Displaying items by tag: ohio

Some were feeling the "Bern" -- and others were feeling the bipartisan love.

"We're out here, just spreading the love," said University of Akron student Dawson Mancabelli. "Trying to find some bi-partisanship between Bernie Sanders fans and Republicans who don't like Trump."

"Hug a Republican." A message from local Republicans to bring people together at the @BernieSanders rally in Akron. pic.twitter.com/0I1HhylyDj

— Amani Abraham (@AmaniAbraham) March 14, 2016

Mancabelli, dressed in khaki shorts and a blue blazer, managed to bring people together by simply carrying a sign that read "Hug a Republican" outside of the Bernie Sanders rally at the Akron Civic Theatre Monday afternoon.

Dawson said it's about respect and support -- no matter which side of the political line you're on.

"I don't know if our message is going change anybody's mind, but it's good to show common ground between people who disagree."

Hundreds of people lined up outside of the Akron Civic Theatre for a chance to catch Sanders in their hometown. Mitchell Smith of Doylestown is an undecided voter who was looking to secure 

his decision before Tuesday's primary.

Kelsey McArdle of Kent came out to learn more about the candidate."I'm probably going to vote for [Hilllary Clinton], but I'm going to give Bernie a chance here today."

"Going into this election a couple of months ago, initially I thought Clinton would be who I vote for, but I've kind of aligned myself more with Bernie and his thoughts and ideas with his campaign," said McCardle.

Jordan Davis, 17, has already made up his mind -- and is supporting Sanders for the Democatic presidential nomination.

"I think he has more enthusiasm than [Clinton] does," said Davis.

Davis is able to vote tomorrow thanks to a judge's ruling that says 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by the general election can vote in Ohio's primary.

Local foodbanks are preparing to kick-off another Harvest for Hunger campaign -- already in its 25th year.

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers introduced the foodbank's 2020 plan that is aimed at providing access to food for everyone struggling with hunger in the region by 2025.

"I think that we should be able to have enough food to completely fill the hunger gap by 2025 if the community will rally around this new plan to meet that goal." said Flowers.

Flowers hopes the foodbank will break last year's record during the Harvest for Hunger campaign.

"Last year we distributed a record of 27.9 million pounds of food, " said Flowers. "That's well over 20 million meals that we help throughout the region."

Harvest for Hunger is the Foodbank’s largest fundraising initiative and is a collaborative effort of four Ohio food banks serving 21 counties in Northeast Ohio including: the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Mahoning Valley and the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.

All of the proceeds collected from the Harvest for Hunger campaign will go directly toward feeding those in need around the area.

The local 2016 Harvest for Hunger goal is set at an ambitious $1,200,000 and 100,000 pounds of food.

According to the foodbank, the two major components of the Harvest for Hunger campaign are food & funds drives and Check Out Hunger. 1. Food & funds drives: Nearly 300 businesses, schools, community organizations and families are holding food & funds drives throughout the months of March and April. To register a food & funds drive, simply download a coordinator kit from the Foodbank’s website, akroncantonfoodbank.org/hfh.2. Check Out Hunger: Local retailers including Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Dave’s Supermarkets, Fishers Foods, Giant Eagle, Ace Hardware and Heinen’s Fine Foods participate in Check Out Hunger, which allows shoppers to scan coupons and make donations of $1, $5 or $10 at the checkout register

Click here for more information. 

Summit County Sheriff's deputies say they have arrested a Coventry Township man who is believed to be involved in at least a dozen break-ins in Summit County.

Joshua Collmar, 36, was arrested after a month long investigation and two incidents where he fled from authorities. On February 11th, deputies say Collmar tried to strike a cruiser when he was caught in a stolen vehicle with stolen property inside after a break-in in Green. Less than a week later, Collmar was pulled over in another stolen car with several car keys from a local dealership.

Several items were recovered including hand tools, power tools, a U-Haul moving truck full of stolen property, and a 2016 Winnebago camper.

Collmar has been charged with breaking and entering and receiving stolen property. He was booked into the Summit County Jail. 

UPDATE: State health officials say there's a second case of the Zika virus has been diagnosed in a Stark County man.

The Ohio Department of Health says the 21 year-old man returned to Ohio from Haiti, like the 30 year-old Cleveland woman first reported on Tuesday.

The ODH says the cases are not linked.

