Dubbed by a staff member as "one of the best snugglers currently at the kennel," Hansley would do best in a home where she can have the time and patience to allow her to feel comfortable at her own pace. She is around 2.5 years old and weighs 47 lbs. (City Dogs Cleveland via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you all soon for your next update.

? Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.