Local News

Green Farm Juicery Review --Roes Saracusa & Fiona Walden

The Green Farm Juicery is a small juice shop located in the Bay Village Square Shopping Center. They have a wide variety of items on their menu, from smoothies to juices to wellness shots. The refrigerators are stocked with a variety of juices, each labeled with their ingredients and the health benefits. The drinks are said to be 100% juice, and, if you are a fan, they offer 1-3 day cleanses as a pack. The environment is very welcoming, although there is minimal seating so taking your food to-go would be the best option. There is a big chalkboard on the wall that clearly lays out the menu and the ingredients. The shop decor doubles as clean and artistic. Overall, we would describe the environment as clean, modern, tropical, and welcoming.

 When we walked in, their staff was quick to greet us and ask if we had been there before. After we said no, they gave a good, thorough explanation of their long menu, explaining each category of product that they offer. They are best known for their raw, organic pressed juices. So, we ordered three drinks: two juices and a smoothie. 

The first juice was Beauty H2O, which consists of water, coconut water, raspberry, pitaya, pineapple, lemon, and aloe vera. The second was the seasonal Cherry Limeade juice which consists of cherries, lime, apple, cucumber, and beets. Both juices are made with quality organic ingredients, which was proven to be true when we tried them. They were very refreshing and had a healthy taste to them. You could taste all of the ingredients listed on the bottle and the flavors blended well together. We also got the Mango Tango smoothie. The smoothie had a nice, thick consistency and was blended well. 

Prices vary from $8-$20, and, although the drinks are a bit pricey, they are definitely worth the splurge. Not only do they have drinks and snacks but they also have various adorable and useful trinkets that are available to purchase. 

We would recommend the Green Farm Juicery to anybody looking for a clean environment to grab a quick, healthy juice or smoothie. It was a pleasant experience overall and we plan to go again soon!

Fatal Shooting in Bay Village --Avery Schriner 

On Wednesday, October 9th, a fatal shooting occurred in the city of Bay Village on Bassett Road. Around 2:00 a.m., Erica Wandzel, who was residing at 351 Bassett Road (just minutes from Bay High School) with a male roommate, Anthony Hein, called 911 to report that she had shot him. In her call, she claims that he had been attacking her throughout the night. When asked whether he was breathing or not by 911 dispatchers, Wandzel responded, “I don’t know. I left because I was afraid he was going to try to grab the gun. I was trying to get to my neighbor's house.” 

After Bay Village police officers and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene, Hein was pronounced dead at 2:07 a.m. Wandzel was taken into custody that morning and medically cleared by a local hospital. Bassett was closed during the earlier half of Wednesday between Windsor Drive and Lake Road due to the commotion. 

ABC News 5 Cleveland interviewed several Bay Village residents after the crime. The overall sentiment was pure shock, one stating, “Unfortunately this kind of thing could happen anywhere, but it’s shocking when it’s in Bay, obviously. Normally we take pride in our safe, small town. But people are people so bad things can happen.”

As of now, investigators—the Bay Village Police Department, the Westlake Police Department, and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation—will contact the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office to obtain their decision regarding filing charges. As the investigation develops, and if the Prosecutor’s Office decides to file charges, information about trial dates and further developments will become available.

Mojo's Review --Kaitlyn Aquino & Kara Dreslinski

Mojo’s, a small local coffee shop in Bay Village, is a must-try for all Bay residents. We tried two of their specialty drinks, the Rocket and Caramel Layered Latte. For the 16 oz size they were both $5. The Rocket was a hazelnut caramel latte, and it was the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. We rate the Rocket a 7/10. The Caramel Layered Latte was definitely more on the sweet side, which we did not mind, but, if you don’t love sweet coffee, we would recommend you try a different drink with less of a caramel or sweet base. We rate this drink a 9/10. 

As for their menu items, all the prices are relatively fair. Most of their drinks are priced at around $6, give or take. Their food prices tend to be a bit pricier, ranging from around $10-$12. The most commonly ordered foods, we learned, are the breakfast sandwiches and bagels. Their bagels come in several different flavors and have many different seasonings, such as Everything, Plain, Cinnamon Raisin, and many more. 

When we ordered, we tried the Everything Bagel, toasted with cream cheese on top. We really enjoyed the crisp bread mixed with the warmth of the cooked bagel. The cream cheese was gently placed in a generous serving holding the two sides of the bagel which were cut in half.

The shop itself is extremely elegant and well kept. They have a display of bakery options, which look remarkably appetizing! Some of these items include muffins, monkey munch, and cinnamon squares. They also have vegan options available for people with dietary needs or wants, which we think is very considerate and great to keep in mind. They also provide bottled drinks like Icee’s and Gatorade for people who don’t like caffeinated drinks. They have plenty of seating inside, making it an excellent environment to study or meet up with your friends. 