Earlier, the first case of the Zika virus has been reported in Cuyahoga County.

The Ohio Department of Health reports the Zika virus was discovered in a returning traveler from Haiti, a 30-year-old Cleveland woman.

Until the Ohio cases, There have been 35 cases reported in 12 states and D.C.

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(News Release: The Ohio Department of Health) The Ohio Department of Health is reporting Ohio's first case of Zika virus in a returning traveler from Haiti, a 30-year-old Cuyahoga County woman, city of Cleveland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was reporting 35 cases of Zika virus in 12 states and the District of Columbia prior to Ohio's case.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted through a mosquito bite, and there is no indication that it can spread from person to person through casual contact. CDC has confirmed a U.S. case of Zika virus infection in a non-traveler after the person's sexual partner returned from an affected country and developed symptoms.

Planning is underway for a Zika virus tabletop exercise to ensure Ohio's preparedness at the local and state levels prior to the 2016 mosquito season that runs from May to October.

Of people infected with the Zika virus, 80 percent do not have any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are often mild, lasting from several days to a week, and include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and headache. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Due to the possible association between Zika virus infections in pregnant women and certain birth defects, CDC recommends that pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant consider postponing travel to areas with Zika virus transmission.

"There is no vaccine available for Zika virus so it's important for Ohioans traveling to affected areas to take steps to prevent mosquito bites," said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director of the Ohio Department of Health. "There have been no reported cases of Zika virus disease transmission through mosquito bites anywhere in the continental U.S."

To prevent potential transmission through sexual contact, CDC recommends men with a pregnant sex partner abstain from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms during sex for the duration of the pregnancy. CDC also recommends that pregnant women without symptoms of Zika virus disease be offered testing 2 to 12 weeks after returning from areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission.

CDC has issued a travel alert for people traveling to the following regions and countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. territories; American Samoa; Barbados; Bolivia; Brazil; Cape Verde; Colombia; Costa Rica; Cura?ao; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guadeloupe; Guatemala; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Jamaica; Martinique; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Saint Martin; Samoa; Suriname; Tonga; and Venezuela. Zika virus disease has historically occurred in Africa, Southeast Asia and islands in the Pacific Ocean. In May 2015, Zika virus was found for the first time in the Western Hemisphere in northeastern Brazil. The virus has since spread throughout much of the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

The primary mosquito that transmits Zika virus is found in the tropics and southern U.S., but it is not established in Ohio. Another type of mosquito found in Ohio may potentially transmit Zika virus, although it has not yet been implicated in the transmission of human cases.

"Prevention of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission is the same as prevention of any other mosquito-borne diseases," Dr. DiOrio said. "This includes taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites – such as using insect repellents, limiting exposure where and when mosquitoes are most active, and removing breeding sources such as containers that collect standing water."

You don't have to travel far to see the legacy left behind by astronaut Judith Resnik who was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion 30 years ago.

Every student at Resnik CLC learns a special song that honors the school's namesake, leaving some parents and teachers in tears. 

Students singing in honor of Judy Resnik who was killed in the space shuttle Challenger explosion 30 years ago. pic.twitter.com/Vj9lM61z0y

— Amani Abraham (@AmaniAbraham) January 28, 2016

Resnik and six others were killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986. Students spent the afternoon remembering Resnik's childhood in Akron and her love for math and science, which eventually led to her path to become an engineer and astronaut.

5th grader Seth Singer believes Resnik would be proud to see students honoring her legacy.

"I think she would say that she would be glad to be here and that she would be very grateful because she was always kind and had a big heart."

Resnik is honored every year at the school with teachers building lesson plans around the astronaut -- who continues to inspire kids to reach for the stars.

"We learned a lot about space and about her, so I think she would be very proud," said Singer.

The presentation ended with students singing the Judy Resnik song -- written by APS Music Teacher Kim Shama-Hanna.

We're learning more about Huntington Bancshares acquisition of Akron-based FirstMerit.

In a Tuesday morning media conference call, the top executives at FirstMerit and Huntington gave a little more insight as to what happens next in the $3.4 billion deal that's expected to receive the final approval later this year.

FirstMerit CEO Paul Greig says the driving force for the move was in the best interest of shareholders.

"That was the driving motivation to enter into this partnership, but I want to stress that there is nothing Akron could've done to change the course of this action or Summit County," said Greig.

