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The iOpener: Multiple Rescues on Cuyahoga River; More Heavy Rain Possible

A kayaker goes over a fall in the rapids downstream of what was once the Sheraton dam. [Mark Urycki / ideastream]
A kayaker goes over a fall in the rapids downstream of what was once the Sheraton dam.

Good morning, iOpeners. It's Monday, June 24, 2019. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but heavy rain is in the forecast for this afternoon.  Bring an umbrella to work today.

In Geauga County, a standoff that began between police and a man barricaded inside his home is over after about 12 hours. WKYC TV reports the suspect, a 66-year-old man, is in custody. According to the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, the standoff began Sunday at 6:30 p.m. when deputies responded to a report that the man had intentionally damaged a neighbor’s vehicle. The suspect allegedly threatened authorities and barricaded himself in his home. Roads had been closed near Calico Lane and Chardon Road this morning.  Fire officials say they will soon reopen.

Authorities in Kent rescued four people in three separate incidents on the rain-swollen Cuyahoga River Sunday.  Kent firefighters say all were on the water in kayaks or rafts that had run into low-hanging or downed trees and had capsized. Officials say there have been 18 rescue calls in the past 10 days. Many paddlers were on the river this weekend as part of celebrations for the 50 th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River fire. 

Work is officially underway on the final segment in Cleveland for the Ohio & Erie Canalways Towpath Trail that will bring the trail from Tremont to the east bank of the Cuyahoga River in the Flats.  Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson joined other officials for a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, the 50 th anniversary of the last Cuyahoga River fire. It was one of many ceremonies marking the rebirth of the Cuyahoga since the fire.

More than 42,000 Ohioans can legally buy medical marijuana, but state records show only about half of them have. When questioned, those who haven’t purchased medical pot say it’s too expensive. Only 18 of 56 dispensaries that have received licenses to operate have opened, adding travel expenses to medical marijuana users’ costs.    

The Democratic presidential contest enters the most consequential week of the nascent 2020 campaign with candidates set to debate for the first time Wednesday and Thursday. Youngstown Rep. Tim Ryan joins Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Beto O’Rourke and six others on the debate stage Wednesday on NBC. Front-runner and former Vice President Joe Biden will debate Thursday in a group that includes Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris of California and Pete Buttigieg. 

Police in Wickliffe have launched an investigation after a body was found in a wooded area Sunday. They did not disclose the exact location. The body was discovered as authorities searched  for a 17-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since he left his home on Thursday

Bobby Bradley doubled and drove in a run in his first major league plate appearance and the Cleveland Indians completed a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers with an 8-3 victory. Bradley, who was the home run leader in the International League with 24 home runs, was promoted from Triple-A Columbus earlier in the day and went 1 for 3 with one run and a walk.

Weather forecast: Partly cloudy, with showers and thunderstorms developing in the late afternoon. Heavy rain possible. High 80. T onight, rain, with downpours possible. Low 64.  Tomorrow, slight chance of showers early, then mostly sunny, high 77.

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