New Franklin looking to fill vacated Council at large seat NEW FRANKLIN — The City of New Franklin will be accepting applications to fill the City Council seat recently held by Jack Daniels who was sworn into the Ohio House of Representatives April 24 as the state Representative. for Ohio District 32. Applications will be accepted for the at large […]
Community News
Springfield reaches agreement with hotel owners
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Township’s efforts to address nuisance issues and criminal activity at a South Arlington Road hotel are moving forward, township officials said at the April 25 board of trustees meeting. Trustees approved an abatement order signed by Akron Hotel Suites LLC, owners of the Red Roof Inn, 2939 S. Arlington Road. The abatement order comes following trustees’ filing […]
Barberton City Council discusses refugee relocation in city
BARBERTON — In the wake of numerous concerns from residents posted on social media about the plans for a local refugee relocation organization to place families in Barberton, representatives from the International Welcome Center (IWC) were invited to speak at the April 29 Barberton City Council meeting. IWC President and Founder Cary Duckett said the organization was founded five years […]
Bath Township swears in new police sergeant
BATH — A large crowd of family, friends and fellow police officers from the Bath Police Department and several neighboring police departments filled the Bath trustees’ meeting room to witness the swearing-in of the Bath Police Department’s newest sergeant, Bill Alexander. Police Chief Vito Sinopoli recommended the promotion of Alexander from full-time officer to sergeant, with the promotion approved by […]
County Executive provides funding to Forever R Children
GREATER AKRON — County Executive Ilene Shapiro recently provided a grant and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding to Forever R Children, a nonprofit serving the Greater Akron area. The organization has held food, clothing and hygiene distributions since 2019 and is set to launch its Mobile Hygiene Unit later this year. The county’s funds will help pay costs for […]
Akron to host second Civic Saturday in May
AKRON — The second Civic Saturday Akron will take place May 18 in Highland Square at 981 W. Market St., on the corner of West Market Street and North Rose Boulevard. Beginning with donuts at 10 a.m., residents are invited to the neighborhood gathering to celebrate community and shared civic purpose through music, spoken word, inspiration and reflection, voter registration […]
Granger Trustees place renewal fire and road levies on ballot
GRANGER — Granger Township Trustees April 29 approved a resolution to place two renewal levies on the November 2024 ballot. Township Administrator Donald Baker said the 0.5-mill road levy renewal will generate $98,800 per year and cost property owners $10.30 per $100,000 of property valuation, according to the Medina County Fiscal Office. The 1.5-mill fire levy renewal will generate $296,400 […]
Akron-Summit County Public Library honored for 150th anniversary
AKRON — Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro presented a proclamation April 25 honoring the Akron-Summit County Public Library’s 150th Anniversary. Shapiro presented the proclamation at the Library’s Board of Trustees meeting held at the North Hill branch library. She declared April 25, 2024 “Akron-Summit County Public Library Day” in Summit County. In January 1874, Akron City Council passed an ordinance […]
West Side News & Notes
Free doorbell cameras for City of Akron residents AKRON — Akron City Council is following up on its Pilot Doorbell Camera Safety Program and expanding camera distribution to all Akron residents in phase two. Residents can now apply for their free camera via the online application at www.akroncitycouncil.org/news/2024-ring-doorbell-camera. Cameras will be distributed on a rolling basis at council ward meetings. […]
County Council admires therapy animal work
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Summit County Council declared April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day following a commendation to Pet Partners at the April 29 regular Council meeting. Councilwomen Christine Wiedie Higham (D-District 6) and Bethany McKenney (R-District 7) presented the commendation to representatives from Pet Partners, who introduced several therapy dogs to Council and explained what the animals do for […]
Akron City Council hears from tree commission
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Akron City Council heard from several members of the Akron Tree Commission during the April 29 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting. Sarah Vradenburg, chair of the commission, said there was a tree commission for several years in the city but it became inactive. City Council passed legislation in 2016 to re-create the commission, but a board did […]
Copley Fire Department personnel recognized for heroic rescue
COPLEY — Seven members of the Copley Fire Department were publicly recognized April 22 for their efforts during a Dec. 18, 2023 traffic accident on state Route 21. Certificates of recognition were presented to lieutenants Mike Kamp and Jonny Smith, and firefighters Brian O’Connell, Matt Beck, Andy Howell, Chris Morrison and Will Hetzel. Fire Chief Chris Bower said the team […]
U.S. Rep. Sykes presents check for water and sewer project in New Franklin
