Ohio — A woman in Akron suffered serious injuries to her face after she was stabbed by another woman and attacked by a pitbull
Police were called to a home in the 1000 block of Burkhardt Avenue Saturday around 4 a.m
they learned a woman had been stabbed before a 51-year-old woman allegedly sicced her pitbull on the 46-year-old victim
The victim was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General with serious injuries to her face
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInAKRON
Ohio (WOIO) - Two officers were taken to the hospital Monday after a suspect rammed into police cruisers multiple times after crashing into an apartment building
officers responded to the 100 block of Tate Terrace just after 3:30 a.m
Gamble crashing into an apartment building
The release said officers tried to make a traffic stop on Gamble
who then hit a police cruiser as he tried to run from officers
who rammed another police cruiser multiple times during the chase
Gamble stopped when his vehicle was pinned against a tree
Police then arrested Gamble and learned the vehicle he was driving was stolen
Akron Police also said Gamble hit a gas meter when he hit the apartment building and the residents were evacuated
No word yet on when Gamble will be in court
A 46-year-old woman was hospitalized May 3 after being stabbed by another woman and then attacked by a pitbull
Officers responded to reports of a knife attack at about 4:07 a.m
who stated she was stabbed during an argument
stabbed her multiple times and then sent her pit bull to attack her
The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries
Posey reportedly fled the scene before officers could arrive
A warrant for felonious assault has been issued for her arrest
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com
It was difficult in the early 2010s to peruse
the internet without seeing this guy's face
His famous yearbook photo from Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron features him rocking an open-mouth smile
donning a red sweater vest over a teal blue shirt in front of a purple background
But his real name is Kyle Craven, a husband to his high school sweetheart, father of two and vice president of his family's business, Craven Construction
Craven's best friend and now business partner on all things memes
first uploaded Craven's photo online in 2012 with some text to match with the character of a bumbling goofball and gave Craven his alliterative alter ego
"Takes driving test / Gets first DUI," the caption read
Craven and Davies were then excited to see someone else's take on the meme show up on the front page of Reddit
it might get popular for a day and then just die off,'" Craven said
but then just kind of came back and came back and came back and just organically exploded over the next couple of months."
After several years largely out of the limelight and focusing on construction, Craven said, brands revived the meme to target ads to millennials, who now have robust purchasing power and fondly remember early memes like his. In 2025, Hyundai used his meme and likeness in a commercial that aired during the NFL championship games
a Kent State construction management graduate
has also done some acting in short clips − for instance
working with Shaquille O'Neal on an ad for The General Insurance
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said he was familiar with Bad Luck Brian but didn't know until recently that the man behind the meme was local
When he found out Craven was signing to buy Quaker Square from the University of Akron
On a sunny Friday in April, Craven sat down at the Akron location of one of his favorite restaurants, Rockne's, to talk about his life as a meme over a shared plate of a go-to dish of his, bacon cheddar fries
My kids won a couple of tickets or something
The old school Scumbag Steve memes are really funny
I feel like everybody knows a guy like that growing up
and it's really hilarious just reading the text and going
I can relate to that.' But as far as Bad Luck Brian
I think my favorite one that I have seen of my meme was
'Parents get divorced / No one fights over custody.'
We got reached out (to) from an advertising company that wanted to license the photo for a billboard for an orthodontics clinic
why don't we work a deal where you pay for our flights
do some photos and also we can see the billboard at the same time?' And they're like
'I can't believe you want to come to Slovakia.' So
we ended up going and spent a week over there
that marketing company that brought me out there − we're great friends
They do all my marketing for my construction company now
They're going to do Quaker Square marketing for us
And then we eat more.' And they couldn't believe it
'You're more than welcome to come to my house for Thanksgiving.'
(the) offer still stands if you guys want to come to Thanksgiving at my house.' Next thing I know
they booked tickets and they're coming over
They brought some wine from Slovakia and some gifts for the kids
He gets on set (for The General commercial) and beelines right over to me
'I am so glad we're working together on this
I know all about Kyle and Bad Luck Brian and Ian
Somebody has to fill him in.' He was so on top of it
I do get a lot of people that look at me in public
and somebody in the line − not the workers because the workers do usually know who I am − it's always people in line that give me a weird look
I want people to know that I am from Akron
and they're not crazy to think they might have saw Bad Luck Brian at Chipotle in Fairlawn or wherever
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
Patrick Williams covers growth and development for the Akron Beacon Journal
He can be reached by email at pwilliams@gannett.com or on X
Is Colorado State adding a new weapon to the playbook on offense
It seems likely as the CSU football team has landed a commitment from a veteran transfer quarterback with a history of being a dangerous runner from the QB position
Akron's Tahj Bullock has committed to the Rams, announcing his decision on social media on May 3
Bullock played in 22 games with three starts over the past two seasons at Akron
He had eight rushing touchdowns on 54 carries last season and 12 total rushing touchdowns in his two seasons with the Zips
Bullock's largest rushing game of 2024 came with 42 yards against Ohio State
Bullock had only 29 passing attempts last season
but completed 21 of them (72%) for 176 yards
He also caught 10 passes for 63 yards last season
Bullock spent two seasons at Virginia Tech
Bullock was considered a three-star recruit out of high school (St
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is expected to enter the 2025 season as the starter at QB and Bullock's role would likely be as a change-of-pace or wildcat QB
CSU began using the wildcat frequently in short-down situations last season
usually with a direct snap to a running back
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle
Not long after adding becoming mayor of Akron to his list of achievements, Shammas Malik will add another accomplishment in his life: parenthood
Malik and his wife, Alice, announced on Facebook that they are expecting their first child
Malik, who became Akron's youngest mayor and first person-of-color elected as the city's leader, married his wife in October 2024 after a proposal under the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Akron native and Harvard Law School graduate previously represented Ward 8 in Akron City Council from January 2020 until he began his role as mayor
A demolition crew from Butcher & Son is methodically tearing down the building at 2140 13th St
Nearly half of the structure is obliterated
Workers have peeled away the front of the school
revealing the interior like a giant dollhouse
offices and black-and-red lockers teeter near the edge
Light fixtures and ductwork dangle from ceilings
These were the hallowed halls of education and athletics
“I feel it’s a very tragic thing that they’re tearing down Kenmore High School,” said 1969 graduate David Bersnak
vice president and co-founder of the Kenmore Historical Society
“It was a very big part of the Akron community.”
Famous Kenmore alumni include Mayor Don Plusquellic
college football coach Gary Pinkel and rock singer Tim “Ripper” Owens
“A lot of good things have come out of Kenmore,” Bersnak said
The original building opened in 1916 when Kenmore was a separate community from Akron
the Board of Education approved construction of a $1 million addition that included a double gymnasium
A 1,000-seat auditorium was dedicated in 1956
the school board expanded the 5.3-acre property into a 10.5-acre site bounded by Battles Avenue
The original section was razed to make way for a $10.5 million building that was completed in 1980
the students sang: “Oh Kenmore High forever
The school’s demise began in 2002 with an $800 million
state-funded program to renovate or reconstruct the district’s school buildings
the Akron school board voted to merge Kenmore with Garfield High School after the 2016-2017 year
The combined building initially was called Kenmore-Garfield High School
The last classes were held in 2022 before 800 students transferred to a new building in Firestone Park
The board shortened the school’s name to Garfield Community Learning Center
ending more than a century of education under the Kenmore banner
“I think the Akron Public Schools have made a big mistake in closing Kenmore,” Bersnak said
“A lot of people don’t want to have to travel clear to Firestone Park to go to school.”
