SOUTH AKRON — The Veterans Service Commission (VSC) of Summit County will celebrate the completion of its new building with two days of grand-opening events Sept. 11-12 at its new headquarters, 1060 E. Waterloo Road.

Summit County Executive Russ Pry will offer a special address during a program for invited guests Sept. 11. The public, especially Summit County veterans, are invited to grand-opening activities planned for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12.

Free events will begin with a special opening ceremony to include the posting of colors and a dedication offered by VSC commissioners. VSC Executive Director George Baker also will offer a special welcome to Gold Star Families of Summit County during the day’s events.

The rest of the day will feature music, refreshments and tours of the new 16,000-square-foot building. Inside, visitors can view more than 100 of local artist Bill Rawling’s portraits of Ohio fallen soldiers donated to VSC to display in its new community room.

VSC broke ground on the $2.2 million building last July. The extra space allows for a larger, 90-space parking lot, a 3,000-square-foot meeting room and veterans learning center with computers. The new facility is also handicap accessible and located all on one floor.

“Leaving the old facility where I’d served for the past 19 years will be bittersweet, but we all look forward to new days of expanded services for Summit County veterans in our new, conveniently located headquarters,” said Baker. “Our veteran community has been very patient in waiting for a facility that is representative of the respect they deserve. I’m quite optimistic that they’ll be more than pleased when they visit on Sept. 12.”

Stand Down for Homeless Veterans set for Sept. 15

SOUTH AKRON — The Summit County Stand Down for Homeless Veterans Committee will stage its Fourth Annual Veterans Stand Down Sept. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Firestone Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3383, 690 W. Waterloo Road. Veterans are asked to bring their identification.

A Stand Down refers to a one-day, community-based intervention program designed to help area homeless veterans combat life on the streets. The philosophy of Stand Down is “a hand up, not a hand out.”

Homeless veterans who come to Stand Down are provided with a range of necessities, including food, clothing, medical services, legal and mental health assistance, job counseling and haircuts, as well as companionship and camaraderie.

The Summit County Stand Down Committee is asking for assistance to help sponsor the event. On Sept. 14 between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m., donations can be brought to the VFW post. Donations can be in the form of gift cards (fast food, telephone, etc.), grocery store food vouchers and small items homeless individuals could carry and use in their daily life, such as gloves, hats, sweatshirts, hand towels, wash cloths, throw blankets, bandages and small packages of wipes, lotion, shaving cream, etc.

For details, contact Laura Dunlop at (330) 762-7328 or Williams.LD@hotmail.com.

Akron Thermal ceases operation

DOWNTOWN AKRON — The city of Akron has filed a breach of contract complaint vs. Akron Thermal, the financially troubled utility that provides steam heat and chilled water to downtown customers, including the three major hospitals, after Akron Thermal notified the city Sept. 4 it would cease operations at the end of the day Sept. 8, according to city officials.

The city is seeking a judgment in excess of $4 million against Akron Thermal, as well as $5 million in punitive damages, and requested a temporary restraining order.

On Sept. 7, Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer issued the temporary restraining order prohibiting Akron Thermal and its employees from interrupting the production or distribution of steam or chilled water to any customers; removing any equipment, records or other tangible items from the premises (the city also was so ordered); and surrendering, transferring or encumbering any license or permit that the city will possess as of 5 p.m. Sept. 8.

The city also was ordered to hold Akron Thermal harmless from operations after 5 p.m. Sept. 8.

According to court papers, Akron Thermal had a 10-year lease agreement with the city through 2017.

Per a previous agreement, Akron Energy Systems will operate the steam-heat and chilled-water system, and the city requested immediate access to the property in anticipation of Akron Thermal’s ceasing operations, according to court papers.

Bat reported as positive for rabies in Medina County

WADSWORTH TOWNSHIP — A bat from Bear Swamp Road tested positive for rabies Sept. 2. The Medina County Health Department sent the bat to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Lab in Columbus Aug. 28. There was no reported exposure to any people or pets.

According to the MCDH, if a bat is in or around a house, capture the bat and call the local health department.

To catch a bat inside a building:

• Wear gloves and avoid direct skin contact with the bat.

• Avoid harming the bat’s head.

• Keep the bat in one room. Close windows, room doors and closet doors.

• Turn on lights if the room is dark and wait for the bat to land.

• Cover the bat with a coffee can or similar container. Slide a piece of cardboard under the can to trap the bat and tape the cardboard tightly to the can.

• If necessary, use a net or long pole with a piece of duct tape (sticky side out) to capture the bat.

• Do not use a glue board to capture the bat or drown the bat, as this affects the rabies test.

If a human or pets are exposed to a bat, immediately contact the Medina County Health Department at (330) 723-9523 or the Summit County Health District at (330) 923-4891. If a pet is exposed to a bat, contact a veterinarian to check the pet’s rabies vaccination status and find out if a booster shot is recommended.

Rabies information is available by visiting the ODH Web site at www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/idc/zoodis/rabies/rab1.aspx.

Raccoon rabies vaccination baiting through Sept. 25

COLUMBUS — The Ohio departments of health and natural resources began fall oral rabies vaccination (ORV) operations Sept. 6 in 16 Northeast and Eastern Ohio counties, including Summit.

Baits will be distributed by various methods in each county, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter and health department staff in vehicles. Aerial distribution should be complete within 10 days; ground baiting may continue beyond Sept. 25, depending on weather.

Residents in the areas to be baited should be aware of low-flying aircraft and should keep children and pets away from the baits.

Two types of baits will be used. Airplanes will drop a small plastic sachet, about the size of a ketchup packet, coated in fishmeal. In urban areas, the vaccine will be inside a hard, brown, 2-by-2-inch fishmeal block.

Residents should avoid the baits and keep pets confined during the baiting period. Dogs, in particular, are attracted to the baits and will occasionally eat them; however, the baits are not harmful to pets, according to state officials.

Health officials ask residents to keep the following information in mind:

• Instruct children to leave the baits alone.

• Once the area is baited, keep dogs and cats inside or on leashes for up to five days. Most baits disappear within 24 hours; however, it is important raccoons have every opportunity to eat them.

• Anyone handling baits should wear gloves. If baits are found in areas frequented by pets or children, toss them into deeper cover. Damaged baits can be disposed of in the trash.

• If a person is exposed to the vaccine (red liquid), thoroughly wash any areas of the skin that came into contact with the vaccine with soap and water.

• If someone has been exposed to the vaccine or has questions about the baiting, call the Summit County Health District at (330) 923-4891 or the Ohio Health Department at (888) 722-4371.