Officials said branch employees will be offered a job, but details as to how many branches may close or what will happen to those working at FirstMerit's headquarters in Akron has yet to be released.

"Our objective is to do it right," said Huntington Bank CEO Steve Steinour. "There are notices that will be provided to customers, either 60 or 90 days, before any branch consolidations occur."

There area about 1,200 FirstMerit employees, including those at the bank's headquarters in Akron. Huntington's headquarters are based in Columbus.

It was a scary night for residents in an Old Forge Road home in Brimfield Township after a pick-up truck crashed through the house Saturday night.

Local Democrats are putting their support behind a lesser-known candidate in the race for U.S. Senate. Summit County officials came together Tuesday morning to publicly endorse 31-year-old P.G. Sittenfeld, a Cincinnati councilman and candidate in the Senate race against Ted Strickland in the Democratic primary.

"I think that he understands what we go through," said Summit County Executive Russ Pry. "It's not just about passing bills. We have to figure out how to implement a lot of those different bills at the local level."

Summit County Executive Russ Pry, State Senator Tom Sawyer, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, President of Summit County Council Ilene Shapiro, and State Rep. Emilia Sykes were among those who publicly put their support behind Sittenfeld at Greystone Hall Tuesday morning.

But Sittenfeld said it's about more than just an endorsement .

"The people here today are saying this is why I support PG," said Sittenfeld. "We as a Democratic party should never be afraid of the democratic process, and that would be my main message here today."

State Rep. Emilia Sykes says Sittenfeld offers fresh ideas -- and can connect with the youth.

"We have an issue in the state of Ohio with brain drain," said Sykes. "We have to continue to make sure that we have young people who are willing and able and ready to take on the task in the state of Ohio."

Senator Tom Sawyer was one of five who applauded Sittenfeld's attention to local communities and new ideas -- and even encouraged a debate between Sittenfeld and Ted Strickland who is scheduled to speak at the Akron Press Club on Monday, Jan. 25. Sittenfeld accepted the invitation.

"I would be delighted to debate Ted Strickland at the Akron Press Club next Monday, should the invitation be issued and accepted on his end," said Sittenfeld. 

While some critics and recent polls suggest that Sittenfeld will not win in a race against Republican Senator Rob Portman based on name recognition, Sittenfeld responds with hope that voters will look beyond the name.

"What [polls] usually reflect, and what they absolutely reflect at this moment in this campaign is name recognition. And the reality is, 'I have high name ID' isn't a very inspiring campaign slogan.

While Summit County leaders announced their support Sittenfeld, Strickland received an early endorsement in April from the Ohio Democratic Party. 

Strickland released his list of endorsements Tuesday morning, which includes Portage County Democratic Party Chair Craig Stephens.

The winner in the Democratic primary in March will face off against Republican Sen. Rob Portman in the general election. 

There are a few changes coming to Akron's west side -- including a pair of new buildings. Akron City Council President Marilyn Keith said a new drive-thru Starbucks is set to open at the corner of West Market Street and Pershing Avenue.

"Right across from Ken Stewarts, where China Gourmet is, that property has been bought and it will be turned into a Starbucks," said Keith.

There's another Starbucks located about half a mile away near Sand Run Road, but the coffee chain has yet to announce if it will relocate to the new location.

A developer has also knocked down the old smoke shop at the corner of Frank Blvd. and West Market St., but details as to what will go into that area has not been released.

"The developers have chosen not to share with me what's going in there. They also haven't pulled any permits, so I am not sure exactly what's going in there."

When the drive-thru Taco Bell restaurant was built at the corner of Frank Boulevard and West Market Street in Akron last year, there was controversy as to whether it would increase traffic issues in the area. Since it's opening, the city only received two complaints.

"I think it has established that we are rebranding ourselves in the neighborhood," said Keith.

The man who's accused of killing Canton police K9 officer Jethro appeared in Canton Municipal Court this morning for his arraignment.

A preliminary hearing for Kelontre Barefield has been scheduled for January 22nd at 1:30 p.m. and his bond remains at $5 million.

Barefield is accused of shooting K9 Jethro three times during a burglary at Fisher Foods in Canton last weekend.

Hundreds attended Jethro's funeral service Thursday afternoon.