The lack of a high school will have a detrimental impact on the neighborhood as families settle elsewhere
He thinks the district will eventually regret closing Kenmore High
“The building they tore down actually was in pretty good shape,” he said
Sad to see it goKenmore native Mary Morlan
sat in her car in the old parking lot and watched the demolition crew at work
thinking back on all the days and all the fun we had in here,” she said
She reminisced on the phone with her lifetime friend Marty Garbinsky
They grew up on Oregon Avenue and attended 13 years of school together beginning in kindergarten
they transferred to the vocational program at Garfield
Garbinsky recalled the pep rallies in the Kenmore gymnasium
“The school spirit was really high in those years,” she said
a demolition worker pulled up in a small loader to dump a load of bricks in the parking lot for people to grab
“I’m giving her one and I’m going to put one in my garden
Although Bersnak wishes his alma mater could have been saved
he realizes that there’s no use in complaining about it
Kenmore natives have been commiserating on social media about the landmark’s demolition
“My parents were the class of 1925 — one hundred years ago!” Betsy Bachtel wrote on Facebook
my siblings and myself all went there,” Lisa Insana noted
“Losing my childhood one piece at a time.”
“Our parents attended KHS in the ’40s,” Bruce C.E
“My sister Debby and I had some of the same teachers in the ’60s.”
“There’s so much that’s going to die with that building!” Maryann Harris wrote
“Seems like when they close a school they’re just itching for the next step — demolishing it
Some of the best years of my teens was spent there (1962-1966).”
“Well … they can’t tear down the great memories we shared there,” Bruce Young wrote
“It’s absolutely insane how many schools have been removed from Kenmore in the last 15-20 years,” Cody Williams posted
“It’s a shame they couldn’t use the building for something else.”
“I was born in the house across the street from there
“God love Kenmore,” Elaine Friend-Robertson wrote
Mark J. Price can be reached at mprice@thebeaconjournal.com
Paws and Pars: Topgolf Fundraiser for Paws and Prayers: 1 to 3 p.m. May 4 at Topgolf Akron, 600 Swartz Road, Akron. Teams of six are required. $65 per person. pawsandprayers.org
Akron Area Interfaith Council Hunger Walk for Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank: 2 to 5 p.m. May 4 at Unitarian Universalist Church, 3300 Morewood Road, Fairlawn. Choose a 1- or 2-mile course. Refreshments in the church's fellowship hall. akroninterfaith.org
Taste of Medina County: 5 to 8 p.m. May 8 at Blair Center at Westfield, 9079 S. Leroy Road, Westfield Center. Food, drinks and live music. Support United Way’s work in Medina County to promote financial empowerment and connect residents to basic needs. $65. uwsummitmedina.org
Cleveland Ballet Romeo & Juliet Spring Fling Gala: 6:30 p.m. May 9. Food, dancing, live music from Tony Quarles and The Discovery Band and a sneak preview of “Romeo and Juliet.” Tickets are $200 or $250 for VIP. cleveballet.org
Medina County Historical Society Bridal Shower Fundraiser: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 10 at Medina County Veterans Memorial Hall , 620 N. Broadway St., Medina. Tickets, $50, include lunch, dessert, guest speaker, games, prizes and a pass to the McDowell-Phillips House Museum to view the wedding dress display. For reservations, call 330-722-1341 or email mchs@zoominternet.net
NAMI Summit County 2025 May Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. May 13 at DoubleTree by Hilton Akron Fairlawn, 3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn. New York Times bestselling author April Simpkins will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $65. To register, go to https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/wpr6qnu
Ballet Western Reserve Spring Gala: 3 p.m. May 17 at DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown. Ballet Western Reserve presents “Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs.” deyorpac.org
Fire & Roses: The Apollo’s Fire Gala: May 18 at The Tudor Arms Hotel, 10660 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland. Cocktails, dinner, silent auction and concert by Jeannette Sorrell and Apollo’s Fire. apollosfire.org
Summit Artspace Arts Alive Awards Reception: 6-8:30 p.m. May 21 at House Three Thirty, 532 W. Market St., Akron. Heavy appetizers, desserts and signature cocktails. Tickets, which start at $80, can be purchased at eventbrite.com
For more information: mmhammer@starkcountyohio.gov or 330-451-7789
United Way of Summit & Medina Bold Glow: 5:30 p.m. May 30 at J.E. Good Park, 530 Nome Ave, Akron. Food, drinks, a golf experience, live music by Van Sailin' and more. $65. uwsummitmedina.org
Falls Cancer Club Card Party and Raffle: Noon to 3:30 p.m. May 31 at Redeemer Christian School, 2141 Fifth St., Cuyahoga Falls. A $12 ticket includes a light lunch of pasta salad, croissant, fruit cup and dessert. Bring friends and a favorite game. For card party or raffle tickets, call Rita at 330-858-2970, Cathy at 330-328-3686, Julie at 330-612-1409 or the Falls Cancer Club at 330-929-2796. fallscancerclub.org
Bath Tour of Distinctive Homes: June 1-12. Bath Volunteers for Service will offer a virtual tour of elegant residences and landscapes as its signature fundraising event. The tour will be accessible from Sunday, June 1, to Thursday, June 12. Tickets start at $40. bathvolunteersforservice.com
ATHENA Akron 17th Annual Leadership Day Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 5 at House Three Thirty, 532 W. Market St., Akron. Cookbook author Bev Shaffer, food and drink reporter for The Repository, will speak. Patron ticket for two is $150. Member ticket for two is $85. Each additional guest is $30 after purchase of ticket for two. AthenaAkron.org
Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank Dancing for Diapers Fundraiser: Doors open at 6 p.m. June 20 at La Pizzaria, 3656 Dressler Road NW, Jackson Township. Get out your bell bottoms, leisure suits and platform shoes. With disco music, costume contest, raffle and silent auction. givebutter.com
The Fore! The Arts Golf Classic: July 25 at Youngstown Country Club, 1402 Country Club Drive. The outing will benefit Stambaugh Auditorium, Opera Western Reserve, DeYor Performing Arts Center, Youngstown Symphony and Youngstown Playhouse. deyorpac.org
Send information about social and charity events to The Scene
Or email droese@thebeaconjournal.com or listings@thebeaconjournal.com with “The Scene” in the subject line
Event notices should be sent at least two weeks in advance
Merits of all organizations have not been investigated by the Beacon Journal
so potential donors should verify the worthiness of a cause before committing
This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks
The action you just performed triggered the security solution
There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase
You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked
Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page
The year-long Bicentennial celebration includes a calendar of events
These events are in addition to the closing ceremonies in December to mark the city's founding in 1825
Akron last month opened its long-planned history center
The museum features notable Akronites from John Brown to LeBron James
With us Monday on the "Sound of Ideas" is the chair of the city's Bicentennial Commission Mark Greer and the driving force behind the Akron History Center
we'll discuss one of Akron's most iconic landmarks and the ambitious plans to breathe new life into it
Quaker Square—once a bustling hotel and retail complex built from the Quaker Oats silos—is getting a second act
After years of dormancy under the ownership of the University of Akron
a team of local developers is stepping in to reimagine the 400,000-square-foot property
Their vision is a revitalized hub featuring hotel rooms
and it is expected to close later this month
Growth and Development Reporter at the Akron Beacon Journal
He's been following the redevelopment closely and recently toured the site
Professor Emeritus at the University of Akron and former president of the American Psychological Association
Levant as spent decades researching the psychology of men and societal views of masculinity
He has authored or edited 20 books over the course of his career
"The Problem With Men," is a memoir that includes reflections on his childhood
personal mental health experiences and professional path
The book also examines traditional concepts of masculinity and their impact on men and society
Levant to discuss how ideas about masculinity are shifting
and what role they continue to play in the modern world
American Psychological Association- Jeff St
Things are looking downright prehistoric at the Akron Zoo
The zoo is going to be home to some dinosaurs as DinoTrek takes up residence May 10 through Sept
14 with some 20 life-size animatronic dinosaurs along with related exhibits and experiences for guests
just who among the 2,000 or so critters and animals that call the zoo home is the oldest
While none are still around from the zoo's founding in 1953
there are some that have called Akron home for a long time
The turkey vulture has been at the zoo since 1986
But just who is the Akron Zoo's oldest resident
And that's quite a feat considering they don't know Boxie's exact age
Zookeepers say Boxie is an estimated 74 years old
They can't pinpoint her exact birthdate because she was rescued from the illegal pet trade
(This story has been updated with new information.)
