SUMMIT COUNTY — Ohio Benefits, the system Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS) uses to determine eligibility and benefits, will be unavailable on Friday, December 3 for a statewide computer upgrade. If residents need to apply, recertify or renew their benefits for cash, food or Medicaid assistance during this time, they can submit a […]
2021-11-18
Summit County Executive’s Office advisory: Job and Family Services benefit system down for upgrades on Dec. 3
ODOT District 4 (Summit County) weekly construction advisory:
SUMMIT COUNTY: Weekly Construction Update WEEK OF NOVEMBER 29 AKRON — The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Summit County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting. I-76/I-77 Akron Beltway reconstruction Interstate 76/77 Akron Beltway reconstruction, Akron – reconstruction of I-76/I-77 between Princeton Ave. to V. Odom Blvd., I-77 between Cole Ave. and Waterloo Rd., and […]
ODOT District 4 (Summit County) weekly construction update:
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 22 AKRON, Ohio — The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Summit County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting. I-76/I-77 Akron Beltway reconstruction Interstate 76/77 Akron Beltway reconstruction, Akron – reconstruction of I-76/I-77 between Princeton Ave. to V. Odom Blvd., I-77 between Cole Ave. and Waterloo Rd., and at State Route 8/I-76/I-77 […]
ODOT District 3 (Medina County) weekly construction report:
Week of November 22, 2021 MEDINA COUNTY — The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Medina County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting. ODOT works with its contractors to reduce the size of work zones and open as many lanes as possible over the holidays. Current road closures will remain closed until their posted completion […]
Manchester to host construction project meeting
NEW FRANKLIN — Manchester Local Schools will present a community meeting to provide an update on the district’s upcoming construction projects Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Manchester High School, 437 W. Nimisila Road, in the social studies complex. Manchester Superintendent Shaun Morgan announced the meeting during the Nov. 16 Manchester Board of Education meeting, stating the meeting will allow […]
County proposing sewer rate increases
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Summit County Department of Sanitary Sewer Services (DSSS) customers will likely see rates increase beginning in January. Michael Vinay, director of the DSSS, explained the proposal during a presentation at the Nov. 15 Summit County Council Public Works Committee meeting. Vinay stated the county hired Raftelis to study the department’s operations and rates and create a “sustainable […]
Civil War hero honored at Glendale Cemetery
WEST AKRON — According to local historian and Green resident Ted Dudra, perhaps the most remarkable thing about the remarkable life of Bath resident, Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge and Civil War hero Alvin Coe Voris is how little the general public knows about him. “He was the highest ranking military officer ever born in Summit County, although the […]
Peninsula establishes police reserve unit
PENINSULA — Peninsula Village Council approved adding a new unit to the Peninsula Police Department at its Nov. 8 meeting. Council suspended second and third readings and approved the ordinance to create the Police Reserve Unit. Peninsula Police Chief Jay Nagy said at the Nov. 10 Boston Township Board of Trustees meeting the reserve unit will consist of noncommissioned civilians […]
Sharon Township officials address fire station staffing
SHARON — Sharon Township officials discussed fire department staffing at the Nov. 9 Sharon Township Board of Trustees meeting. Fire Chief Robert Haas told trustees the department is currently operating 24 hours a day with at least three people at the station around the clock. He said this allows for a better response time in the event of emergency calls. […]
Hoban dominates Nordonia in playoff victory
RAVENNA — Nordonia High School was no match for Archbishop Hoban High School Nov. 12 in the Division II football regional semifinal at Ravenna High School. Hoban won the game 35-7 and will advance to the next round of playoffs. Shown below, Hoban cheerleaders pose for a picture prior to the start of the game. Hoban junior running back Lamar […]
Springfield district addressing mental health of students
LAKEMORE — Springfield Local Schools Special Services Director Christina Ziga-Budd, appointed to the post about three months ago, outlined recent efforts aimed at addressing issues pertaining to students requiring special services from the district at the Nov. 16 Board of Education meeting. Ziga-Budd noted students receiving special services often have multiple issues at one time, such as autism and other […]
Fairlawn Council welcomes new fire chief
CORRECTION: Fairlawn’s service department will host the final two leaf pickups for the year Nov. 22 and 29, and residents should have their bagged leaves curbside by 7 a.m. those mornings. The original meeting report indicated leaves should be piled curbside at 8 a.m. FAIRLAWN — Fairlawn Fire Capt. Richard Dobson was sworn in as the new fire chief […]
West Side Education News & Notes
UA, Civic Theatre partner to advance AkronArts initiative DOWNTOWN AKRON — The University of Akron (UA) and the Akron Civic Theatre have partnered to advance the arts and support economic growth in the Akron area. UA officials stated the one-year agreement with UA’s faculty-lead AkronArts initiative, which is designed to embrace and enhance the arts on UA’s campus and to […]
West Side Neighborhood Watch
