Questions on whether Akron should keep and maintain Fulton Municipal Airport arising again in the wake of the worst air disaster in the history of Summit County.

Akron city council's Bob Hoch represents Ward 6, which covers much of the area around the airport and the Ellet neighborhood. He says he's thankful nobody on the ground was hurt or killed, and his thoughts and prayers went to those aboard the jet, but comments from residents is a fairly routine topic.

"When you live in Ellet, you see and hear air traffic day and night. It becomes commonplace to see and hear these small planes, jets, helicopters and blimps. Normally, you don't react, you don't pay a whole lot of attention to them," Hoch says.

Hoch noted the future of Fulton Airport came up during the most recent mayoral debates.

"All those points have to be scrutinized," Hoch said. "How much is that airport costing the city of Akron and the residents of Akron now, and is it a necessary piece in our community and do we need to keep it there?"

Mayor Jeff Fusco counters Fulton is "...an economic driver, if you will. There's corporate and recreational use and it's heavily looked at by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) on what we can and cannot do. It's regulated heavily by the federal government." He said the airport does "quite a bit" to keep the airport safe.

"there's airports like this all around the country," Fusco said, with operations handled by pilots.

The airport also serves as a refueling center for medical emergency helicopters.

UPDATE 6:27 AM 11/7/15: The Regional AMBERAlert has been cancelled and the child has been recovered.

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AN AMBER ALERT HAS BEEN ISSUED:

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A MISSING OR ABDUCTED CHILD FROM SUMMIT COUNTY, OH. LAST SEEN ON 4661 SHERYLTON HILLS DRIVE IN THE CITY OF GREEN AT 11/6/2015 3:00:00 PM.

INFORMATION AS OF 11/6/2015 8:04:07 PM.
THE SUSPECT IS BELIEVED TO BE DRIVING A GRY 2006 CHEV TBZ LL WITH LICENSE PLATE DXH4146 FROM THE STATE OF OH (STATUS IS RECOVERED).    
THE CHILD'S NAME IS SOLMON THOMPSON (STATUS IS MISSING) AGE 2 YRS OLD. A WHITE MALE HEIGHT 3 FEET 0 INCHES WEIGHING 30 POUNDS WITH BLONDE OR STRAWBERRY HAIR AND BLUE EYES. THE CHILD WAS LAST SEEN 4661 SHERYLTON HILLS DRIVE, GREEN, OHIO.
THE SUSPECT'S NAME IS OLIVIA M REMENYI  (STATUS IS ACTIVE)  

SUSPECT IS A BLACK FEMALE APPROXIMATELY 27 YRS OLD WITH BROWN HAIR BROWN EYES, LAST SEEN WEARING: GREEN SHIRT WITH NEON GREEN TRIM. BLACK LEGGINGS WITH A GREY STRIPE..
HEIGHT 5 FEET 7 INCHES. WEIGHT 180 POUNDS. (TWO STARS ON HER FOOT)


PLEASE CALL 1-877-AMBER-OH (1-877-262-3764) OR DIAL 911 IF YOU SEE THE CHILD, THE SUSPECT OR THE SUSPECT'S VEHICLE

A woman is dead after walking too close to a moving Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad train in Peninsula Sunday afternoon. Witnesses say she was seated at the Winking Lizard Tavern saw a tussle between an adult and a child acroiss the tracks in front of the Century Bike Shop. The railroad tracks don't have barriers in the stretch and most pedestrians follow the trail or parking lot on either side of the railroad right-of-way in the popular tourist destination.

The National Park Service's Mary Pat Doorley told NewsChannel 5 other visitors to the park were giving the woman alerts as she was heading back to the restaurant to stop because of the train, which was moving at between 10-15 miles per hour but the woman didn't heed the train's horn or the warnings and was struck and killed.

There were about 300 passengers aboard the train, which was held at the Peninusla depot for about four hours after the incident. Police are referring to the case as an accident.

A candidate for the Akron School Board pleading earlier this week to an OVI charge.

Former Akron council member Ernie Tarle pleaded "no contest" to the charge stemming from a June arrest in Boston Heights. Police reports noted Tarle was driving a car with expired plates. Tarle told the Beacon Journal he had been visting a friend in Cleveland and had a couple beers. The newspaper reported Tarle refused a Breathalyzer test after failed a field sobriety test.

Stow Municipal Court Judge Lisa Coates assessed a $1,000 fine and court costs, with $600 of the fine suspended.

Tarle is one of eight candidates seeking a seat on the Akron School Board; the top three winners get the position.

Goodyear is on track to top two billion dollars in operating income for 2015. The company releasing it's third quarter financials this morning shattering records with operating income up 15%, net income up 68% from the same period last year.

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(Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company) AKRON, Ohio, October 29, 2015 – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today reported record results for the third quarter of 2015. 

"We delivered outstanding earnings growth in the quarter and segment operating margin of more than 14 percent, overcoming macroeconomic challenges in some of our key international markets," said Richard J. Kramer, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our strong momentum in North America continues. The business grew its segment operating margin to more than 16 percent and achieved a 54 percent year­ over year increase in earnings driven by strong demand for our high­value­added products," he said.