Previous Coverage: 

VIDEO End Of Watch: Canton Police K9 Jethro

Bond Set at $5 Million For Alleged K9 Killer

AUDIO: Jethro Donations Pour In

UPDATE Canton Police K-9 Jethro Passes Away

Police K-9, Suspect Shot in Canton Burglary

The Knight Foundation has selected more than 150 finalists in the second annual Knight Cities Challenge -- including 10 ideas submitted in the Akron area. The national challenge is focused on picking some of the best ideas that would make cities more successful.

"One of the reasons theses ideas were selected, along with the rest across the country, is they're relatively short term," said Akron program director Kyle Kutuchief. "They can be completed within 18 months, so I think the community will be seeing these projects in the year ahead."

The winners will be announced this spring and will receive a share of $5 million.

"I get to focus on Akron, but we're always looking at what other cities are doing for inspiration, said Kutuchief. "But we are thrilled with the 10 that won locally and I'm hoping to assist as many of them as possible and actually getting funding."

Here are the 10 ideas that were selected in Akron this year:

#Route10: Akron's Better Bus Stop Project by 8 80 Cities (submitted by Alyssa Bird): Encouraging new conversations about transit and life in the city of Akron with a daylong event that invites civic leaders to experience newly animated bus stops along Route 10, featuring entertainment and new amenities.

Coffee/Drink/Dance (submitted by Annal Vyas): Creating a new website that pairs residents who don't know one another to attend events and meet for conversations that help break down barriers between people from across the city.

Middlebury House by Akron Honey Co. (submitted by: Brent Wesley): Developing the Akron Honey Co.'s apiary in the historic Middlebury neighborhood into a community space for recreation, education and other activities that help residents connect with each other and other areas of the city.

Cuyahoga Explore-a-Foot (submitted by Brian Davis): Encouraging visitors to explore remote regions of Cuyahoga Valley National Park by providing services and amenities, such as help with travel arrangements and baggage transport, that make it more accessible.

Akron Shorts by The Devil Strip (submitted by Chris Horne): Strengthening civic engagement by installing stations around the city that would dispense art, stories, trivia, games and more, and encourage the public to share their own creations with fellow residents.

Akron Innerbelt Bike Park (submitted by Jonathan Morschl): Providing new life for an abandoned section of highway by creating a "bicycle park" that promotes cycling, encourages new riders and attracts cyclists from throughout the region and nation.

Invite Akron by Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (submitted by Jen McAnlis-Harvey): Encouraging use of the area's premier public space, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, by inviting residents from every walk of life, and especially those who don't regularly visit the park, to celebrate the National Park Service Centennial with free transportation and events.

Developing Community Blue Zones: Keys to Longer, Healthier Lives by Akron General Health System/Akron General Foundation (submitted by Laura Jo Hawk): Exploring how to create successful "Blue Zones" in Akron, areas that promote healthful living conditions and options, such as developing walking trails, shedding stress and eliminating food deserts.

One Lake One Community by #KenmoreUnited (submitted by Nolan James): Bringing together residents from different sides of Summit Lake who don't traditionally interact through a meal and celebration that encourages use of the lake as a shared resource.

Akron Tread Lightly (submitted by Shane Wynn): Encouraging biking throughout the city with a campaign that emphasizes the variety of experiences and amenities that are available by exploring the urban core on two wheels.

Fire investigators are still trying to determine the cause of an explosion that killed a family of four Monday night in Northfield.

The Summit County Sheriff's Office reports the bodies of two adults and two children were recovered by first responders when they arrived on scene to the home on Skyhaven Road around 9 p.m.

Fire Chief Frank Risko tells NewsChannel 5 that a mother, father and two girls, ages 8 and 12, died instantly inside the home. 

The cause of the fire is not known, but officials do not believe it was a gas explosion.

Additional counselors will be available today at the Nordonia School District.

The wind chill is pushing temperatures below zero in the Akron area -- prompting a local shelter to issue a "Code Zero" alert.

Haven of Rest has issued a "Code Zero" Alert to remind those in need that the shelter is open 24/7. The shelter will be open for guests looking for a place to get warm -- and for those interested in a meal or simply a hot cup of coffee.

Since the start of the New Year, Haven of Rest Ministries has noticed an increase in the amount of people seeking shelter -- and that number is expected to climb with temperatures in the teens and the wind chill forcing that number below zero.

Click here for more information.

