Demolition begins Bulldozers begin demolishing one of two former Dillard’s department stores at Westgate Mall in Fairview Park Monday. No date has been set for when the mall will close for good, said William Fullington, spokesman for Westgate’s owner, the Richard E. Jacobs Group. Some interior stores still want to remain open, he said, and the Jacobs Group is trying to accommodate them. However, several stores will reportedly close by the end of the month. In May, the Jacobs Group announced plans to redevelop the site, which will still be called Westgate, with 50 to 60 specialty shops and restaurants joining the existing Kohl’s store and an unknown number of additional major anchor stores. (Photo by Larry Bennet)

Opposition pushing amendment toward ballot
WESTLAKE — Opponents of Mayor Dennis Clough and incumbent council members plan to present council Thursday evening with petitions for a charter amendment which would reduce the city’s property taxes from 8.7 mills to 5.9 mills.

$13 million senior housing project planned
NORTH OLMSTED — Catholic Charities of Cleveland is planning a $13 to $14 million gem of a senior housing project for the city on Lorain Road. Officials said Emerald Village, with 130 units for both independent and assisted living, will be located adjacent to the Church of St. Clarence.

Church of the Rise breaks ground for youth center
WESTLAKE — A local congregation broke ground Sunday for a $2.5 million youth center, which will feature an Internet café, a coffee shop, a video game room, a rock climbing wall, and classrooms where students can get professional tutoring.

Hometown heroes rock the Gund
at Friday Night at the Fights
It was a good night for Ohio fighters last Friday night at Gund Arena. Five of six hometown favorites won at Jeff Richie's Money$Worth IBA Legend Series event.

Westlake board takes two votes
to name new football coach
East Liverpool head coach Robert Thayer was selected over defensive coordinator Mark Ohradzansky to lead the Demons football program. Some in the community question the decision to bring in an outsider just weeks before the start of the season.

Houlihan's makes summer even sweeter
Houlihan's in Westlake has introduced a new "mini yum" menu, a selection of small desserts priced at $2.49 each, for those who want just a taste of something sweet after enjoying a light, warm weather meal. Restaurant critic Cynthia Schuster-Eakin gives her review.