One thing to keep in mind when going to Mojo’s is they shut down all their food services 30 minutes before they close. This can definitely affect your experience so we would strongly recommend that you arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour before closing time. We noted that their weekend hours close an hour earlier than on the weekdays. For time reference every day they open at 6:30am (besides on Sundays, when they open at 7:00am). Friday through Sunday they close at 5:00pm, and Monday through Thursday they close at 6: PM. 

Overall, we had a great experience at Mojo’s, and plan on returning very soon! Check it out!

A Snowy Start to Winter --Avery Schriner 

Early this December, the Midwest was met with several large winter storms and blizzards. With several feet of snow in some areas, extensive delays and hazards occurred mainly in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Here in Bay Village, the effects included icy road conditions, downed power lines, and just a few inches of snow. However, farther to the east, the aftermath was much more treacherous.

Ashtabula, Ohio was especially hard-hit by this winter’s first big storms. Due to the more than five feet of snow reported by citizens in the area, an excess of issues arose. The Chief of the Ashtabula Fire Department said that their teams responded to more than one hundred calls related to the snowfall. Some response teams were called to assist residents trapped in their houses because of the height of the snow outside. Others called because of collapsed roofs, which accounted for just some of the damage to citizens’ houses. One main issue, however, was the dangerous condition of the roads. For residents trying to get to work, patients going to the hospital, and emergency response teams attempting to reach those in need, the snow-and ice-covered streets littered with downed power lines proved to be life-threatening. With the delays experienced by ambulance and fire crews, vital time that could have been used to reach affected citizens was wasted.

As snow plows were sent out into the community, it became clear to City Manager Jim Timonere that there was insufficient space in the city to clear the snow. Private contractors had to be called in to haul the snow elsewhere so that streets, driveways, and sidewalks could be made accessible. While the undesirable conditions in Ashtabula and elsewhere were tough, many citizens reported participating in and witnessing kind acts throughout their communities. For instance, one group volunteered to help shovel snow off a corporate building nearby to prevent damage from the heavy snow. Others helped neighbors uncover their buried cars and clear their driveways and sidewalks.

Unfortunately, these efforts did not save some buildings. Disastrously, the roof of Lakeside High School, a public high school in Ashtabula, partially collapsed during the storm. The building cannot be used until the snow is removed, the roof is fixed, and the renovated structure passes inspections. Hence, the Ashtabula Area City Schools District Superintendent, Lisa Newsome, has introduced a plan for the nearly nine hundred students attending Lakeside High School. Students will learn remotely until their winter break, which now starts two days earlier than originally planned. During this time, students will be issued a school computer and grab-and-go style breakfast and lunch will be available. When they return to school according to the original schedule, classes will be consolidated into different buildings nearby based on grade until Lakeside is repaired.

Ashtabula is just one of the places affected directly by these first winter storms across the Midwest and Northeast. Similar things have occurred in the early days of December throughout these areas, limiting travel just after Thanksgiving and causing harm and even death in vehicle crashes. Despite the damage to citizens and their homes, communities are working hard to return to normal and overcome these challenges.

Rainforest On Fire --Morgan Aquino

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 a fire arose at the Rainforest exhibit at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Fortunately, the fire was 100% controlled and contained in 30 minutes. The construction team was in the process of deconstructing the old Rainforest and were using torches, one of which sparked on some flammable materials on the exterior of the building. The fire caused about $10,000 in damage. And, while the damage may look bad, the zoo is already in the process of reconstructing, so most of what was burned was going to be removed anyway. This lessens the burden of the fire for the Cleveland Zoo.

Thankfully, most of the animals had already been relocated due to the reconstruction process. Cleveland Fire responded quickly to the flames, leaving all the animals and workers present during the fire unharmed and protected. All animals that were in the building during the fire have had a health check. When those results came back positive, they were returned to their usual habitats or relocated. The damage appeared to have no major impact on the construction timeline at all. The Zoo reopened on Thursday with no restrictions for visitors!

Trust Coffee Co. --Mirella Martin & Addison Schmeltzer

The long awaited opening of Trust Coffee Co. is finally over, and here’s what we have to say about it. 

Immediately after entering the premises, the warmth and welcoming atmosphere strikes hard and fast, making this an amazing place to recharge with a good nosh. Familiar faces and busy workers congregate and fill the shop with a warm energy that can’t be matched. The decorations are extremely aesthetic and modern. Even though the coffee shop was busy, the service was very fast. There is plenty of seating, allowing you to relax and talk with your friends while finishing your delicious meal.

Trust Coffee has a wide variety of quick bites. They offer lots of different salads, sandwiches, and decorated toasts as well as small desserts such as cinnamon crisps and pastries. After trying the cinnamon crisps and veggie sandwich, it is fair to say that the food here is fresh and full of flavor.