NEW FRANKLIN — U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-District 13) presented a ceremonial check April 22 to New Franklin Mayor Paul Adamson for $959,752 in community project funding for the New Franklin Water and Sewer Project. The City of New Franklin will use this funding to extend sewer and water from existing systems in the city approximately 1 mile to the Portage […]
Green Community Fund continues to grow, seeking volunteers
GREEN — As it enters its second year, the Green Community Fund is gaining momentum in its current goal of reaching $1 million in donations, according to fund board member Valerie Wolford. “We are starting to see more contributions from individuals, corporations and others,” Wolford said, adding that, to date, Green Community Fund has raised $100,000 in funds and gifts, […]
South Side News & Notes
International Welcome Center to launch refugee resettlement program in Barberton BARBERTON — The International Welcome Center, in partnership with World Relief, announced the launch of a refugee resettlement program aimed at offering a new home and hope to individuals and families in need. This initiative, in partnership with the City of Barberton, Barberton City Schools, ASIA Inc., Summit County Department […]
New Franklin Council awards 2024 road paving contract
NEW FRANKLIN — New Franklin City Council April 17 approved three pieces of legislation related to the 2024 road paving program. The first resolution awarded this year’s paving contract to Northstar Asphalt Inc. for its $1.5 million bid. Councilman Devin Allman (Ward 3) said the city received a total of six bids, with Northstar’s coming in lowest and the others […]
Green City Council approves Flock cameras
GREEN — After a Green City Council request to amend a portion of the city’s contract with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office related to the purchase and installation of Flock license plate-reader cameras was met with silence, Council unanimously approved the amended contract April 23. The amendment calls for the purchase of 14 Flock cameras at a cost to the […]
Project GRAD celebrates 10th annual March GRADness fundraiser
AKRON — Project GRAD Akron announced the success of its 10th annual March GRADness fundraiser, held April 9 at Greystone Hall in downtown Akron. During the event, attendees embraced the March GRADness casual atmosphere by wearing their favorite sports team’s colors and college apparel — and enjoyed raffles, prizes and a selection of beverages. The celebration marked a significant milestone […]
ODOT projects continuing, new ones set to begin
GREATER AKRON — Orange barrel season has arrived as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has several ongoing projects across Summit County and additional ones planned to begin. According to ODOT officials, $1.7 billion is being invested into 248 projects in 17 counties during the 2024 construction season. Of the 248 projects, 193 are new for 2024, 32 are safety […]
West Side News & Notes
ODOT releases statement for Earth Day COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) released a statement April 22 in recognition of Earth Day outlining the department’s efforts and ways residents can help keep the Earth clean. According to the press release, since January, ODOT forces statewide have picked up over 89,000 bags of other people’s trash. “Our highway crews […]
Richfield Council hears about street improvements
RICHFIELD — Richfield Village Council heard the latest in plans to improve Grant Street at the April 16 meeting. Planning and Zoning Director Brian Frantz was joined at the start of the meeting by landscape architect Rob Morgan and Kevin Westbrooks with GPD Group. The plans showed the east-to-west portion of Grant Street off Broadview Road would have a pedestrian […]
Akron Council, residents speak out about APD incidents
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Several members of the community and Akron City Council members commented on two recent incidents involving the Akron Police Department (APD) during the April 22 Council meeting. Residents voiced their opposition to the response from APD regarding an incident in Kenmore in January where an officer took a woman to the ground during a dispute at her […]
Bath trustees conduct meeting in Revere government class
BATH — The Bath Township Trustees took their April 16 regular meeting “on the road” as they conducted the business of the township in front of Revere High School teacher Jason Milczewski’s Advanced Placement Government class. As the meeting progressed through the regular agenda, members of the township government explained their roles and responsibilities for the benefit of the students. […]
Falls, Akron partner to improve walkability in Valley
CUYAHOGA FALLS — Cuyahoga Falls City Council April 22 approved a cooperative agreement with the City of Akron to share the cost of engineering and construction of sidewalk to improve the walkability of West Portage Trail. Cuyahoga Falls City Engineer Tony Demasi said he has participated in more than a year’s worth of discussions with officials from the City of […]
Summit County Unite Us initiative growing, expanding
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Summit County Council April 22 heard an update on the Unite Us initiative — a referral system used to connect residents with resources for specific needs, such as housing repairs and food instability. Lori Pesci, director of the Department of Public Safety, said when the initiative began in July 2023, there were 17 organizations in the network, […]
