Liver disease the reason the Akron Zoo euthanized their Sumatran tiger "Leo" earlier this week. The Zoo had been home for the past couple of years; he was born at the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2011. The tiger exhibit will remain closed for the time being; the Zoo's other tiger Sanjiv is at the Topeka Zoo on a "breeding recommendation." 

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(AkronZoo.org) he Akron Zoo is mourning the loss of their male Sumatran tiger, Leonidas, “Leo,” who was humanely euthanized on August 13, 2017. The zoo’s professional Animal Care staff recently observed a change in Leo’s appetite, leading to a comprehensive veterinary medical exam on Thursday, August 10. During his annual physical on June 27, 2017, Leo showed no signs of illness and all his lab work came back normal. However on the August 10 exam, their Veterinary Staff discovered that he had significant liver disease. Leo immediately underwent an aggressive treatment regimen, however he did not respond to therapy and continued to rapidly decline. The difficult decision was then made to humanely euthanize Leo.Leo was born on July 9, 2011, at the Oklahoma City Zoo. He arrived in Akron on March 3, 2015. The Akron Zoo is actively working with the Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) and is expecting a placement recommendation soon, but until that time the tiger exhibit will remain closed. The zoo’s other male tiger, Sanjiv, was recently relocated to the Topeka Zoo on a breeding recommendation from the Tiger SSP.“Leo was a great cat and a wonderful ambassador for his species,” commented Eric Albers, Animal Curator. “He was very much like a typically finicky cat and would only do what Leo wanted to do and when Leo wanted to do it. However, the staff appreciated him and enjoyed having him in Akron to educate and inspire our community.”

Stow police went north to pick up a man wanted in connection with sexual assault of young girls while staying with a local family.

Police charge 49-year old Scott Brundage of Garfield Heights with rape, gross sexual imposition and corrupting another with drugs involving a case with seven female victims aged 10 to 15. Brundage was picked up at his home following an indictment handed down last week by a Summit County Grand Jury.

He was booked into the Summit County Jail.

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(Stow Police) On 08/08/17 agents of the United States Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Scott R. Brundage, age 49, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, based upon a warrant for multiple sex offenses involving seven female victims ages 10-15. The charges, four counts of rape (F1), nine counts of gross sexual imposition (F3,F4), two counts of sexual imposition (M3) and one count of corrupting another with drugs (F4), were the result of an investigation completed by the Stow Police Department. The latter charge resulted from inducing one victim to ingest illegal substances.

The investigation was initiated in January, 2017, when the youngest victim disclosed to her mother that Brundage, who at that time lived in their home in Stow, had been sexually assaulting her. Further investigation revealed female siblings had also been victimized. In March, 2017, another parent reported her daughters had also been sexually assaulted by Brundage on occasions when they stayed at the first victim's residence.

Following a lengthy investigation and testimony by a Stow Police Detective before the Summit County Grand Jury, a secret indictment was issued on August 2, 2017.

Brundage was arrested at his home and transported to the Summit County Jail pending arraignment on the charges. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole on rape charges.

Scott R. Brundage has no criminal history. 

A Springfield Township man is being held in the Summit County Jail on child pornography charges after police were alerted someone at his home was downloading kiddie porn. A search warrant executed last Thursday provided evidence for police to arrest 43-year old Brian Heath Davidson at his home on Coach Lane. He's facing pandering felony charges and police say they found even more "explicit content" on other device taken from his home

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(Springfield Township Police) On August 3rd, officers with the Springfield Township Police Department, with the assistance of (ICAC) The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, executed a search warrant at 101 Coach Lane in Springfield Township.

The search warrant was obtained after receiving information from the ICAC task force that a subject at this location was downloading child pornography.

After executing the search warrant, officers arrested 43 year old Brian Heath Davidson for Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, a felony of the third degree. Mr. Davidson is also facing additional charges after discovering more explicit content on several devices seized from his home. Mr. Davidson is currently being held in the Summit County Jail.