Unlike any other coffee shop in town, Trust Coffee offers both coffee drinks and cocktails. The coffee is rich and it is clear that the quality, too, is unmatched. The matcha is exceptional and comes unsweetened, which is perfect for those who are particular about the sweetness level. There is an option to sweeten coffees with honey or syrups. They offer a large variety of drinks, along with all-day cocktails for those who are of age and interested ;->.

Trust Coffee Co. is a must visit for any coffee connoisseur. Check them out the next time you're craving some caffeine or a yummy snack! They are located at 27225 Wolf Road in Bay Village.

The Bay Library --Fiona Walden & Mackenzie Zastudil

The Bay Village Public Library is an amazing spot for people of all ages to relax, study, meet with friends or colleagues, or find a good book. The library provides access to whatever the visitor needs: books for leisure, homework help, testing books, and quiet areas to study or use technology. There is a cool rooftop terrace that looks over Lake Erie for when it is nice outside, along with two fireplace seating areas inside for the colder months. The Bay Village Branch also provides an interactive children’s space, study rooms, public meeting spaces, and even an Innovation Center. The busiest hours of the day tend to be around 2:00pm to 3:00pm when school gets out and around 5:00pm to 6:00pm when the majority of people get off of work. We had the chance to interview one of the amazing librarians about this all-purpose space in the heart of Bay Village:

Q: What is your favorite part about the library and why?

A: They said there is a strong connection with the local community, and, because they used to be a barista, they really enjoy the face-to-face interactions with everyone. They also mentioned how much they appreciate the library being a non-profit.

Q: How long have you been working at the library and what is your favorite memory?

A: They said they have been working at the Bay Village branch for a little over 6 months, and they have tons of favorite memories, including helping with the fax machine and processing a passport. They like to make someone's day easier, and feel that their help never seems to go unnoticed or unappreciated. 

Q: What is your favorite book and why?

A: They said that their all time favorite book is The Giver because it is a classic book with a good lesson. 

Q: Would you recommend the library to students and the Bay Village Community?

A: “Oh absolutely! As humans we need third spaces where we can build community and gain knowledge, or just exist for free!”

Come check out the Bay Library the next time you are looking for a good book or need a relaxing place to study for your next big test!

Wolf & Co. --Curran Wank

Wolf & Co, Bay’s newest pizzeria, opened in November of 2024 in the Bay Village Square Shopping center across from Cahoon Park. As an employee, Wolf & Co is a lovely environment made to give customers the best possible experience through our efficient service. As a customer, there is no better place to enjoy pizza and other delicious meals, whether it's dining in or taking food to-go!

My family and I recently dined at Wolf & Co and ordered a margherita pizza, cheese pizza, and the chef salad as a side dish. Not only was our food out in no time, but the pizza itself was delicious, and the chef salad was refreshing and made with clean and fresh ingredients to enjoy. Additionally, we had great seating and sensational customer service. We are excited to go back again for another enjoyable dinner.

Open 3:30pm-9:30pm Monday through Saturday, Wolf & Co has flexible hours that can fit into your schedule, so pick a day and give it a try. Rated 4.3/5 stars on Google Review, customers say they love the selection of food and beverages, as well as the design and service of the restaurant. If you are looking for a new restaurant to check out, Wolf & Co is the spot for you! 

¨Ẅe ordered the baked feta appetizer which was so so so good!¨

¨It is certainly a couple steps above the typical pizza of the area.¨

¨Loved this place! I ordered the gluten free crust and it was so good.¨

Wolf & Co. Q&A --Fiona Walden & Mackenzie Zastudil

Wolf & Co, located in the Bay Village Square shopping center, is an amazing spot for people of all ages to grab a bite to eat.  The local restaurant is rooted in Italian tradition with a modern twist, offering handmade pizzas with perfectly crisped crusts, classic toppings, and inventive flavor combinations. Their menu includes handmade pizzas with both traditional and creative toppings as well as Italian-inspired small plates perfect for sharing.  The members of Wolf & Co are very friendly and want to provide you with the best experience possible!

We had the chance to interview one of the awesome employees about this delicious restaurant: 

Q: What is your favorite pizza?

A: “Margarita!”

Q: Do you enjoy working there and why?

A: She said she definitely enjoys working there because the coworkers and community are very nice and welcoming.

Q: What hours are the busiest?

A: Their busiest hours are always past 5:00pm.

Q: Would you recommend Wolf and Co to students and the Bay Village Community?

A: “Yes absolutely!”

Come check out Wolf & Co the next time you are craving a pizza or looking for a fun place to visit!