AKRON ‒ Skeletal remains found last week in an Akron homeless encampment were identified Monday as 22-year-old Xavier Menefee
had disappeared more than nine months ago in Summit County
Gary Guenther, chief investigator of the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office
announced that a positive identification was made through dental records
Menefee had been on Akron police's missing persons list for several months
He was listed as missing since either July 31 or since Aug
Authorities had been concerned about his mental health and the use of drugs
Akron police had responded to reports of a fight in the 300 block of Silver Avenue in Cascade Valley at about 4:47 p.m
One of the men there told officers that he learned someone had found human remains in a trash bag
Officers said they found the trash bag and additional remains in a fire pit and nearby area
The skeletal remains were transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an examination
According to GlenOak Athletics' website
Menefee played midfield for the GlenOak High School varsity lacrosse team during the 2018 to 2019 school year when he was a sophomore
His LinkedIn profile indicated he was set to finish his studies at GlenOak in 2021
And that he worked as a funeral home assistant from June 2019 to August 2020
Messages seeking comment were left for Plain Local School District officials
The investigation into his death is ongoing
The Akron Beacon Journal contributed to this story
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support
text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services
If you're in the mood for some chips and salsa
tacos and quesadillas or chimichangas and enchiladas
here are some Mexican restaurants in the area that are worth trying
Note this is not an exhaustive list of eateries specializing in Mexican cuisine in Akron
9 Black-owned restaurants, eateries to check out in Greater Akron
18 women-owned restaurants, eateries to check out in Greater Akron
Mucho Bueno’s Mexican Grill & Cantina opened in Brunswick in 2006
Reporter Mark Price wrote that he and his wife Susie have been regulars for about 15 years
but it’s always nice to return to the comfort of what you know,” Susie said
Read on: Mucho Bueno’s Mexican Grill & Cantina in Brunswick is a feast and a fiesta | Local Flavor
Casa del MarCasa Del Mar, which translates to “House of the Sea,” is an authentic Mexican restaurant on South Cleveland-Massillon Road just south of Interstate 76 in Greenridge Plaza. It’s been in business in Norton since 2013 and is a sister restaurant to Casa Del Rio in Wadsworth and Casa Del Rio Express in Fairlawn
this is some of the best Mexican food I’ve tasted in Summit County
Read on: Casa Del Mar in Norton is a fiesta of deliciousness | Local Flavor
Friends Gustavo Munoz and Alejandro Enriquez opened Amigos Taqueria in Stow in 2022
Enriquez was formerly a cook at Munoz's Tallmadge restaurant El Tren Grill before they became close friends and decided to go into business together
Amigos Taqueria focuses on the authentic dishes of their hometowns
That includes recipes perfected by Munoz's parents
Read on: Amigos Taqueria goes for Mexican authenticity in Stow
Tito's in Fairlawn has been around since 2011
so she and husband Steve finally checked it out in August 2023
She noted their extensive menu with variations of quesadillas
fajitas and burritos plus 10 chef's specials
Read on: Dinner at Tito's Mexican Grill a feast you'll want to repeat | Local Flavor
which opened inside Barmacy in Akron's Highland Square in 2022
It's run by couple Tyler Robinson and Nadine Gheith
who were encouraged by their friends to sell their taco creations
tilapia or vegetarian elote street tacos; chicken or beef birria tacos with meat cooked for three to five hours and served with consomme broth; elote corn bowls; quesadillas and more
Read on: Town Tacos cures your street taco cravings at new location inside Akron's Barmacy
which opened last April at Valley Centre plaza in Akron's Merriman Valley
specializes in the foods of owner Carlos Hernandez's family's homeland
Amid the restaurant's huge menu of 42 entrees including five types of enchiladas
Mexican salads and appetizers and much more
Read on: Oodles of noodles, tacos, pizza: These 6 restaurants opened in Summit County in April 🍜🌮🍕
This authentic Mexican spot is located in Ellet
La Loma’s most frequently ordered dishes are from the seafood section of its menu
the most popular of which is the molcajete — shrimp
mussels and fish served sizzling in a mortar
Read on: La Loma brings authentic Mexican tacos and more on the menu in Akron's Ellet neighborhood | Local Flavor
La FresaLa Fresa is Beans' go-to place when she's in the mood for fresh
They have numerous options for cold treats including house-made popsicles with flavors including coconut
blackberry and mango as well as more out-of-the-box popsicles are tequila
La Fresa also makes their own ice creams and sherbets
I scream, you scream: Where to get the scoop on ice cream in the Akron area
El Papa’s originally opened in Dover in 2009
it moved to Cuyahoga Falls on Howe Avenue and operated there for five years
resides in what was once Domenic’s Pub on State Road in Cuyahoga Falls
The most popular dishes at El Papa's are the California burrito, birria tacos, white enchiladas and margaritas, Beans reported
a newer Mexican restaurant that recently took over the former El Rancho's in Wallhaven
was a good lunch option for reporter Craig Webb and his wife Jennifer
the smell of the delicious plate of steak and grilled onions and peppers at Los Cabos took me to a tropical paradise
Read on: Take a culinary trip to Mexico at Akron's new Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant | Local Flavor
Funky Truckeria in Norton gave Webb a taste of summer during a December 2022 visit
Webb tried the steak and chorizo campechano taco and a BBQ carnitas taco while Jennifer went for the fried grouper taco and the Birria street style taco
They also ordered the chorizo funky balls as well as chip with pico de gallo and street corn salsa
Read on: Norton's Funky Truckeria offers food truck experience year round | Local Flavor
Webb again went with his trusty go-to: steak fajitas
and there were plenty of onions and peppers and just the right amount of salty taste to make me hungry for more," he wrote
Read on: Casa Del Rio in Wadsworth serves up Mexican fare with family hospitality | Local Flavor
Please select what you would like included for printing:
Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application
Ohio he was a son of David and Nancy Simmons Elrod of Akron
Bill lived a full and meaningful life marked by a deep devotion to family
Bill graduated from North High School in 1973 and then spent many years working in the Akron rubber industry (General Tire
RCA Rubber) before finishing his career at SGS Tools and retiring in 2019 after many years of service
He sincerely loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed being a father and a grandpa
Bill also had a love of the outdoors and hunting
Bill never knew a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it
Shawn (Meredith) Stratton of Akron; sisters
Nannette (John) Rader both of Akron; grandchildren
Karsyn and Kerris Elrod; Brenden and Taylen Cisneros
Brecken Blackmer; Joe and Steve Delcoma; Zachary and Charlie Stratton
Bill was preceded in death by his infant sister
and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends
His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him
his family will be having a private celebration of life at his cherished farm
among the fields and memories he held so dear
surrounded by the land and family he loved most
The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover is handling arrangements
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More
Ohio — The Akron Police Department reported a decrease in crime for the first quarter of the year through March 2025
The department announced that major crime categories saw a decrease compared to the same time period from 2024.
"These improvements reflect the tireless work of our officers and detectives, collaboration with Mayor Malik’s administration and our community partners, cooperation with residents, and increased community engagement," the department said in a Facebook post
"We remain fully committed to reducing violent crime
and ensuring that every resident feels safe in their neighborhood."
There were 30,680 calls for service for the quarter
The department also said it recovered 149 firearms
but auto-theft saw a decrease of 28% and breaking and entering saw a 7% decrease
Akron police reported a decrease of 50% for murders
The department also recorded a 58.62% decrease in overdose deaths.