WEST AKRON: Police stopped a driver for a traffic violation on Mercer Avenue Nov. 8. According to the police report, he pulled over at the intersection of Stoner Avenue and as police walked toward his car, he yelled, “I’m not stopping” and drove away. The officer then got back into the cruiser and pursued him until the man pulled into […]
Upcoming sporting events
Football • Friday, Nov. 19: Hoban and Walsh Jesuit, 7 p.m., Twinsburg Tiger Stadium Bowling • Monday, Nov. 22: Woodridge at Norton, 4 p.m., Charger Lanes Basketball • Tuesday, Nov. 23: South Range at Hoban (girls), 7 p.m., Hoban High School • Tuesday, Nov. 23: Woodridge at Firestone CLC (girls), 7 p.m., Firestone CLC • Wednesday, Nov. 24: Dalton at […]
South Side News & Notes
Green Professional Association Turkey Trot coming up Nov. 25 GREEN — The Green Professionals Association (GPA) will present its ninth annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run Nov. 25 at Green memorial Stadium, 1737 Steese Road. The 1-mile event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K, with a cap of 650 runners this year, will start at […]
Village Council approves grant applications
LAKEMORE — Lakemore Village Council unanimously passed resolutions at its Nov. 15 meeting that will allow the village to apply for four grants from the state for various purposes. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grant, offered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS), would provide 12 months of funding to prevent family, domestic and dating violence […]
Green beats Wooster to advance in playoffs
CANAL FULTON — The Green High School Bulldogs football team is reaching levels the team has not seen in years. Green defeated Wooster High School 21-14 Nov. 12 in the Division II, Region 7 semifinal game at Northwest High School. Green jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter following two touchdown passes from Green senior quarterback Trevor […]
Coventry’s holiday events back on this year
COVENTRY — A Christmas celebration in Portage Lakes put on hold last year will return in a big way this year. The Coventry Board of Trustees announced at the board’s Nov. 11 meeting the Clock Tower and Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Dec. 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. and will include a professional lighting of the Clock Tower […]
Granger woman comments on Granger trustees’ election
With the election over, I think it is appropriate to comment on some last-minute comments, letters and posts that originated from supporters of the unsuccessful Granger Township trustee candidates. I was very concerned when I read the allegations that there was an ongoing Ohio Ethics Commission investigation of the incumbents and/or Granger Township. How would they know this? The Ethics […]
Charley seeking family into fitness
BRUNSWICK — Charley is 2 years old, independent and friendly with people, dogs and cats. He will entertain himself in an enclosed yard, romping around and picking up sticks. He also has been known to follow joggers on uninvited escapades. Also, Charley seeks just enough human attention and affection to let you know that he is there, but you may […]
30th annual Home Run for the Homeless planned
WEST AKRON — Gennesaret Inc.’s 30th annual Home Run for the Homeless benefit run/walk will be held in person and virtually, with Cleveland Clinic Akron General as the title sponsor. The in-person 1-mile fun run/walk event will take place Nov. 25 at 8:30 a.m. near and through Glendale Cemetery. Honorary race chairperson Butch Reynolds, an Olympic track gold medalist and […]
New owner emphasizing the ‘more’ of The Bird Store and More
FAIRLAWN — Already an avid customer of The Bird Store and More, Tammie Kerst recently did what many shoppers dream of doing — she bought her favorite store. “I had been coming here for years, and when I found out it was for sale, I looked into it,” Kerst said. Located at 117 Merz Blvd., the business was founded 28 […]
Emma looking for quieter home
WADSWORTH — Emma was rescued from the streets as a young and very thin but devoted mama with a litter of kittens. She has since put on some weight and her kittens have found homes. She also has come to appreciate being an indoor cat, enjoying regular mealtimes and having a safe place to sleep. She would do best in […]
Akron to use funding to assist small businesses
DOWNTOWN AKRON — City of Akron officials are planning to help small businesses in the city impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Nov. 15 Akron City Council Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting, Council members heard a presentation regarding how city officials intend to spend a portion of the money received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) on […]
West Side News & Notes
SCPH hosting COVID-19 testing events GREATER AKRON — As the number of COVID-19 cases in Summit County continue to rise, strategies such as testing continue to be an important tool for mitigating the spread, according to Summit County Public Health (SCPH) officials. In response, SCPH, located at 1867 W. Market St., will host drive-thru testing events Nov. 23 and 30 […]
Boston trustees hear about road improvements grant
BOSTON — The Boston Township Board of Trustees learned at its Nov. 10 meeting the township is applying for an $8 million grant for road improvements. Trustee Amy Anderson announced Road Superintendent Dave Krusinski is applying for one-time federal stimulus program funds administered by the Ohio Department of Transportation that will award a total of $8 million to townships for […]
APS honors Buchtel football coach
