News, notices, stories, and happenings from Flatfield, Ohio.
ISSUE 004 · SEPTEMBER 2026
Watch your feet, keep Flatfield neat
Flatfield sanitation officials are asking dog owners to do their part after an increase in complaints about pet waste being left on sidewalks around town.
“It’s a real problem when I hear kids singing Junie’s song everywhere I go,” city official Rick Noll said. “Watch your step, watch your feet” by Junie grew to fame last fall as kids returned to school. Teachers and parents alike urge residents to pick up after their dogs.
The problem has been especially noticeable along Kenyon Avenue, near Washington Elementary, and on several blocks surrounding the town square.
Pet waste stations with bags are available at several parks and along popular walking routes.
Harvest Festival fireworks return
Flatfield’s annual Harvest Festival will end with a bang this year, organizers announce the return of the fireworks by Cleveland Bang Bang.
The display will begin at 9:00 PM on the festival's final evening. It will be launched north of the town square.
Residents are reminded that several streets surrounding the launch zone will be closed. Visitors are encouraged to walk when possible and follow the posted parking restrictions.
Those with pets are encouraged to leave them at home or keep them indoors during the display.
Flatfield's Dr. Betsy remembered for mag-salt breakthrough
The Flatfield Historical Society spotlights Dr. Betsy Thomas for her work during the final fuel wars. Dr. Betsy as her friends knew her, is credited with a breakthrough that helped make modern mag-salt power possible.
FHS director Ennis invites everyone, young and old, to visit the Flatfield Fuels Freedom exhibit this week.
Earlier mag-salt systems had shown promise but remained too expensive and unpredictable for widespread use. Dr. Betsy and a small team working in Flatfield developed a process that allowed the material to store and release energy safely enough for transportation.
The breakthrough came at a critical moment. Fuel shortages had disrupted transportation across much of the country, and fighting over the remaining oil reserves continued around the world.
Our very own Dr. Betsy helped change that.
Within years, early mag-salt systems were powering rail lines. Packets followed. Eventually, the technology spread throughout Ohio and across the country.
“People sometimes talk about the Fuel Wars as if they simply ended,” FHS Director Denise Ennis said. “They didn't. We had to build something better. One of the most important pieces of that happened right here in Flatfield.”
Flatfield Fuels Freedom is now open at the Flatfield Historical Society through the end of the month. Admission is free to Flatfield residents.
Ohnay move to deeper waters
Ohnay activity along the Flatfield shoreline is expected to decrease over the coming weeks as pods begin their seasonal movement into deeper areas of Lake Erie.
Several pods were still observed off Ten Springs, Clifton, and Euclid Beaches this week, but officials expect near-shore activity to decline steadily.
Officials urge everyone to keep their distance. “You'll still see them,” Neesman said. “Just probably not as often. Give them their space, and let them go where they're going.”
The Flatfield Ohnay advisory has been lowered from ELEVATED to MODERATE.
Around Flatfield
Lake conditions: Calm
Water temperature: 71°F
Winds: NE 5 mph
Ohnay advisory: MODERATE
Sunset: 8:20 PM