There was a decrease of 27% for use of force incidents
The department said there is a use of force incident roughly once every 487 calls
There have been 63 use of force calls so far this year with seven complaints
View the full breakdown from the department below
As Akron celebrates its bicentennial in 2025
we’re looking back at two centuries of headlines
Visit BeaconJournal.com every Sunday morning throughout the bicentennial year for a look back at the week in Akron history
Here’s what happened May 4 through May 10 in local history:
1825: The Ohio Canal Commission met in Wooster to present its report on the final location for a canal
The three-man board voted unanimously “that the route by way of the Tuscarawas valley
Portage summit and Cuyahoga valley to Lake Erie
presents the strongest claims to the consideration of the state
that the public interests will be more effectually promoted by its adoption
and that it be and is is therefore established.”
1875: A spring freeze wreaked havoc on the region’s flowering trees and plants
De LaMater pronounced the peach bloom dead
the cherry bloom badly injured and the pear bloom in a bad state
but he believed that grapes would survive the cold snap
1975: A 19-year-old woman received an unexpected delivery at her home on Emerling Avenue in Firestone Park. When she opened the package, a hairy spider fell to the floor. The startled resident captured the arachnid and took it to the University of Akron for identification
Akron police charged a 21-year-old woman with aggravated menacing for mailing a tarantula
The sender and recipient had been embroiled in a long-standing feud
2000: Akron police made about 80 arrests after crashing the annual May Day party near the University of Akron
Thousands of young people celebrated the end of the school year with Exchange Street gatherings that stretched from Sumner Street to the state Route 8 overpass
About 50 officers broke up fights and corralled students toward police vans
Price can be reached at mprice@thebeaconjournal.com
Vintage photos: 50 memorable Cleveland TV personalities
The 23-year-old worker who died on a construction site May 1 has been identified as Marcus Miller from Millersburg
chief investigator of the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office
Miller was reportedly working at a White Pond Reserve development in West Akron at about 2:30 p.m
when a section of the exterior wall collapsed
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life in the tragic accident at the construction site on White Pond Drive," Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said in a statement
“These incidents are extremely difficult for everyone involved and have a significant impact on our community.”
Miller's cause of death has still not been determined
Workers at the site told police they heard something while they were working at another part of the site and came upon the scene of the incident to find a wall had fallen and that Miller had been struck
all indications point towards this being an accident
this is terrible for something like this to happen," Akron police Lt
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration are conducting an investigation into Miller's death
Patrick Williams and Alisson Toro-Lagos contributed to this report
Cleveland Guardians minor league recap for Friday
Box Score · Clippers improve to 14-14
Will Dion gave up two runs in the first inning
then settled down the rest of the way to earn his first win of the season
His final line was two runs allowed on six hits with four strikeouts and no walks in 5.0 innings pitched
Lucas Frias tossed 2.0 scoreless frames to close out the seven-inning game to earn the save
Kayfus also stayed hot after his Triple-A promotion
C.J. Kayfus goes 2-3 in G1 of the @CLBClippers doubleheader and records his first double for the Clips⚓️ pic.twitter.com/eR5whRdxch
Petey Halpin walked twice while Kody Huff went 1-for-2 with a sacrifice and two RBIs and Johnathan Rodriguez went 1-for-2 with a walk
Box Score · RubberDucks improve to 16-8
Don’t look now but Kahlil Watson is absolutely raking in his repeat season at Double-A
He went 3-for-4 on Thursday with two doubles
The former 2021 first round draft pick just turned 22 years old two weeks ago
Have a day, Kahlil Watson 3-4, 2 2B, RBI ✅The @AkronRubberDuck get another win! pic.twitter.com/dlpuxBFxXo
Starting pitcher Rorik Maltrud was terrific
allowing just one run on three hits with four strikeouts and one walk in 6.0 stellar innings of work
Another great start by the rotation!Final line for Rorik Maltrud: 6 innings, 1 run, 4 strikeouts pic.twitter.com/aLILf13Rjo
but Joe Lampe doubled and knocked in a pair of runs
Justin Boyd went 1-for-3 with a hit by pitch to reach base safely twice
Jake Miller picked up his first save of the season with a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning that included a strikeout
Box Score · Captains fall to 13-11
Lake County fell behind early and didn’t get much time to fight back in a rain-shortened game Thursday
The Captains managed just one baserunner the entire 4 1⁄2 innings
Starting pitcher Cam Favors was knocked around for five runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and no walks in just 2.0 innings
striking out three in 2.0 scoreless frames
Box Score · Hillcats improve to 15-9
Hillcats leadoff hitter Tommy Hawke did more Tommy Hawke things on Thursday
going 1-for-3 with a walk and a whopping four stolen bases
Welbyn Francisca joined Hawke as a terror on the basepaths
walking twice with a pair of steals and two runs scored
Ryan Cesarini went 3-for-4 with a triple and three runs batted in while Jeffrey Mercedes went 2-for-4
Starting pitcher Jervis Alfaro continued his run of strong starts
allowing one run (zero earned) on four hits with four strikeouts and one walk in 5.0 innings
He has a 1.17 ERA through five games pitched spanning 23.0 innings thus far this season
Conner Whittaker also was terrific in long relief
tossing 3.0 scoreless innings with two strikeouts
Rain and strong storms are possible in Greater Akron
The National Weather Service says thunderstorms − some severe − are possible late Monday afternoon
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for all of Greater Akron until 9 p.m
The biggest risk for severe weather is along and east of Interstate 71
The weather service says some of the storms expected to develop might have damaging wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour
Monday: A slight chance of showers before 2 p.m.