Gas prices continue to fall as the new year moves forward. In the past week, gas prices have dropped more than a nickel in the past week in the Akron area, bringing the average price of a gallon of gas to $1.86, according to GasBuddy.com.

And it appears drivers will enjoy the benefits for months to come.

"By and large, at the end of the year, if you were to add up your receipts you'll find that you'll be spending about 10 to 12 cents less a gallon than you were last year." said Senior Petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan.

DeHaan said prices in 2016 are expected to stay under $3 per gallon -- with the exception of areas in the West Coast. Even with possible refinery issues and the switch to "winter-blend," DeHaan doesn't expect the average price of gas to reach above $3.

The Akron-Summit County Library is offering a new online service to access books, movies, and music. The library has teamed up with Hoopla, described as a Netflix-like online service, to offer users 24/7 online and mobile access to the library.

"We do intend to do a lot more with digital to make library accessible," said Collection Development Coordinator Val Sherman. "No matter where you are, we'll be there for you."

There's a checkout limit for library card holders -- just 10 items per month, but there are no fines since the items automatically return after the checkout period has ended.

"You can have a video for about three days and it'll just automatically return. You won't have to worry about fines."

The Akron-Summit County Library is just one of dozens in Ohio that have partnered with the new digital service.

The winter season officially begins tonight, but the freezing temperatures and snowflakes are nowhere in sight.

"If you like mild temperatures and lots of rain, you're going to like the forecast, " said Meteorologist Richard Lewelling with the Weather Channel.

Temperatures are expected to reach near the 60s on Wednesday and stay above average through the rest of the year.

"In fact, the coolest temperature I see, anywhere in the next 16 days, is a 40 degree low at night," said Lewelling. "So, pretty much, everyday between now and the end of the year we're going to be looking at 40s, 50s and even 60s in the forecast."

Lewelling predicts record-breaking temperatures across the country as the year comes to a close.

"We're going to see a lot of records fall by the wayside. I think you have to go way back in the record books to some of the strongest El Ninos to actually see weather like this, anywhere in the country. In fact, there's really nothing that compares to it."

Richfield police are offering a $500 reward for anyone with information on the person who damaged a Christmas tree in the village's town square.

Police Chief Keith Morgan posted photos of the damage on his Facebook page. Officials said the tree will not survive after the holidays.

The reward is being offered to anyone with information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

The ice skating rink at Lock 3 opens today (Friday) -- a week before the official grand opening of this year's winter lineup in Downtown Akron. 

New to the winter lineup this year is an indoor/outdoor skating rink, sponsored by the University of Akron, with a polymer surface for beginners 14 and under. 

That will open next Friday, November 27, along with many of the traditional events schedule, including the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Festival. 

Below is a list of events/activities scheduled this year, provided by Lock 3:

THE ICE RINK: The Lock 3 ice rink opens Friday, November 20, 2015 through Presidents Day, February 15, 2016. Admission to the ice rink is free to everyone. Skates can be rented for $3. Skate rental closes 1⁄2 hour before rink closes.

ZIPPY'S LITTLE ROO RINK: Presented by The University of Akron, Ohio's Polytechnic University. The 28' x 48' rink designed for beginner skaters, age 14 and under, is an all weather, indoor/outdoor synthetic skating surface and is one of our newest attractions to Lock 3! Zippy's Little Roo Rink will operate during the same hours as the Ice Rink.

AKRON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM POP-UP SITE: Explore the emerging Akron Children's Museum Pop-Up Site, presented by PNC at Lock 3 this winter! Families can explore, create, build, and move through our interactive exhibits designed to inspire the imagination. Admission is $3.Open Wednesday-Saturday 11 am – 7 pm and Sunday 11 am –5 pm. Check Akronkids.org for more information.

POLAR PUTT-PUTT: 9 holes of indoor putt-putt golf that winds through festive holiday decor. Fun for all ages. $3 for 9 holes.

THE HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL: On Friday November 27th at 7 p.m. the City of Akron and Downtown Akron Partnership will light up the night sky over Lock 3. The half hour program hosted by WONE's Jeff Kinzbach will feature North East Ohio native, The Voice's Jacob Rummel and end with the lighting of spectacular displays throughout Lock 3 & a must see pyrotechnics show. It is also tradition for guests to stay after the show and ice skate into the night.