Granger trustees approve 2024-25 ODOT road salt purchase
GRANGER — Township Trustees April 16 approved participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) winter contract for road salt. Service Director Mark Novak said ODOT will not have per-ton pricing until this season’s bids are received, but he anticipates the price to be low due to recent mild winters. Novak explained the township must take possession of 90% of […]
South Side News & Notes
Lakemore Village Council renews insurance policy LAKEMORE — Lakemore Village Council April 16 approved the $69,538 annual renewal of the village’s liability and property insurance with Love Insurance and the Ohio Plan. Village Administrator Tracy Sayers said the one-year renewal, effective April 23, 2024 through April 23, 2025, represents an approximately 15% increase over last year’s contract. Sayers also announced […]
Trustees consider road levy options for November
SPRINGFIELD — Following the defeat of a 1.5-mill replacement road levy with a 0.5-mill increase in November 2023 and a 1.5-mill replacement road levy in March, Springfield Township Trustees April 11 took the first steps in placing a road levy on the November 2024 ballot. Trustees approved legislation requesting the Summit County Fiscal Officer to determine revenue generated by a […]
Coventry trustees approve rezoning for business
COVENTRY — Coventry Township Board of Trustees approved a rezoning request during its April 11 meeting, which will bring a new business to the township. The trustees held a public hearing regarding the rezoning of 1.34 acres of land at 2400 S. Main St. to change the zoning from B-2 Local Business District to C-1 Commercial Industrial District. ARC Gas […]
Barberton State of the City: ‘Redefining’ the Magic City
BARBERTON — Community collaboration, a continued focus on infrastructure improvements, economic development and addressing larger social issues like homelessness formed the backdrop of Barberton Mayor William Judge’s 2024 State of the City address, held April 10 at Barberton High School. The address, and its theme of “Redefining the Magic City,” was introduced by Barberton Community Foundation Executive Director Josh Gordon, […]
City Council honors magical Barberton basketball season
BARBERTON — Members of the Barberton Magics 2023-24 boys varsity basketball team took center stage at the April 15 Barberton City Council meeting as they were honored by the city for the team’s 19-2 regular season and Suburban League Championship win. “This is a special year,” said head coach Chad Hazard, adding that the team set out to make the […]
Norton Council approves property rezoning
NORTON — Norton City Council approved the rezoning of two parcels of property east of South Cleveland-Massillon Road from an I-1 District to an I-2 District at the April 15 meeting. Saint-Gobain, a construction design and manufacturing company, is looking to create a factory to make catalyst supports under the company’s NorPro division, which produces advanced ceramic technologies. Councilman Paul […]
Sharon trustees approve road bid
SHARON — The Sharon Board of Trustees awarded a road contract at the April 9 meeting. Trustees Kimberly Bolas Miller and Joe Canestraro approved a $467,167 contract with Perrin Asphalt. Trustee Brian Guccion was absent from the meeting. The contract will see work done on Halle and Creekside Chase drives, and Hartman Road. Trustees said $200,000 will come from gasoline […]
City Council approves funding for housing repairs
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Akron City Council is moving forward with several pieces of legislation relating to home repair programs in the city. During the April 15 Council meeting, members approved a contract extension with G. Stephens Inc. for the administration of the American Rescue Plan Act Home Repair Program. Deputy Director of Economic Development Sean Vollman said 141 homes have […]
West Side News & Notes
Romer, White legislation looks to solve childcare crisis COLUMBUS — State Reps. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and Andrea White (R-Kettering) introduced legislation April 9 to stimulate public-private partnerships designed to increase access to on-site and near-site child care for Ohio families and employers. The bill creates a new state grant fund and training initiatives to help employers partner with child care […]
Summit Recovery Hub opens new community center
AKRON — Summit Recovery Hub, a community organization dedicated to serving adults seeking or sustaining recovery from behavioral health disorders in Summit County, held a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony April 11 at its new community center, 572 W. Market St., Unit 2. The Summit Recovery Hub provides a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals on their journey to recovery. […]
Red Oak Behavioral Health benefit ‘resounding success’
AKRON — Red Oak Behavioral Health hosted its annual benefit, “Where Love Grows,” April 11 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. Attended by over 200 community partners and supporters, the event proved a huge success, according to a press release, furthering the organization’s mission and raising over $62,500 for school-based services in the Greater Akron community. The emcees for the event were […]
School Board president updates Copley trustees on superintendent retirement