We haven't seen a round at the WGC Bridgestone like this since 2014 -- when Sergio Garcia did it, or Tiger Woods in 2013 and 200. Even then, the others scored their record low scores in the second round of play, and it was this year's breathtaking final 18 that gave Hideki Matsuyama the championship and a $1.66 million dollar payday from Firestone South. Matsuyama becomes the first Japanese golfer to take the tournament and sets himself up nicely ahead of the PGA Open next weekend at Quail Hollow. Observers really didn't have a clue as to what was to unfold watching Matsuyama, who is a conditioned believer in practice and often takes time on the driving range before and after his rounds. Sunday's practice had him hitting balls all over the place and not showing the placement and discipline he showed during the round. He finished 16 under for the event after going five under on Sunday with a perfect round that included no bogeys, one eagle and seven birdies including the final three holes.

Video: YouTube/PGATour

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Is he the best?

(PGA Tour) Final-Round Leaderboard

Hideki Matsuyama 69-67-67-61—264 (-16)

Zach Johnson 69-67-65-68—269 (-11)

Charley Hoffman 68-69-67-66—270 (-10)

Thomas Pieters 65-70-66-71—272 (-8)

Paul Casey 70-69-67-67—273 (-7)

Rory McIlroy 67-69-68-69—273 (-7)

Russell Knox 66-71-68-68—273 (-7)

Adam Hadwin 68-69-67-69—273 (-7)

Nine countries are represented by the top 12 players on the leaderboard.

Hideki Matsuyama

In his 100th start on the PGA TOUR Japan's Hideki Matsuyama posted a 9-under 61 in the final round at Firestone CC to secure his fifth TOUR title, and third this season. Matsuyama's round included an eagle at the par-5 second hole, along with seven birdies, with three consecutive birdies to close the round and win the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational by five strokes over Zach Johnson. Charley Hoffman, who lost a playoff at last week's RBC Canadian Open, finished third at 10-under 270. Matsuyama wins his fifth PGA TOUR event at the age of 25 years, 5 months, 12 days. He earns the 25th win by a player in his 20s on TOUR this season. 

Matsuyama's PGA TOUR victories:

2014 the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance

2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open

2017 World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions

2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open

2017 World Golf championships-Bridgestone Invitational

With the win, Matsuyama, who entered this week No. 3 in the FedExCup standings, regained the No. 1 position which he had held for a total of 10 weeks earlier this season. He now leads Jordan Spieth by 114 points with 2,754 points. Matsuyama also returns to the top of the PGA TOUR Money List this season. Matsuyama's 9-under 61 is his career low round on the PGA TOUR, bettering his previous-best 63 by two strokes (63/R3/2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open, 63/R2/2015 BMW Championship). Matsuyama's 9-under 61 is the lowest final-round score, by three strokes, in any World Golf Championships event. The previous low finish by a winner at the Bridgestone Invitational was 64 (-6) by Hunter Mahan (2010) Keegan Bradley (2012). Matsuyama's 61 matched the 18-hole record at the Bridgestone Invitational (Tiger Woods/R2/2000, Tiger Woods/R2/2013, Sergio Garcia/R2/2014).

Matsuyama owns three wins and three runner-up finishes on the PGA TOUR this season (1/World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions, 1/Waste Management Phoenix Open, 1/WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, 2/CIMB Classic, 2/SBS Tournament of Champions, T2/U.S. Open). Matsuyama now has six victories in his last 20 starts worldwide.

Matsuyama is now one of 12 players with multiple victories in World Golf Championships and joins Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson with more than one WGC win in the same season;

Player Country WGC Wins

Tiger Woods USA 18

Dustin Johnson USA 5

Geoff Ogilvy AUS 3

Darren Clarke NIR 2

Jason Day AUS 2

Ernie Els RSA 2

Hunter Mahan USA 2

Rory McIlroy NIR 2

Phil Mickelson USA 2

Ian Poulter ENG 2

Adam Scott AUS 2

Hideki Matsuyama JPN 2

With the win, Matsuyama is the first player from Japan to win the Bridgestone Invitational and the seventh international winner of the Bridgestone Invitational (Craig Parry/Australia/2002, Darren Clarke/Northern Ireland/2003, Vijay Singh/Fiji/2008, Adam Scott/Australia/2011, Rory McIlroy/Northern Ireland/2014, Shane Lowry/Ireland/2015, Hideki Matsuyama/Japan/2017). With the victory, Matsuyama joined Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh with the Ohio double with victories at both the Memorial Tournament in Dublin and Bridgestone Invitational in Akron. Along with the Bridgestone Invitational and HSBC Champions victories this season, Matsuyama's only other top-10 finish in 17 WGC appearances was a T9 at the 2015 Dell Technologies Match Play.