Cavoli's Pizza Review --Nora French

Cavoli’s Pizza Shop, located right outside of Bay Village, opened on February 21st, and it has since become a favorite of Bay residents. I tried the popular pizza place on February 28th, only a few days after its official opening. People from all over Bay have said that Cavoli’s instantly became their new favorite after the first bite, topping Marco’s, Gina’s, and Pizza Hut. But what makes this pizza different from all the other popular chains and restaurants in and near Bay? Is it really that good? Does it only take one bite to make it better than everywhere else? 

First, I’m going to start with the menu. At first glance, the menu seems expansive, with many varieties of salads, hoagies, pastas, and, of course, pizzas. They also have sides and appetizers like garlic knots, wings, and potato skins. Cavoli’s seems to be more expensive than other restaurants in Bay. For example, a classic meatball sub at Cavoli’s costs about $16, while at Subway, the same thing costs about $8 for a footlong. They do have a great selection of pizzas, though, with the classics like pepperoni, cheese, and meatball, but also other interesting flavors like Spicy Ricotta, Truffle F.I.G., and BBQ Chicken. They have desserts on their menu, too! There are many varieties of cannolis and cheesecakes. One of my favorite parts of this menu is that they claim that all of their pizzas are made on a gluten-free crust. This makes the majority of their menu—including many salads, appetizers, and pizzas—gluten-free.

 Off of their appetizer and side menu, I ordered the garlic knots and meatballs in sauce. A 6-count of garlic knots costs $6, and the 3 large meatballs costs $15. The garlic knots were buttery, soft, and had a wonderful garlic flavor. I would say that they were a little dense for my liking, and I wish they were lighter. I would definitely order those again, and the 12-count is only $3 more, which seems like a very good deal. As for the meatballs, I was not as pleasantly surprised. They were good, but they tasted mushy and more like meatloaf than an actual meatball. However, the sauce they were covered in was great and very flavorful. For an expensive $15, I do not see myself ordering those again. 

Now for the main course: the pizzas. A 12” pizza ranges from $14-17, depending on the flavor, and a 16” is anywhere from $23-26. While this may be a little more expensive than places like Marco’s and Pizza Hut, I found it to be well worth the extra couple of dollars. First of all, Cavoli’s pizza is very recognizable from the long shredded cheese they put on top. From the first bite, I could tell that this pizza was different from the other places I have tried. It tastes authentic and not machine-made. It is warm, has a chewy crust, and is, to me, the perfect balance of sauce and cheese. I would highly recommend their pizzas. The only downside was that the leftovers I took home did not taste as good the next day,

Overall, Cavoli’s, while a little pricey, is completely worth it when you order the right things. While I didn’t try any of their more extravagant pizzas or sandwiches, I’m sure they are just as good as what I did try. It’s safe to say that I, too, have fallen into the grasp of Cavoli’s, and it has become some of my favorite pizza places in Bay.

Sweeping Victory for Bay Village Schools --Avery Schriner

This past month, Bay Village voters flocked to the polls to voice their opinions on several issues, including the school levy. Issue 18 supported the improvement of the schools by increasing their budget, and was one of the main issues on the ballot this primary election. After careful planning and campaigning, on May 6th, the Bay Village community voted 70% for Issue 18, ensuring that our schools can improve in educating and protecting their students.

Some of the main goals of what is called the “Permanent Improvement Levy” are to improve the longevity and security of the four of the district’s buildings—Glenview Center for Child Care and Learning, Normandy Elementary School, Westerly Elementary School, and Bay High School—generate funds for textbooks, and develop the technology and media departments. As has already been created at Bay Middle School, a more secure and enhanced main entrance will be constructed at these four buildings to improve student safety. In addition to this important step, individual directives are to be undertaken at each school. At Glenview, the building will be consolidated into one floor to ensure that it is accessible and several extra classrooms will be added to alleviate more families on the waitlist. At Normandy, fencing will be continued along the bus drop-off and pick-up area, window adjustments will increase natural light in the building, storage and organization methods will be implemented. At Westerly, the focus on amplifying natural light and improving storage and organization systems will also increase. Finally, the high school will see an improved welcome area for events near the gym and auditorium, an air-conditioned cafeteria, and renovations to the Media Center.

All of these improvements to areas of learning for Bay Village students have been made possible by the voters who passed the levy this May. In an interview with Cleveland 19 News, Bay Village City School District Superintendent Scot Prebles said that “homeowners’ tax rates will also only increase $100 per year for every $100,000 in property value starting in 2026.” Still, the overwhelming support from Bay Village voters for the improvement of the school system in their community shows their dedication and devotion for better education for their fellow citizens. Before the levy passed, while some Bay Village residents said they would have to focus more on their own finances if it were passed, most agreed that, even after their own children had gone through the school system, it is still important and beneficial to support the education of the young people in their community. Now, as improvements and advancements are set to be made for the Bay Village Schools, the students here will have an even greater chance to learn as much as possible and become better citizens.