COPLEY — At the outset of the Copley Township Board of Trustees April 9 meeting, Copley-Fairlawn City School Board President Jim Borchik announced the retirement of Superintendent Brian Poe. Borchik said the school board had received word that day of Poe’s planned retirement, effective at the end of the current school year. “We need to put a game plan in […]
Fairlawn Council waives compactor, recycling center fees
FAIRLAWN — During the April 15 meeting of Fairlawn City Council, members adopted two resolutions and heard the first reading of an ordinance, with Ward 5 Councilman Michael Detorakis excused. For the 28th year, Council has adopted a resolution waiving and suspending the annual fee for residents to use the Andrew E. Sombati Compactor and Recycling Center at 3294 Fairlawn […]
Vietnam veteran honored
AKRON — The Ezekial Richardson Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century honored Vietnam veteran Jack Hayes at its March 23 meeting. Hayes served in Vietnam in the 25th Infantry Division and was stationed at Cu Chi, just outside of Saigon. He began in the infantry, moved to armor and ended up in artillery. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his […]
Akron mayor presents first State of the City address
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik presented his first State of the City address April 10 at the Akron Civic Theatre in front of a crowd of approximately 1,500 people. The date of the address not only marked Malik’s 100th day in office as mayor, but it also was his birthday. Malik focused on his accomplishments in the first […]
County Council amends agreement with Board of Elections
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Summit County Council April 15 amended and approved a resolution authorizing the Executive to execute a cooperative agreement with the Summit County Land Reutilization Corp. (Land Bank) and the Summit County Board of Elections (BOE) as related to the relocation of the BOE to 1040 E. Tallmadge Ave. Chief of Staff Brian Nelsen said the Land Bank […]
Peninsula approves mayoral spending power
PENINSULA — Peninsula Village Council passed an ordinance at the April 9 meeting allowing Mayor Dan Schneider Jr. to approve purchases of up to $5,000 for the village’s departments provided the money is available. In earlier versions of the ordinance, the amount was proposed up to $10,000. In other news, Council accepted Councilman Dan Schneider Sr.’s resignation from the Valley […]
New Barberton Council members pledge responsiveness to residents
BARBERTON — In the most recent general election, Barberton voters sent five freshman candidates to Barberton City Council. New Ward 5 Councilwoman Rebecca Gearhart and Ward 6 Councilman Monte Harris each said being responsive to residents is essential. A Summit County resident most of her life, Gearhart (R-Ward 5) is a Norton High School graduate and has been a Barberton […]
Area experiences total eclipse
GREATER AKRON — On April 8, area communities gathered to watch the once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon dubbed “The Great North American Eclipse.” Northern Ohio was in the “path of totality” as the moon passed between Earth and the sun, turning daytime into darkness. The partial eclipse in Northern Ohio began at 1:59 p.m. with totality from 3:13 to 3:17 p.m. and […]
Sykes presents check for Lake Anna Revitalization Project
BARBERTON — U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-District 13) presented a ceremonial check to Barberton Mayor William Judge for $1 million in community project funding for the Lake Anna Revitalization Project. The City of Barberton will use this funding to construct a new community center in the city’s Lake Anna Park. In addition to serving as a hub for outdoor recreational […]
South Side News & Notes
City of Green and Portage Lakes Advisory Council announce Clean Green ’24 GREEN — The City of Green Living Green Task Force is inviting volunteers to participate in Clean Green ’24 at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park, 5531 S. Main St., April 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Clean Green is an annual event in partnership with the Portage Lakes Advisory […]
Sorrick Farm owner presents event center plans to New Franklin Council
NEW FRANKLIN — At a special meeting prior to the regular April 3 New Franklin City Council meeting, Dave Perkowski, owner of the historic 47-acre Sorrick Farm property at 365 Center Road, discussed plans to develop 4 acres of the property — including the house and barn buildings — into a wedding and event center. Perkowski said the event center […]
Springfield Township files lawsuit against nuisance hotel
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Township Trustees and the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office are taking legal action against the owners of the Red Roof Inn at 2939 Arlington Road following more than 900 police and EMS calls to the hotel in the past three years. At the April 4 board of trustees meeting, Trustee Kellie Chapman called this “abhorrent,” noting that township […]
‘Start by Believing’ campaign relaunches in Summit County
AKRON — Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich recently announced the relaunch of a public awareness campaign to support crime victims, specifically survivors of sexual assault. Start By Believing, launched by End Violence Against Women International, was created to end the cycle of silence and change the way society responds to sexual assault. According to a press release, the campaign starts […]
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