Welcome to Cleveland Heights Patch

I'm Michelle Simakis, local editor for the Cleveland Heights Patch, a community news site dedicated to bringing you breaking news, school sports highlights, restaurant reviews and the stories that make Cleveland Heights and its residents so unique.

A team of freelancers and I will be at City Council meetings and events at the Cedar Lee Theatre. We'll talk to the new police chief, review the new restaurants and tell you how the music was at Reaching Musical Heights. 

When asked what makes Cleveland Heights great, residents talk about its diversity, its schools and its many cultural opportunities. The nickname of this city of 47,000 is "Home to the Arts," a nod to everything from the Cedar Lee to the Dobama Theatre to the Cain Park Arts Festival. Many businesses are within walking distance of residential neighborhoods, and the four library branches plan daily activities for children, adults, teens and seniors.  

I graduated from Ohio University with a degree in journalism and I've worked at both The Columbus Dispatch and The Plain Dealer. In addition, I taught seventh-grade English and social studies in the New York City public schools, so I'll make education coverage one of our top priorities. We'll be at board meetings, basketball games and ceremonies where students and their teachers are recognized for their achievements.

Wondering whether schools are closed today? Or why you heard so many sirens go by? Come to Cleveland Heights Patch to find the answers. If you don't see what you're looking for, email me. Check out our Facebook page and Twitter site to find information on breaking news stories as they are happening. 

Check out our directory listings for detailed information about restaurants, theaters, schools, stores, libraries and other businesses and community services in Cleveland Heights.

You can also find everything from school sports game schedules to volunteer opportunities in our Patch calendar. If you don't see an event, feel free to add one.  Don't forget about our announcements page. You can add engagement news or ask Cleveland Heights for help if your dog is lost. 

You may have already seen me around town, working at or. If you see me, please stop by and say hi. I'd love to hear from you. Patch is about journalists and community members collaborating to stay involved. If you have a news tip, story idea or want to get in touch with me, email me or call me at 216-571-8887.

The more people participate, the more beneficial Patch will be for Cleveland Heights.