then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m
then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm
New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch
except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms
Monday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight
West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south after midnight
New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible
New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible
Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west after midnight
Wednesday night: A slight chance of showers after 2 a.m
Need to know weather conditions by the hour? Make sure to check out our weather page here
popular Fox 8 anchor Wayne Dawson has been absent from the airwaves
Dawson has been battling oral cancer since last year
While Dawson isn't taking back his spot on the Cleveland morning show quite yet, he'll be the star of the new 30-minute show "Wayne's World," the station announced on May 2
You can watch Fox 8 CLE+ on Amazon Firestick
Dawson has been on Cleveland television for more than 40 years
He's battled health issues in the past — namely prostate cancer and a series of mini-strokes
there’s no doubt about it," Dawson said on Instagram during his oral cancer recovery
The remains of a 22-year-old Canton man were discovered May 2 at a homeless encampment in Cascade Valley
according to the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office
Akron police originally responded to reports of a fight in the 300 block of Silver Avenue at about 4:47 p.m
While speaking with the two individuals involved at the scene
one of the men informed officers about an earlier incident where he learned about human remains being found inside a trash bag
Officers followed up on the information and located the remains in a trash bag in a fire pit and nearby area
The remains have been identified as belonging to Xavier Menefee
Menefee was able to be identified through dental records
This story has been updated to add new information
Ohio's 2025 primary election takes place May 6 — and every Buckeye State precinct is voting because of the statewide Issue 2
that might be the only ballot question a voter will have to consider
But a couple of party primary races and a handful of levies are up for a vote across the area
Here's what you need to know about the primary:
Absentee ballots were required to be postmarked by Monday
Ohio voters will decide on Issue 2, a $2.5 billion bond issue for infrastructure improvements. The bond would fund projects related to roads, bridges, water systems, and waste disposal over 10 years, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Issue 2 is unrelated to the proposed $600 million in bonds for a new Cleveland Browns stadium
There is no Issue 1 on the ballot due to a change in Ohio law to no longer repeat issue numbers
Here's the ballot language on Issue 2 from the Ohio Secretary of State:
Issue 18 affects communities served by the Akron-Summit County Public Library system
They'll decide whether to issue $160 million in bonds — to be repaid over a 20-year period — to acquire sites and build and upgrade facilities
The measure contains a property tax levy that would amount to $35 annually for each $100,000 of appraised value
Issue 19 affects the Barberton Public Library District (in addition to the city
the district includes some precincts in Akron
Norton and Coventry Twp.) and is a renewal of a five-year
1.95 mill tax for Barberton Public Library
That's $39 annually for each $100,000 of appraised property value
ready the Summit County Board of Elections' ballot language below:
Two Akron City Council races will determine the voters' choice to replace members who stepped down in 2024. Sam DeShazior was the council's interim choice to replace Nancy Holland in Ward 1. He's running to keep the seat in a Democratic primary that also includes Emily Durway and Fran Wilson
There are no Republican candidates registered
but the winner of this race will face independent challenger Acacia Reynolds
whom the Summit County Board of Elections confirmed filed by the 4 p.m
Akron City Council named Bruce Bolden as the interim Ward 8 replacement for James Hardy after his exit in 2024
Bolden faces a challenge in the Democratic primary from N.J
There are no Republican candidates certified
and no other potential hurdles for the primary winner in November since a Summit County Board of Elections release did not include any Ward 8 independent challengers filing by the 4 p.m
Who's running in the Tallmadge City Council at-large race?Four Democratic candidates are vying to chosen for three City Council at-large slots that the party can field on the November ballot
Jessica Epstein currently holds one of the seats; others running are Lindsay Cammel Halm
The primary winners will join a general election race that includes GOP incumbents Christine Cipa and Nicholas Rubino as well as Republican Jena Stasik
For a closer look at these measures and school levies from districts based in neighboring counties that dip into Summit
read the Summit County Board of Elections ballot language below:
read the Summit County Board of Elections' ballot language below:
President Donald Trump is pushing back against increased scrutiny of law enforcement officers as Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests make national headlines
to prosecute appointed and elected officials who obstruct law enforcement officers
for law enforcement agencies and legal defense options for officers facing misconduct allegations
Although it is unclear how the order would affect Summit County
some experts like University of Akron Criminal Justice Studies Chair Dave Licate are concerned about federal and executive overreach into local police matters and legal resolutions
which are usually left to states and local governments
"You would be invited by the state and local governments
but the Trump administration seems to be pressing those bounds."
is consistent with the Trump administration's current actions and priorities — enforcing a strict immigration agenda and pushing the bounds of executive authority
Akron attorney Imokhai Okolo said this executive order could affect Akron when federal law enforcement agencies are involved
but he doubted it would play a meaningful role in how the city handles its police matters
including the Akron Citizens' Police Oversight Board
Executive order offers federal resourcesThe executive order included some positive initiatives that could help increase recruitment for law enforcement agencies struggling to hire new officers
It encouraged Attorney General Pamela Bondi and other federal departments and agencies to maximize federal resources to provide new best practices
improve training and increase pay and benefits
"There is a crisis in recruitment," Licate said
"The language that assists the recruitment of officers is good stuff
and I would like to think that the intention is positive
But the Trump administration's efforts to cut back on federal funding could leave these efforts with little funding and resources
who is part of multiple law enforcement projects that rely on federal money
"What you see now is that those grants are being cut
We lost $2 million in grants," he said of one project
The order also asked for increased provisions of excess military and national security assets to assist state and local law enforcement
It ordered that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Bondi determine how best to use these assets
training and non-lethal capabilities to prevent crime
the use of national security assets is a step in the wrong direction
federal resources should be used to focus on the root causes of crime
The order also urged the attorney general to provide legal resources
including free private-sector lawyers and compensation to law enforcement officers who "unjustly incur expenses and liabilities for actions taken during the performance of their official duties."
Licate described this as "somewhat redundant" in states with qualified immunity
a legal principle that protects police officers and other public officials from being sued personally unless someone can prove they violated a right in state law or the Constitution
Although if Ohio approves its referendum to eliminate qualified immunity
it could bolster legal defense for officers facing criminal charges
expenses and resolutions are covered by the city
"I can see the president using an executive order to bolster what he sees as eroding qualified immunity," Licate said
Trump also ordered the attorney general to review all federal consent decrees
out-of-court agreements and post-judgment orders involving state and local law enforcement
Okolo and Licate said this would likely not impact Akron
they want to extend it to the state and local cases," Licate said
noting that executive involvement in local cases would likely be challenged in court
this order is another step in a changing relationship between the federal government and local governments
Although Trump likely won't directly change qualified immunity in Ohio
judges could be convinced to align more closely with Trump's agenda
potentially shutting down certain initiatives
The order could also intimidate local officials by using the weight of federal prosecution to push Trump's various agendas
"The need is now for people to focus on local efforts and organize amongst our community," Okolo said
We can't rely on the federal government to help us."
only time will tell how this executive order and other orders are carried out
Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal
He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X
The Akron area has seen three restaurant openings in April
casual options for weekday breakfast and lunch
It's housed in the spacious East End lobby
which is decorated as beautifully as a hotel lobby
Other eateries new to the scene are the long-awaited Black Dog Baking Co
in Cuyahoga Falls and the also long-awaited honeygrow in Montrose
The bakery is all about tender loving care when it comes to making breads
hip option in Copley featuring customizable stir-fries
One thing's for sure: You can never have too many restaurant options to choose from
We tried all three new restaurants in order to share them with readers. While this isn't an exhaustive list of all restaurants that opened in April, readers can help make it more complete by contacting reporters Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and Kerry Clawson at kclawson@thebeaconjournal.com with tips on restaurant openings
It's good to know there's a new breakfast and lunch spot in town — Georgie's BBQ & Grill at the East End
I had lunch with some co-workers recently at the spacious new eatery
you order your food from a handy kiosk and it's prepared in the open-air kitchen behind the counter
contemporary-style dining area or outside in the courtyard at the redeveloped property that used to be the main office building for Goodyear Rubber and Tire Co
ordering a pulled pork mac & cheese bowl for $10
The juicy pulled pork was served over macaroni and cheese
leaving me with plenty of leftovers to take home
who runs the new business with partner Angelica George
This amiable restaurateur has an extensive background in barbecue
whose name is a throwback to the old Georgie's Bar & Grill at Tangier
while its catering business focuses more on barbecue
I also enjoyed a peach smoothie ($5) and shared some sweet little round beignets with my co-workers
The lovely vanilla was my ultimate favorite
The only beignet flavor I didn't try was white chocolate
so I plan to return to order the chocolate trio
Single beignets are a very reasonable $1.20
three flatbread varieties and buffalo chicken or Cajun chicken mac and cheese bowls
breakfast burrito or a two-egg breakfast with sides
in a building with numerous business offices and offices on the upper levels
also offers boxed lunches and barbecue-centered catering
It offers packages with meats and multiple sides
a la carte options including smoked beef brisket and dry-rubbed chicken
charcuterie and starters ranging from barbecue pork egg rolls to miniature crab cakes
1200 E. Market, Akron; breakfast 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., lunch 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 330-421-4646; clover.com/online-ordering/georgies-bbq-and-grill-akron
Love has left its mark on Cuyahoga Falls' newest bakery
Couple Eve and Dave Smith opened Black Dog Baking Company to the public April 12
The eatery serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches on freshly baked bagels or Dutch crunch buns
One could say baking runs in the blood for Eve
attended culinary school and worked alongside her two daughters and David at Great Lakes Baking Company before it sold to a new owner in 2018
Salsberry taught Eve how to ice the shortbread cookies now on Black Dog Baking Company's menu
Salsberry and Eve continued selling their cookie creations under the company name Sugared
David created the pizza kitchen at HiHO Brewing Company in downtown Cuyahoga Falls
After having lung cancer for nearly a decade
Eve was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy
radiation and surgery before becoming cancer-free in February 2024
it seemed time to make their dream of opening a bakery a reality
Life is short and there's no reason not to,'" said Eve
"We just decided it was time to do our own thing."