THE WELCOME SANTA PARADE: Saturday November 28th at 11am. This annual family tradition features over 75 units including marching bands, floats, costumed characters, dance groups and area organizations. The parade will end with Santa coming to town! Santa will stop at the main stage for the end of the parade entertainment and then come to Lock 3 to meet everyone. All Lock 3 attractions will be open.

REINDEER RUN: Enjoy 150 feet of downhill fun on our all-season polymer coated slide designed for children 14 and under. Adults may accompany children on the slide. Only sleds provided by Lock 3 may be used and are rented for $3 for 30 minutes. The number of sleds available each half-hour will be limited to ensure maximum fun. Purchase wristband and time slot at Skate Rental Desk.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Enjoy Breakfast with Santa on December 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 9:30-11am. Breakfast is $10 and includes pancakes with lots of yummy toppings, sausage, hot chocolate and orange juice. A ticket to ride the Magical Train, access to the Akron Children's Museum Pop-Up location, and your choice of a skate rental, Reindeer Run wristband, or a game of polar putt-putt. Bring your camera for plenty of photos with Santa! Reservations recommended by calling Lock 3 at 330-375-2877.

COUNTOWN TO FIRST NIGHT: A celebration in diversity and the largest community visual arts display in Northeast Ohio is Lock 3's "Countdown to First Night," featuring 40, hand-painted banners from schools, churches, community centers, ethnic organizations and civic groups - each one illustrating an expression of the winter holiday season. Lock 3 unveils a new banner on the State Street Parking Deck façade each evening, between Nov. 27 and First Night.

THE MAGICAL TRAIN: Enjoy a drive through Lock 3 on this trackless train that holds both adults and children. Fare is $3 for adults and children.

THE VINTAGE ONEIL'S WINDOW DISPLAYS: The famous classic department store animated window displays that Akronites remember from the 1960's through the 1980's will be displayed in the windows of the O'neil's and Polsky buildings on Main St. Displays include The 3 Little Pigs, The Wizard of Oz, 3 Men in a Tub, Alice In Wonderland, The Cabbage Patch Kids, Raggedy Ann and more.

CRAFT IN SANTA'S WORKSHOP: December 3, 10, 17 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Santa's Workshop (located inside Polar Putt Putt). Children 3-12 years old. FREE. Looking for a fun evening out with the kiddies? Join Santa and his helpers making crafts inside Santa's workshop! Lots of fun craft projects to choose from. You make it and then take it home with you! Enjoy photo opportunities with Santa and complimentary cookies and punch. Lots of holiday fun!

CRAFTY MART PRESENTS COTTAGE MART: For the first time, Crafty Mart is hosting a holiday pop-up market with a curated collection of our area's finest artists and makers in the outdoor wooden cottages. Enjoy ice skating, the new Children's Museum space, have a cup of hot chocolate, and stroll through the outdoor marketplace. Do your holiday gift shopping for locally-made items by small business makers for one weekend only. Saturday December 5th 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, December 6th 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

AKRON2AKRON HOLIDAY WALKING TOUR: Join us for the Akron2Akron Downtown Christmas History Walking Tour and After Party on Saturday December 12th. The Walking Tour starts at 4pm and is free to the public and is led by Joanna Wilson the author of The Story of Archie the Talking Snowman and Akron's History of Christmas Attractions.

FIRST LOCK 3 JINGLE BELL BASH: To benefit Ronald McDonald House of Akron. December 12th at 6pm inside Lock 3. Admission is $10 and each party goer will receive 2 tickets to a raffle, one drink ticket, and food. There will be coffee, hot chocolate, Thirsty Dog's Christmas Ale, soda, holiday cookies and hor d'oeuvres available. Guests will also have free access to ice skate and play putt putt golf during the event.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Need something to make your winter weekends a little warmer? Stay tuned to the website for more events and activities throughout January and February.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE: The concession stand at Lock 3 offers chili, soups and other hot items to warm skating and sledding enthusiasts. Akron's own Thirsty Dog brews are offered, including Lock 3 Lager. Coca Cola soft drinks and hot chocolate are also available.

Students at Green Middle School will have to wait to take their trip to Washington D.C.

"We can't control everything but when we have the opportunity to prevent a possible situation from happening, we want to take all sorts of precautions," said Julie McMahan, school district spokesperson.