Kramer added, "Our third quarter results demonstrate continued sustainable earnings growth and our sharp focus on disciplined execution of our strategy in both strong and challenging markets. With our strong year­to­date performance, we now see full­year segment operating income tracking to $2 billion, which would be more than double what we achieved just five years ago." 

Goodyear's third quarter 2015 sales were $4.2 billion, down from $4.7 billion a year ago, with the decrease largely attributable to unfavorable foreign currency translation of $430 million. Tire unit volumes totaled 42.5 million for the third quarter of 2015, up 1 percent from last year.

Original equipment unit volume was up 4 percent. Replacement tire shipments were flat. The company reported third quarter segment operating income of $599 million in 2015, up 15 percent from a year ago and a record for any quarter. The increase was driven by favorable price/mix net of raw materials, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation.

Get ready for a mouthful; The Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series Marathon, Half-Marathon and Team Relay will become the Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series Marathon, Half-Marathon and Team Relay presented by FirstEnergy. And that's a good thing.

It may take a few breaths to get the name out, but it does show the deep level of support and backing one of the premier events showcasing Akron enjoys locally from the Akron business community. Two of the business community's heavyweights reinforced that message as Bill Considine, CEO of Akron Children's Hospital and Chuck Jones, CEO of FirstEnergy, teamed with Akron Mayor Jeff Fusco and Akron Marathon founder Steve Marks to announce the event's new sponsorships.

Akron Children's Hospital stepped in last month and FirstEnergy signed up as a presenting sponsor, something the Akron-based utility wanted to do before Time Warner first led as presenting sponsor in 2003. Jones said the utility sees the sponsorship as continuation of what it's done giving back to the communities it serves across it's five-state footprint.

"Our headquarters is here, this will always be our home, it's been our home for over a hundred years," Jones said. "Akron's a great community...I'm proud of the growth that it's seen, how it's transformed itself from the rubber capital of the world to a vibrant city."

Considine is a key player among Akron's corporate and community leaders.

"We're pretty excited about it. It unites the community," Considine said. "It's a national event...we're a national hospital, seeing patients from all 50 states at Akron Children's Hospital. An event like the Akron Marathon shows the community cares." Considine called Akron a "champion city" and said the Marathon is an "image builder" for Akron. 

"The Akron Marathon has always been about community, and we're extremely happy one of the largest employers in Summit County has stepped up," said Marathon founder Steve Marks.

The Akron Marathon drew more than 20,000 participants during it's events in 2015 with events including the full marathon, half-marathon, relay and other races.

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(Akron Marathon)FirstEnergy Corp. has signed a three-year agreement with the Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay held each September. The announcement was made Tuesday at a special event at Cascade Plaza in downtown Akron.

FirstEnergy replaces Time Warner Cable, which had served as presenting sponsor since the Akron Marathon's inception in 2003.

"The Akron Marathon has always been about community and we're extremely happy one of the largest employers in Summit County has stepped up to become presenting sponsor," said Steve Marks, Akron Marathon founder. "At the same time, we'd like to thank Time Warner Cable for being a great partner for the first 13 years of the event."

Headquartered in Akron, FirstEnergy has more than 15,000 employees who serve six million customers across six states.

"We're thrilled to partner with Akron Children's Hospital to increase our sponsorship of the Akron Marathon," said Chuck Jones, president and CEO of FirstEnergy. "This race has become a nationally-respected event, both because it's so well-organized and because of the tremendous ways this community has embraced it. Many of our employees and customers run, volunteer and cheer for this event every year, making this a perfect fit for FirstEnergy."

FirstEnergy has been a major sponsor of the Akron marathon since its inception in 2003.

The inaugural Akron Marathon featured 3,775 participants and has grown to more than 14,000 across the weekend's events. The marquee event generates more than $6 million in economic activity and generates thousands of dollars more in contributions to countless charities.

"FirstEnergy has been a longtime partner of Akron Children's Hospital, and we are delighted that they accepted our invitation to step up to presenting sponsor of the marathon as we become the race's title beneficiary in 2016," said Bill Considine, Akron Children's Hospital president and CEO. "We are grateful to FirstEnergy and all the individuals and organizations who are so civic-minded and make Akron such a great place to live."

Known as the Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series in 2015, more than 20,000 runners participated across the three events. The series dates were developed to help guide runners through a typical training schedule leading up to the marquee events. The 2016 events will be held June 25 (8k & 1-Mile), August 13 (Half Marathon & 10k) and Sept. 24 (Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run). Registration is scheduled to open this winter.

The Akron Marathon's official name is getting even longer, with official word coming Tuesday afternoon.

It was a mouthful when the Akron Marathon Race Series became the Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series, and now you can add another title name sponsor into the mix.

Officials from Akron Children's Hospital, the Akron Marathon and FirstEnergy will be announcing even more support for the event that's grown into a national race. All are tight-lipped ahead of the announcement Tuesday afternoon but FirstEnergy will take title of one of the Akron Marathon signature races.