Eve's father gifted her the pin that her mother was given upon graduating culinary school
It is displayed within a shadow box on one of the bakery's shelves next to framed photos of the mother-daughter duo
Nearby is a cookbook called "Sweet & Tart" that fellow culinary school student Carla Snyder dedicated to Salsberry
One of the shop's cookies are made using a recipe from that particular volume
The space's sage green walls are adorned in Salsberry's cookbooks
a tapestry of vintage Corelle plates customers often recognize from their grandmas' collection
The 15-year-old mixed breed is shown with a partially flopped left ear with a smidge of white on her muzzle
A similarly styled painting of Eve and Dave's other dog
a 13-year-old chihuahua-dachshund mix named Max
most customers have been purchasing bagel sandwiches or sourdough bread
Maybe that's because when walking in you're hit with the scent of something being freshly baked
Customers who follow the aroma to the back of the small shop can see Dave or Eve preparing the latest bread
cookie or Italian sub roll for the display cases
peanut butter and other goodies from local makers at the store
The Smiths have made an effort to incorporate the products of other small businesses
and organization's like Cuyahoga Falls High School's Fresh Farm program into their menu
combined with the quality of its baked goods make it clear to see (and taste) that love is truly baked into every bite at Black Dog Baking Company
69 Graham Road, Suite B Cuyahoga Falls; 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; blackdogbakingcompany.com
This fast-casual chain known for its customizable stir-fry
salads and honeybars opened its third Ohio location in the Montrose area of Copley on April 25
The restaurant offers some pre-set entrée and dessert options
many Akron-area customers have chosen sesame garlic or spicy garlic stir fry
diners tend to gravitate towards the OG cobb salad and the cobbler honeybar
The dish packs a familiar flavor punch thanks to the sweet and tangy sesame garlic sauce that the wheat noodles
mushrooms and broccoli are tossed in before being topped with scallions and toasted sesame seeds
the vast majority choose to create their plate from scratch
Guests can customize their meals with a variety of protein options
brown rice or a vegetable base like curly kale or arugula
Its honeybars are essentially parfaits with a tangy cheesecake or yogurt base that can be loaded with fresh fruit
a variety of sweet toppings and drizzled with honey
Behind the ordering stations are a glass shield through which customers can watch employees assemble orders
On the opposite side of the new establishment is a colorful mural featuring honeygrow menu staples and fresh fruit and vegetables
Its first Ohio location opened in Strongsville
The brand also has plans to open restaurants in Mentor and Avon later on in 2025
The restaurant concept was founded by the company's CEO
55 Springside Dr., Akron; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Daily ; 234-365-0310; honeygrow.com
Parents at Judith A. Resnik Community Learning Center are voicing concerns about school being in session May 6 when the building serves as a polling location for the primary election
Ashleigh Schmid addressed the Akron Board of Education during the April 28 board meeting to raise possible safety issues on Election Day
Schmid said there's no way to section off the gym without having the students and voters cross paths
"Out of the eight different schools being used as polling sites
they have different flows of traffic and can truly have the ability to section off and isolate a part of the building," she said
made a motion to have the district communicate the primary election day plans to parents
and I want the district to notify families that the school buildings are open to the public in a huge way," Molenaur said
"This is a huge deviation from what is normal
"I was disappointed," Schmid said at a Resnik PTA meeting two days later
More: APS board president issues apology for 'disruptive behavior' of another board member
Resnik PTA President Bridget Peace said the board shouldn't wait until something happens for the district to take into consideration parents' safety concerns
"It's not the PTA's fault because we didn't have a security measure
a teacher mentioned that people could possibly go into classrooms when teachers aren't there
According to the Summit County Board of Elections spokesperson
Resnik CLC has been a polling location for many years and
the board hasn't had any complaints about the location
The APS district spokesperson did not return a message from Beacon Journal seeking comment
According to the Summit County BOE website
a total of 2,925 voters will vote at Resnik
The polling locations includes precincts 8-B
The president of the Akron Public Schools board has apologized to the community for the "disruptive behavior" of another board member following a heated moment at the April 28 meeting
Board President Carla Jackson issued a letter to the community following that meeting
in which she and member Rene Molenaur got into a confrontational back-and-forth as Molenaur discussed issues with schools being open for the primary Election Day despite the buildings being used as polling places
But it highlighted a continuing division on the board
and the subsequent apology letter brought it back to the forefront
She issued an additional apology in an interview for her own behavior
and she said she wishes she had included that in the letter
"It just wasn't professionally appropriate for me to engage either," she said
But Molenaur said all she tried to do was bring up an issue that constituents brought to her − one that she tried to resolve with the district or the rest of the board for months to no avail
The board allots the public three minutes per person to speak during the public comment period
it has tried to hold its own members to the same constraints during a portion of the meeting known as "community and school reflections."
Board members have flexibility to bring up issues the board should address
share events they recently attended or give school
Molenaur has used her three minutes at several meetings to raise questions about why school is in session on primary election days when it is closed during presidential elections
and what security considerations are in place for the schools that are polling places
Other parents and teachers from the school her children attend
have raised concerns that their school is ill-suited for the role of polling place if children are in the building
but voters go through the front door and down a hallway to get there
anyone who is registered to vote there is allowed to be in the building
a stark difference from a regular school day
Molenaur said she asked five specific questions at the March 24 board meeting
including whether schools used as polling places typically have low attendance on those days
She said she received a response but not one that answered the questions
instead mostly providing information from the Summit County Board of Election's website
and I want the district to notify families that the school buildings are open to the public in a huge way," she said
"This is a huge deviation from what is normal."
Molenaur began her allotted time talking about the importance of voting but said she had continued to ask about what the security plan would be and had not received a response on behalf of parents
She said parents had been told by administrators if they were not comfortable
they should take their children out of school for the day
Molenaur noted the many initiatives the district has aimed at keeping kids in school every day and how the district and each school is held accountable for attendance data
"We’re encouraging parents if you don't like it
she acknowledged she was going to go over but pledged to plow ahead
As soon as the timer on the screen sounded at the end of the three minutes
Because we want to stay as tight as possible to the schedule and the rules that we set in place."
it would be less than a minute," Molenaur replied
"But I'm just calling a point of order," Jackson said
it is not the law for three minutes so I’m going to go on," Molenaur said
continuing to speak about a conversation she had with security officials
I'm calling for a point of order and you continue," Jackson said
These answers and these questions that you're positing at this moment
I don't know that it's being presented now
I'm respectfully asking that you respect the same time
within the frame that we gave to the community."
"And I'm saying I need 30 more seconds and I would have been done by now," Molenaur replied
Jackson said Molenaur's actions were "extremely disrespectful." Molenaur replied that Jackson cutting her off was what was disrespectful
"I call a point of order as the chair of this meeting
and the fact that you want to continue on for a statement to grandstand is completely inappropriate."
The microphone was not turned off and Jackson used her gavel
"And the Board of Elections needs to know that from 2 o'clock to 3 o'clock
Jackson appeared then to turn to the media outlets in the room and addressed them
"Now write a story about the disrespect of the chair from member Molenaur," Jackson said
Write about these bullying tactics (of) member Molenaur (against) the chair
Molenaur finished her last few sentences uninterrupted
asking for the administration to hold a meeting with parents at schools "so families can know if their children are safe." As she finished
Jackson responded with a comment that "we promote that behavior and if our children do it
we want to kick them out for insubordination in our schools
but our board member posits it — that's very interesting what we celebrate."
The apology letter went to all APS staff on April 29 before it was sent out as a news release April 30
addressed to the "Akron Public Schools community."