The top three players in the Official World Golf Ranking did not change this week – No. 1 Dustin Johnson, No. 2 Jordan Spieth and No. 3 Hideki Matsuyama. It's worth noting heading into the PGA Championship next week, Matsuyama has recorded top-15 results at three major championships this season (T11/Masters, T2/U.S. Open, T14/The Open). This week marked Matsuyama's fifth start at Firestone CC. A T12 in 2014 was his best result in four previous appearances.

Matsuyama, with five victories, extends his record as the Japanese player with the most PGA TOUR wins. Japanese players to win on the PGA TOUR: Isao Aoki (1983 Sony Open in Hawaii), Shigeki Maruyama (2001 Greater Milwaukee Open, 2002 AT&T Byron Nelson, 2003 Wyndham Championship), Ryuji Imada (2008 AT&T Classic), Hideki Matsuyama (2014 Memorial Tournament, 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open, 2016 WGC-HSBC Champions, 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open, 2017 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational).

Hideki Matsuyama's Statistics

R1 5 of 14 fairways, 11 of 18 greens, 3 of 7 scrambling, 27 putts

R2 9 of 14 fairways, 15 of 18 greens, 3 of 3 scrambling, 30 putts

R3 8 of 14 fairways, 12 of 18 greens, 4 of 6 scrambling, 28 putts

R4 7 of 14 fairways, 16 of 18 greens, 2 of 2 scrambling, 25 putts

Zach Johnson

Zach Johnson headed into the final round with a share of the 54-hole lead and failed to secure the win despite a 2-under 68 which included just one bogey (No. 3). Johnson hit 14 of 18 greens in the final round. This was the fifth time that Johnson had led or shared the lead on the PGA TOUR through 54 holes. He had converted three of the previous four 54-hole leads into victories. The co-lead was Johnson's first time ever leading through any single round of a World Golf Championships event. 

Zach Johnson 54-hole leads on the PGA TOUR – Tournament Lead Finish

2004 Bellsouth Classic 2 strokes 1st

2009 Sony Open 1 stroke 1st

2009 Quail Hollow Championship 2 strokes T11

2009 Valero Texas Open 2 strokes 1st

2017 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Tied 2nd

The third-round leader has only won three of the last 11 times at the Bridgestone Invitational. This season on the PGA TOUR the 54-hole leader has gone on to win 12 of 39 events, most recently Jordan Spieth at The Open Championship. Johnson was seeking his first World Golf Championships title in his 41st appearance in World Golf Championships events. The runner-up finish at the Bridgestone Invitational is his 11th top-10 finish and best result in a WGC stroke-play event. He was third at the 2006 Dell Technologies Match Play when he defeated Tom Lehman in the Consolation Match. Johnson moved from No. 40 to No. 28 in the Presidents Cup US Team standings and seeks to make his fifth consecutive appearance at the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey next month. Johnson's previous best showing in 18 PGA TOUR starts this season was T5 in his hometown event at last month's John Deere Classic, now one of four top-10s this season.

Charley Hoffman

Charley Hoffman, in search of his fifth PGA TOUR win in his 332nd career start, posted a final-round 4-under 66 but came up short of winning, finishing six back of Matsuyama in third place. His most recent victory came at the 2016 Valero Texas Open. Last week, he lost a playoff to Jhonattan Vegas at the RBC Canadian Open, one of seven top-10 finishes this season. Hoffman was attempting to become the first player since Jordan Spieth at the 2015 Masters Tournament to win a title after losing a playoff the previous week. Spieth lost a playoff at the Shell Houston Open before his Masters win. In the last two weeks, Hoffman has advanced from No. 24 to No. 8 in the Presidents Cup US Team standings thanks to a runner-up finish at the RBC Canadian Open and his solo-third at the Bridgestone Invitational. Hoffman seeks to finish in the top-10 following the Dell Technologies Championship at TPC Boston to make the team. Captain Steve Stricker will have two captain's picks on September 6 before the team heads to Liberty National Golf Club for the Presidents Cup later that month. Hoffman seeks to advance to the FedExCup Playoffs and reach the TOUR Championship for the third time in his career (4th in 2010, 10th in 2015). Hoffman is one of 16 players to have made it to the FedExCup Playoffs in each of the 10 years the Playoffs have existed. In addition to being one of 16 players to have made it to the FedExCup Playoffs in each of the 10 years the Playoffs have existed, Hoffman is one of only three players (Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson) to have qualified for the BMW Championship in all 10 years.