In other words, safety comes first and that'a s mantra that the owner of Traveling Classrooms, the company that is coordinating the trip, repeats as well. Owner Bob Jackson says he's okay with the school district's decision even though he's only aware of one other district in the region that's taking the same approach. In fact, Jackson is taking a group from Lake High School to the nation's capital this week.

Lake High School is a much smaller group and they're just there Friday afternoon through Saturday and they're still opting to go, which I think is a good thing," said Jackson. "I do understand the concerns of the parents of Green Middle School and I fully support the decison that Green made."

McMahan is aware that most schools that have planned trips are still proceeding as planned but says her district is comfortable making decisions that are based on the needs of their own students, parents and employees that may differ from what some other district is doing. McMahan says the students will probably get more out of it by waiting.

"Where does their fear lie?  Where is their hesitation? Are they going to be spending their whole time texting their parents back and forth, saying 'hey, we're okay,'" said McMahan. "That kind of takes away and diminishes the value of the educational experience."

Jackson says that despite the well-circulated video that shows a possible terrorist threat on Washington, D.C., the city's usual high alert has not been elevated.  Jackson says he regularly communicates directly with the Department of Homeland Security and several security teams connected directly with tourist stops that are part of his itinerary and everyone says that as of now, it's business as usual.

McMahan and Jackson both say they're hoping the students can take the trip in February. 

There's a wind advisory today for several Northeast Ohio communities, including Summit, Stark, Portage and Medina counties. The National Weather Service reports wind gusts could hit up to 55 miles per hour. The advisory is in effect until 10 tonight.

"As far as this time of year, this is what we call the storm season for the Great Lakes region," said Meteorologist Kirk Lombardy with NWS in Cleveland.

The wind strength could have the power to knock down tree limbs and power lines.

"Also, anything that's not tied down or secured could become airborne or blown away from your yard."

According to Lombardy, this is a typical November storm for the Great Lakes region.

"Typically we see storms that travel through the Great Lakes and cause some very strong wind events. Look at the event of the Edmund Fitzgerald that occurred on November 10."

In 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald ship sank during a storm in Lake Superior, killing 29 people on Nov. 10.

Finding an empty animal shelter is rare, but it is possible. Just ask officials with Summit County Animal Control. The 6th Annual Summit County Adopt-A-Thon over the weekend found a home for every single animal at the shelter.

"We put all of the animals, dogs and cats, up for adoption for $10," said Animal Control Manager Christine Fatheree. "It was a great turnout. We adopted out 93 animals."

Over the past six years, the event has helped to place 809 animals in new homes.

"This is our sixth year doing it and we've never emptied out the facility," said Fatheree. "We've never been able to get every single animal a home."

While the event was a success, Fatheree said everyday brings a new challenge. The shelter has already picked up about 30 animals. Fatheree says the shelter brings in more than a dozen animals everyday.

On the web: https://co.summitoh.net.

HIgh School Football Scores - Friday, Oct. 23

Archbishop Hoban 49 - Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 10

Buchtel 55 - North 8

Canton McKinley 28 - Green 27

Carrollton 27, Canton South 16

Copley 56 - Kent Roosevelt 35

Coventry 47 - Springfield 21

Ellet 26 - Firestone 7

Euclid 35 - Medina 27

Fairless 47 - CVCA 20

Field 35 - Cloverleaf 13

GlenOak 42 - North Canton Hoover 17

Highland 24 - Barberton 12

Hudson 30 - Wadsworth 6

Lake 14 - Canton Central Catholic 7

Manchester 28 - Tuslaw 20

Mentor 20 - Brunswick 10

Mogadore 55 - Waterloo 0

Nordonia 49 - Twinsburg 21

North Royalton 37 - Cuyahoga Falls 0

Perry 35 - Jackson 0

St. Vincent-St. Mary 56 - Massillon 31

Streetsboro 21 - Ravenna 9

Stow 37 - Brecksville 28

Tallmadge 34 - Revere 19

Woodridge 45 - Norton 7

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Saturday at 2 PM: East vs. Garfield at Buchtel

University of Akron President Scott Scarborough has confirmed that there has been discussion on possibly changing the university's name.

He tells the Northeast Ohio Media Group that it was an idea thrown in a brainstorming session, but no word on possible suggestions on a new name.

Scarborough said the new name would reflect the university's strengths in the "polytechnical and professional fields."

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