There is a delicious irony to FirstEnergy's sponsorship; the utility already sponsors the All-American Soap Box Derby by name, meaning it'll be a title sponsor on two Akron-based races -- one billed as a thrill down the hill thanks to and the other based on human-powered motion, both unaided by engines or motors. Neither race needing electricity.

Manny, Moe and Jack finally have an Akron connection. Bridgestone Americas agreeing to an $835 million dollar all-cash deal to buy out the Pep Boys outlets that will add more than 800 more retail sales and service outlets to the Bridgestone/Firestone existing network of 2,200 stores, increasing that number by more than a third. The deal is expected to close in 2016. 

(Bridgestone) Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (Bridgestone) and The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack (Pep Boys; NYSE: PBY) today announced that Pep Boys and Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone, have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which BSRO will acquire Pep Boys in an all-cash transaction for $15.00 per share, or approximately $835 million in aggregate equity value. This represents a premium of 23 percent over Pep Boys’ closing price of $12.15 on October 23, 2015 and a premium of 62 percent over Pep Boys’ unaffected (prior to market speculation of a potential transaction) price of $9.25 on May 19, 2015. The transaction is structured as a tender offer. 

“Bridgestone and Pep Boys are two leading companies that share a proud heritage in the American automotive services industry,” said Gary Garfield, CEO and President of Bridgestone Americas. “Our shared expertise and commitment to our customers and employees will help us build an even stronger organization.”

Pep Boys, headquartered in Philadelphia, has been one of the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket chains since 1921. With more than 7,500 service bays in more than 800 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys offers tires, maintenance and repair and parts and accessories.

The acquisition accelerates the global growth strategy of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company and parent of Bridgestone Americas. Pep Boys will add approximately 800 locations to BSRO’s nationwide network of 2,200 tire and automotive service centers, which operate under the Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works brand banners. 

Along with these company-owned stores and Bridgestone’s more than 5,000 long-standing dealers and distributors in the United States, Pep Boys’ distribution network will help reach even more consumers with the products and services they want when they need them. The acquisition represents an immediate nationwide expansion of more than 35 percent for BSRO.

“We are excited to join the Bridgestone family of companies to become part of the world’s largest company-owned tire and automotive service retail network,” said Scott Sider, CEO of Pep Boys. “This transaction delivers a significant premium for Pep Boys’ shareholders and offers new opportunities for our employees across a bigger business. We look forward to working with the Bridgestone team for a smooth and successful transition.”

The transaction is expected to close in the beginning of 2016. Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of both Bridgestone and Pep Boys, a wholly owned subsidiary of BSRO will commence a tender offer for all outstanding shares of Pep Boys at $15.00 per share in cash. The completion of the tender offer will be conditioned on Pep Boys’ shareholders tendering at least a majority of Pep Boys’ outstanding shares, determined on a fully diluted basis, and other customary closing conditions, including expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Following completion of the tender offer, both companies will complete a merger in which Pep Boys shares that were not tendered in the tender offer will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive $15.00 per share in cash. Following completion of the transaction, Pep Boys will be wholly owned by and operate under BSRO. Pep Boys’ stock will no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

One phase of budget cuts at the University of Akron is over, at least as far as a statement from University President Dr. Scott Scarborough is concerned. He acknowledges the pain caused but has noted the situation was dire with a massive $60 million dollar defecit first identified. The furor over belt-tightening, however, is getting more fuel to the fire over costs renovating the President's residence.

By contract, the University President is required to live in the home at 465 Burning Tree Drive, purchased in 1999 at a cost of $850,000 in a neighborhood marked by large homes and wealthy neighbors. The University maintained the home needed repairs and renovations left behind after Dr. Luis Proenza's departure after 15 years in the home, and also cited allergies suffered by Scarborough's family that prevented them from fully moving in. The family had been staying at a local hotel at a reported cost of $25,000 while repairs and renovations were being made. The Scarborough's moved into the home in January, according to the report.

The family provided their own furniture for their living quarters on the second floor of the home; the first floor is used for entertaining and meetings and more public use.

The new report from Northeast Ohio Media Group shows the costs of repairing the home -- with a property valuation now listed at just over $733,000 dollars -- is actually $950,000, more than the home is worth. The report notes some of the work includes renovations and repairs from University of Akron construction employees who were part of layoffs proposed by the Administration and approved by the Board of Trustees earlier this week in decisions that sidelined 161 employees and abolished 213 positions from the University's budget.  

Among the items going into renovations: a modernized first floor bathroom at a cost of $40,000 and more than $141.000 for furnishings and decorations including window treatments.

In contrast, a report by student media at Kent State University in November 2014 compared the various perks other colleges and universities provided their Presidents. Kent State's Beverly Warren lives in a home built by her predecessor, Dr. Lester Lefton, and KSU pays an annual lease of $56,000 annually on a deal extending to 2033. Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel, who was a finalist for the Akron job but criticized by faculty for not having a doctorate, lives in Pollock House, an 1863 mansion gifted to the University in 1950. 

Source: Google Maps