DOWNTOWN AKRON — The Akron Public Schools (APS) Board of Education approved naming the driveway between the school and stadium at Buchtel Community Learning Center (CLC) “Ricky Powers Way” during its Nov. 15 meeting. The change was requested by the Buchtel PTA’s Alumni Committee to honor former football head coach Richard “Ricky” Powers, a 1990 Buchtel graduate and member of […]
West Side Business News & Notes
TRIAD seeking Design4Good applications CUYAHOGA FALLS — TRIAD, a marketing and design firm specializing in branding and strategy, print design, website development, digital marketing and video production, is accepting applications for Design4Good, the agency’s annual pro bono design program that provides free design and interactive services to 501(c)(3) organizations. According to company officials, Design4Good services range from branding and website […]
Akron area students win Hackathon competition
DOWNTOWN AKRON — A group of Akron students won the TECH CORPS Hackathon sponsored by AT&T that was held at The University of Akron Nov. 6. The TECH CORPS Hackathon is a statewide competition held in Akron, Columbus and Zanesville. More than 60 high school students from all over the state were part of the 12-hour event that culminated with […]
South Side Neighborhood Watch
COVENTRY: On Oct. 25, Summit County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated a break-in on Wood Duck Lane after someone entered a garage and stole power tools and collector’s cards, with a total value of more than $4,300. Deputies responded to a disturbance at another Wood Duck Lane location Oct. 27. A woman reported she went to her boyfriend’s apartment and he […]
Copley seeking grant for sidewalk project
COPLEY — A project to replace a sidewalk on South Cleveland-Massillon Road that would connect Copley-Fairlawn Middle School to Copley Circle could be coming, courtesy of a $250,000 no-match state grant. Copley Community and Economic Development Director Loudan Klein explained at the Nov. 9 Copley Township Board of Trustees meeting that the Ohio Township Stimulus Program makes such funds available, […]
Bath man laments ‘sidewalk to nowhere’
Attention Bath residents: [An] estimated $650,000 will be spent for a sidewalk on a portion of North Cleveland-Massillon Road in Bath Township. Bath Township will cover $130,000 of the cost. (“County Council approves Bath sidewalk project,” Oct. 28, 2021, West Side Leader) Who is going to walk on this sidewalk? Probably the same people who don’t walk on the sidewalk […]
Energetic Charlie needs training
GREATER AKRON — Charlie, a 4-year-old goldendoodle, is a great dog in the rough. A death in the family left him homeless. He is full of energy and has not had much training, but is very willing to learn. He’s OK with other dogs if introduced properly, but he is an attention-grabber, so be prepared to love him lots. Because […]
COVID-19 cases in Highland district students double
GRANGER — Highland Local Schools Superintendent Catherine Aukerman announced at the Nov. 15 Board of Education meeting that COVID-19 cases among students in the district almost doubled from Oct. 18 to Nov. 12. Aukerman said the district has recorded 81 positive COVID-19 cases among students from Oct. 18 to Nov. 12 and has had a total of 145 positive cases […]
St. Sebastian foundation celebrates 50 years
WEST AKRON — The St. Sebastian Parish Foundation hosted a 50th anniversary celebration Sept. 16. According to foundation officials, the organization was started in 1971 with a mission to financially support the church and the school, and since 1971 over $11 million has been provided through more than 70 named funds and endowments. This support has included capital improvement projects […]
Trustees OK Springfield Lake water-quality study
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Township Board of Trustees approved Nov. 10 a $7,000 water-quality study by CT Consultants that will analyze water quality in Springfield Lake and propose solutions for issues that include high algae content and a higher than average E. coli presence in the lake. Trustee Dean Young said the first step of this process is expected to […]
Summit County death notices
Summit County Public Health has issued these death notices for the week of Oct. 24-30, 2021 (continued from last week): Patricia Louise DeSantis, Barberton, 61, died Oct. 9, 2021 Betty Jean Dobbins, Akron, 94, died Oct. 5, 2021 Michael Doherty, Norton, 66, died Oct. 11, 2021 Michael A. Duffy Jr., Twinsburg, 71, died Oct. 15, 2021 Pamela Ann Farson, Akron, […]
West Side Police News & Notes
APD earns STAR Police Training Academy certification AKRON — The Akron Police Department (APD) has received the first ever STAR Police Training Academy certification from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. According to city officials, the STAR recognition is reserved for academies that provide additional training and assessments and have proven success of cadets in the State Certification Exam. The Ohio […]
Bath Church senior pastor named
BATH — The Rev. Dr. Cindy Parker has been named senior pastor at Bath Church United Church of Christ (UCC). Parker, shown at right, completed undergraduate studies at Penn State University and a master’s in divinity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She then completed a year of clinical pastoral education at Family Hospice and Palliative Care in Pittsburgh and earned a […]
Fundraiser to benefit Oviatt House
RICHFIELD — Oviatt House Inc. (OHI) is partnering with Three Rivers Wreath and Plant Co. to offer handcrafted, specially decorated wreaths (shown at right), centerpieces and garlands made with fresh evergreens. All wreaths are double-faced (built on both sides of the ring), with real balsam fir greens, according to OHI officials. Through Nov. 31, this program will offer 11 different […]