"On behalf of the Akron Public Schools Board of Education
I extend our sincerest apologies for the events that transpired during yesterday's board meeting," Jackson wrote
"We are deeply disappointed by the disruptive behavior exhibited by one of our board members
which we understand caused discomfort and led some families and students to leave the meeting
This is not the standard of conduct we expect from our board
and we take full responsibility for the impact it had on our community."
Jackson cited the part of Ohio Administrative Code that reflects expectations of the board and its members' "ethical and professional conduct," including "proper use of authority and appropriate decorum in group and individual behavior when acting as board members."
"We acknowledge that the behavior displayed fell short of these expectations and does not reflect the values we strive to uphold," Jackson wrote
"We understand the importance of modeling respectful and constructive behavior
especially in the presence of our students and their families
We are committed to learning from this incident and implementing measures to ensure it does not happen again
and we are dedicated to restoring the positive and respectful environment you rightfully expect from your school board."
Despite the letter saying it was "on behalf" of the board
Molenaur and another board member said they were not aware of the letter before it was made public
During the "new business" portion of the meeting April 28
Molenaur made a motion for the district to send a letter to parents informing them that the buildings would be open during the primary election and that some are used as polling places
earning just two votes from Molenaur and the Rev
Molenaur noted how easy it was for the district to help distribute a letter from the board president apologizing
but yet a letter or all-call had not yet gone out about Election Day
"We need to sign permission slips for assemblies —but no one has even informed parents that hundreds of people will be in the building," Molenaur said
"The majority of parents don’t even know yet
Molenaur said she believed the apology letter was attempt to "rewrite the narrative" on what happened at the meeting
then you will not have to deal with or acknowledge their experiences or concerns or values," she said
Molenaur said she doesn't feel like Jackson owes her an apology but said she thought her conduct was unprofessional
but they're always in the best interest of students or my best capability in the best interest of students," she said
'I was embarrassed for her'Jackson in an interview said she regrets not including an apology for her own comments during the meeting about how the press should write about Molenaur's disrespect of the board's chairperson
"I shouldn't have said anything about 'write this in the news,'" Jackson said
It just wasn’t professionally appropriate for me to engage either."
if Molenaur "does not see what she did is wrong
Jackson said she recently sent an email to the whole board asking everyone to keep their comments to the three minutes allowed during community and school reflections
She said if Molenaur wanted to discuss it further
she should have reserved it for new business
the board had a more productive discussion about a petition that parents had signed
whether other schools were raising concerns and the voting configuration at Resnik in particular
Jackson said Molenaur's questions were "not unreasonable." She said she had no problem with the district reaching out to families about Election Day protocols
although she voted against the motion to compel the administration to do it
Jackson said she noticed a family that left during the confrontation with Molenaur during the beginning of the meeting and reached out and confirmed the family
Jackson said she has "some ownership" of the confrontation but stands by the letter she wrote condemning Molenaur's behavior
Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com
at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet
There's something pretty remarkable behind these plain doors
Tucked inside of a plaza on Brittain Road in Akron is a portal to another world
The Summit Immersive Space across from the former Chapel Hill Mall offers a chance to get lost and explore new worlds and maybe even learn a thing or two
The experience features a dark room where through some technical trickery guests are transported to new worlds
The current show "Space Journey" explores outer space with scenes from the Sun
The Summit Immersive Space is the brainchild of Andrei Ilyutsenka
The Akron resident grew up in Belarus and immigrated to the United States a year or so ago
Ilyutsenka said he worked in STEM education in Belarus and was looking to start a new venture and a new life for his family in Akron
guests are immersed in new worlds and learn a bit along the way
The computer-generated images are projected onto the walls of the space and also on the floor
And it took a lot of tinkering to get everything just right
Ilyutsenka points out that like the current show
this venture is exploring the unknown and pushing existing technology to create something new and pretty cool
Months were spent before the March soft opening to ensure the fist show was just right
Everything from the number of projectors needed to coordinating the flow the various scenes from each of the four walls to even the floor had to be worked out
And then there was the matter of the length of the show
Ilyutsenka said they settled on 45 minutes
It also took some work to set the right level of lighting
folks struggled to walk around and take in all the sights
Chairs are set up so guests can sit down and enjoy the immersive experience
But Ilyutsenka said most visitors enjoy walking around to take in the various scenes projected onto the walls
The current show Cosmos Journey costs $12 for adults and $7 for kids
Advance reservations are required at immersives.art to see the show at 1935 Brittain Road
A limited number of tickets are available for each show and the space can be rented by groups
Ilyutsenka said future shows are in the works including Immersive Yoga
a Biblical Journey and a trip to a Fairytale Land
Ilyutsenka said the ultimate goal is make the shows even more interactive
AI elements will be added so guests can ask questions in the middle of a show and the images would change to show close ups and provide more details
Another cool thing he and his team are working on is adding a tool so guests can touch the walls to interact with the images being projected
An Akron man has been charged in the death of a 12-year-old boy who was forced to take long ice baths and do push-ups in the hours before he died
.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Staff reports | cleveland.comCLEVELAND
Ohio – An Akron man has been charged in the death of a 12-year-old boy who was forced to take long ice baths and do push-ups in the hours before he died
A Summit County grand jury indicted Anthony McCants
on one count of murder and eight counts of endangering children
He is accused of causing the death of Jadako Taylor
McCants will appear before a Summit County judge on May 14
Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reached out to his attorney
indicates that the boy died as a form of corporal punishment
Police said McCants was responsible for the child’s safety
Paramedics went to a home on South Balch Street over a call of a cardiac arrest
McCants forced the boy to take two ice baths between 5 a.m
according to a criminal complaint filed in the case
The first ice bath lasted 45 minutes with short breaks for pushups and other physical activities
his body temperature was 74 degrees Fahrenheit
Hypothermia sets in when a person’s body temperature drops under 95 degrees
The 12-year-old was unresponsive when authorities arrived
He was transported to Akron Children’s Hospital
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025)
© 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us)
The material on this site may not be reproduced
except with the prior written permission of Advance Local
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site
YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here
Ad Choices
Two victims were hospitalized on May 3 as a result of a shooting at Royal Palace party center in Akron, police reported.
Officers responded to the center in the 100 block of East Tallmadge Avenue for reports of an unwanted person who refused to leave after being asked to by security. As officers arrived and began to speak with the individual, a vehicle reportedly pulled out of the parking lot and fired multiple rounds into the crowd gathered in front of the building, police stated.
A 19-year-old man was located with a gunshot wound to the leg. Officers applied a tourniquet to the wound and he was subsequently hospitalized. A second victim later arrived at another hospital with injuries believed to be related to the same incident, police reported.
Officers recovered multiple rifle rounds from the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureauby calling 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Anonymous information can also be provided by calling the Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS or texting TIPSCO with your tips to 274637.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInAKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - A suspect shot into a crowd of people on Saturday and hit two people including a teenager.
According to a release from Akron Police, officers were called to the 100 block of E. Tallmadge Avenue for an unwanted person at a “party center.”
When officers arrived and spoke with the person, a vehicle pulled out of the parking lot and fired multiple rounds into a crowd at the front of the building.
Officers found a 19-year-old on scene with a gunshot wound, the release said. Another victim later went to the hospital with possibly related injuries.
Officers found multiple rifle rounds on the scene.
The investigation is ongoing and police have not made any arrests, according to the release.
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInAKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - A woman was stabbed multiple times and attacked by a Pitbull during an argument over the weekend.
According to a release from Akron Police, officers were called to the 1000 block of Burkhardt Avenue for a stabbing just after 4 a.m. on Saturday.
The release said police found the 46-year-old victim with multiple stab wounds.
The victim said Nicole Posey stabbed her multiple times with a knife and then sent her pit bull to attack her.
The release said the victim had serious injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Posey ran from the scene before officers arrived. There is a felonious assault warrant out for her arrest.