Thomas Pieters

Thomas Pieters fired a final-round 1-over 71 to fall to solo-fourth after sharing the 54-hole lead with Zach Johnson. Pieters joined Russell Knox (71/R2) and Rickie Fowler (71/R2) as the only players to shoot a round over par during the week and finish in the top nine. This was the first time that Pieters has held or shared a 54-hole lead in a PGA TOUR event. On the European Tour, Pieters has held or shared three previous times and carried one to victory – the 2015 Czech Masters. Pieters, a Special Temporary Member on the PGA TOUR, has five previous starts in WGC events. A T5 at the Mexico Championship this year was his previous-best showing in the WGC events before his 4th this week. Pieters made his 16th PGA TOUR start this week and now owns four top-five showings (T5/2017 Mexico Championship, T2/2017 Genesis Open, T4/2017 Masters Tournament, 4th/Bridgestone Invitational). At 34th in the Official World Golf Ranking to begin the week, the 25-year-old Pieters is the highest-ranked Belgian player in history and is projected to move inside the top 25.

As a Special Temporary Member, Pieters is eligible for unlimited sponsor exemptions for the remainder of the 2016-17 season as he attempts to earn a PGA TOUR card for the 2017-18 season through the Non-member FedExCup Points List. It's important to note: Special Temporary Members are not eligible for the FedExCup Playoffs, but Special Temporary Members or non-members who subsequently become regular PGA TOUR members by winning an official event during the season will be counted on the FedExCup points list, along with any FedExCup points earned as a non-member (excluding those won at World Golf Championships events as a non-member) and thus be eligible for the FedExCup Playoffs.

Additional Player Notes

Rory McIlroy, winner of the 2014 Bridgestone Invitational, made three early birdies to sit one stroke off the lead at 9-under through six holes of the final round before back-to-back bogeys at the 14th and 15th holes derailed his chances. McIlroy finished T5 at 7-under 273, his sixth top-10 in 10 starts on the PGA TOUR this season. During the week, McIlroy hit 52 of 56 tee shots (excluding par-3s) over 300 yards. McIlroy moved from No. 53 to No. 43 in the FedExCup standings.

Canada's Adam Hadwin finished T5 in his first World Golf Championships appearance, one of nine players in the field making their WGC debut this week. Hadwin, a first-time TOUR winner at this year's Valspar Championship, sat at No. 12 in the Presidents Cup International Team standings before the week and seeks to become the third Canadian to play in the Presidents Cup (Mike Weir, Graham DeLaet).

After playing the first four holes of the final round 4-over, J.B. Holmes produced a 6-under 29 on the inward nine, including a final-hole eagle 2 when he holed out from 105 yards, to match the back-nine record (five players) at the Bridgestone Invitational.

Jordan Spieth and Matt Kuchar were paired together in the final round for the first time since their epic final-round duel in the final group at The Open Championship, won by Spieth two weeks earlier. Both players shot 68 on Sunday at Firestone with Spieth (T13) finishing one stroke ahead of Kuchar (T17).

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson fired a final-round 4-under 66, his lowest closing round since a 66 at the Dell Technologies Championship at TPC Boston last year, to finish T17.

Akron native Harold Varner III finished T50. Varner made his World Golf Championships debut after winning the Australian PGA Championship late last year to qualify for this event.

The former Summit County Councilwoman and top-ranking Summit County Democratic Party leader Tamela Lee will be heading off to prison -- sentenced to a five-year stretch for corruption in a case where prosecutors painted her as taking cash and other favors to intervene for a local business and court appearances. She had tears in her eyes when sentenced but maintains she's innocent and an appeal is likely

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(U.S. Attorney) A former Summit County councilwoman was sentenced to five years in prison for taking bribes in exchange for trying to influence court proceedings and investigations, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Tamela Lee, 58, of Akron, was convicted by a jury earlier this year on all six counts: conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud, honest services mail fraud, Hobbs Act conspiracy, violating the Hobbs Act, obstruction of justice and making false statements to law enforcement.