A 38-year-old man was hospitalized with serious injuries May 3 as a result of a two-vehicle crash on I-277, Akron police reported.
Officers responded to crash reports at about 3:14 p.m. on I-277 near South Main Street, where witnesses reported a Honda Civic lost control and struck a Mazda SUV.
Between the two vehicles, five children were involved in the crash and suffered minor injuries. One driver, the 38-year-old man was transported to a local hospital were his injuries were deemed life-threatening, police said.
The accident remains under investigation, according to police.
Curve left-hander Hunter Barco has been named April’s Eastern League Pitcher of the Month on Monday afternoon.
The lefty is one of two qualified minor league pitchers with a 0.00 ERA this season. He also ranks seventh among qualified minor leaguers in batting average against (.131), eighth in WHIP (0.70), and has allowed only 11 hits over 25.2 innings, second-fewest among pitchers that have made six starts this season. Former Curve RHP Bubba Chandler has allowed the fewest hits by a starter this season (10).
The 24-year-old was the Pirates 2nd round draft pick in 2022 out of the University of Florida and is seen as the No. 7 overall prospect in Pittsburgh’s system by MLB Pipeline.
Barco is the first Curve pitcher since Thomas Harrington last summer to earn the league’s monthly award.
The Curve begin a six-game series at Erie’s UPMC Park on Tuesday night at 6:05 p.m. and return to Peoples Natural Gas Field Tuesday, May 13 to host the Harrisburg Senators.
For tickets and more information on the 2025 Altoona Curve Season, presented by Stuckey Automotive, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., during every home game and online 24/7/365.
School systems are the bedrock of thriving communities. When they falter, the entire community feels the fracture.
Right now, Akron’s public school board, tasked with safeguarding this foundation, has weakened it through dysfunction and infighting.
Rather than standing firm against external threats, the board has mirrored the very chaos it was elected to resist. When they should be fighting for our children, they’re fighting amongst themselves.
While leaders in other districts focus on urgent challenges like budget cuts, national declines in achievement and rising social-emotional needs, Akron’s board members fixate on petty disputes, abstain from critical votes, or squander time with performative monologues. These behaviors cost the community trust by diverting attention away from the threats we face and instead onto themselves.
Events surrounding Akron’s last three superintendents confirm this pattern. The board narrowly approved the resignation of Michael Robinson on the same night they appointed Mary Outley. Both votes were painfully split. Combined with the untimely departure of Christine Fowler Mack two years ago, this reflects a disturbing trend: The board’s failure to fulfill its responsibility to appoint and support exceptional leadership.
Fowler Mack appears to have been driven out by compulsive micromanagement. Robinson, perhaps as an overcorrection, was allowed unchecked megalomania. Outley, who brings deep experience and strong relationships, is now in a role needlessly clouded by the board’s bizarre approach to her appointment. Unless the board fundamentally changes, even a highly qualified leader like Outley will be hamstrung.
Board leadership entails setting shared goals with district leadership, asking tough questions about progress and maintaining relentless focus on student outcomes. When a strong leader is chosen, the board can and should offer trust in response to challenges, not retreat to micromanagement or self-aggrandizement. The balance of high expectations and genuine collaboration is the essence of accountability. It’s what responsible boards do − and what Akron’s children deserve.
Serving on the school board is a solemn commitment to public service that requires preparedness, insight and servant leadership. In recent years, however, it has become a (mis)perceived stepping stone for personal ambition to city council or state legislature. This misjudgment reveals a deep misunderstanding of the board’s essential responsibility, explaining the dysfunction that now defines it.
The board can − and must − be restored. Here’s how:
This district has dedicated teachers and staff, engaged families and unparalleled community partnerships. But no institution can stand on a crumbling foundation.
The board has a chance to restore itself by returning to its purpose, rebuilding trust and recommitting to Akron’s children. This means ending its internal disputes, focusing on outcomes and demonstrating selfless service.
John M. Moore, Ph.D., is the director of pre K-12 curriculum and instruction for Shaker Heights City Schools. He holds a doctorate in educational policy, serves as an adjunct professor of instructional leadership at Cleveland State University and supports school system development for the nonprofit International Baccalaureate Organization. Moore, his wife, and their family are lifelong Akronites and graduates of Akron Public Schools.
Akron announces summer kick-off event celebrating the last day of school for APS studentsAkron Beacon JournalThe city of Akron Police and Fire departments, Lock 3 and Ron Marhofer are partnering to host the Cruise Into Summer event to celebrate the last day of school for Akron Public School students.
The free community event is scheduled for 5-7:30 p.m. June 5 at Lock 3, located at 200 S. Main St.
It will feature family friendly games and activities, food, entertainment, giveaways and summer resources for kids, including information on camps, youth programs and safety initiatives.
“We’re excited to offer this free, family-friendly event to set our students on the right path for summer,” Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a news release. “We know that without resources and opportunities, students can become distracted in the summer months and that can lead to juvenile crimes or even violence. By providing them with options for programming, resources, and safety tips, we hope to keep them safe and having fun all summer long.”
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said there's a correlation between the summer months an increase in crime nationwide.
“This event is a great way to focus on our youth and give them and their families resources to help combat that trend here in Akron," he said.
Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson said fire department representatives will offer safety tips and resources during the event.
“Whether you're looking for fun summer camps, safety tips, or just a place to celebrate the end of the school year with your kids, Cruise into Summer has something for everyone," he said.
“We’re thrilled to help create a space where families can come together, have fun, and learn about the many programs available to keep kids engaged and safe this summer,” said Lindsey Tinsley, chief marketing officer at Ron Marhofer.
Distribute Your News Directly to Readers and Internet Search.
Widespread Integration into Global News Publications
Industry Specific to Reporters and Trade Publications
Delivered Over News Wires Geographic & Topic Specific
Lead-based paints were banned for residential use in Puerto Rico and across the rest of the United States in 1978. Unfortunately, many homes built before then still have some lead-based paint in them.
Most people don�t recognize that they come in proximity to products and materials that may contain mercury on a regular basis, and that it only takes a small amount to pose a serious health risk.
Commercial banks in Africa and Latin America trail Asian counterparts in addressing critical environmental and social risks � particularly climate change and nature loss � but can lead green growth and transition, according to new WWF Sustainable Banking Assessment (SUSBA) reports.
Nature as an Economic Choice | Full session Championing Nature as an Economic Choice On April 24, Rachel Kolbe Semhoun, Head of Sustainable Sourcing and Nature Initiatives at Kering, took the stage to explore the theme "Nature as an Economic Choice." The panel addressed the urgent need to transform ecosystems from intangible treasures into measurable assets.
� Alstom�s Iconis Traffic Management System dramatically improves the way KiwiRail operates its network � With this deployment, KiwiRail�s Wellington Control Centre will operate a state-of-the-art rail network control system, delivering improved safety, enhanced controls for capacity and real time monitoring improving train scheduling and passenger experience�� � The …
� Viasat, Inc.� (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced the introduction of the Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) Mini Next, the latest in Viasat�s family of expeditionary tactical gateways.
The current geopolitical context, combined with the urgent need to finance the green and digital transitions in Europe, makes it increasingly necessary to unlock the full potential of the EU�s currently fragmented capital markets.
To address rising costs caused by recent global trade developments affecting raw material tariffs,� Sun Chemical �will implement a tariff surcharge on impacted color materials products, including pigments, both imported and produced in the United States.
Acclaimed Film Enters Top Box Office Charts Around The World. Tickets On Sale� Here A week after the acclaimed cinematic return of� Pink Floyd at Pompeii � MCMLXXII, the newly restored version of the groundbreaking 1972 film directed by Adrian Maben and distributed by Sony Music Vision, the accompanying live album has been released.
As Europe gears up for the� Eurovision Song Contest 2025, Spotify is celebrating the spirit of unity and musical legacy with a new series of Spotify Singles.