“This is a public official who used her office to collect cash, cigarettes, home repairs and other things that average citizens have to pay for,” Sierleja said. “She violated the public’s trust and is now being held accountable for her actions.”

"Tamela Lee, a community councilwoman elected by the citizens she was supposed to lawfully represent, was motivated by her own self- interests and greed,” Anthony said. “The FBI is pleased Ms. Lee is being held accountable for these criminal actions. The FBI will continue to root out public corruption, whether it is elected officials that violate their oath and the law or citizens that bribe them to do so.”

Lee solicited and accepted things from Omar Abdelqader, including money, loans, campaign contributions, home improvements, home maintenance and consumer goods. These were provided directly by Omar Abdelqader, or through Bi-Rite and totaled more than $6,500, according to court documents and testimony. In return, Lee performed and promised to perform official acts for Omar Abdelqader and other businesses in Akron for which he served as a conduit to Lee. These actions included helping Omar Abdelqader and his designees navigate government bureaucracy, achieve favorable outcomes in judicial and administrative proceedings and obtain streamlined access to information, according to court documents and testimony.

Omar Abdelqader was affiliated with several convenience stores and other businesses in the Akron area, including the Bi-Rite on Diagnonal Road. Abdelrahman Abdelqader is his brother and Samir Abdelqader is his nephew, according to court documents.

On June 8, 2014, Omar and Samir Abdelqader discussed Samir obtaining a bond regarding criminal charges he was facing. About 40 minutes later, Omar and Lee discussed the councilwoman emailing or calling the judge. On June 12, Lee called Judge 2’s chambers several times. The next day Lee asked Omar for money, and he directed her to the Bi-Rite to collect the money, according to court documents and testimony. On June 14, 2014, Lee sent a text message to Omar informing him that the judge and bailiff returned her call. She then sent a text message to Omar stating: “I am going to bed, I am angry and frustrated and broke…bye,” according to according to court documents and testimony.

Later that day, Omar instructed Lee to send her daughter to the Bi-Rite to pick up cash. Three days later, Lee spoke to Judge 2 and told the judge she was related to Samir Abdelqader, according to court documents and testimony.

In July 2014, Lee and Omar spoke repeatedly about fundraising for her campaign. Omar told Person 9 that he had collected $800 in donations for Lee. Omar explained the Lee provided service. “In other words, I am keeping her because we need her, man,” Omar told Person 9, who responded: “She is better than an attorney to us!” according to court documents and testimony.

Omar Abdelqader, of North Canton, Abdelrahman Abdelqader, of Canton, and Samir Abdelqader, of Fairlawn, have pleaded guilty to crimes related to this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linda Barr and Elliot Morrison following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Akron Police Department.

His 1973 Sugar Bowl win with Notre Dame stands as the first consensus national title -- with his mother by his side.

Akron native Ara Parseghian was a legend; a graduate of Akron South, went to the University of Akron before joining the Navy in World War II. Came out of the Navy to play for the Browns under Paul Brown in 1948 and 1949 before a hip injury ended his playing days. He also coached Miami, Northwestern and of course the ,Fighting Irish.

Ara Parseghian -- dead at 94.

Former Notre Dame and University of Akron head football coach Gerry Faust joined the Sam and Brad Show to talk about Ara's passing and what he meant to coaching.

(Photo credit University of Notre Dame)

WAKR's Aaron Coleman contributed to this story.

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(Notre Dame) Legendary coach Ara Parseghian, who guided the University of Notre Dame's 1966 and 1973 national championship football teams and is a member of the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame, died at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday (Aug. 2) at his home in Granger, Indiana, the University's president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., announced. He was 94.

"Notre Dame mourns the loss of a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and good man – Ara Parseghian," Father Jenkins said. "Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field.

"He continued to demonstrate that leadership by raising millions of research dollars seeking a cure for the terrible disease that took the lives of three of his grandchildren. Whenever we asked for Ara's help at Notre Dame, he was there.

"My prayers are with Katie, his family and many friends as we mourn his passing and celebrate a life that was so well lived."

Arrangements are pending.

Elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980, Parseghian led the Irish to a 95-17-4 record (.836) over his 11 seasons in South Bend, highlighted by the 1966 and 1973 teams that finished 9-0-1 and 11-0-0, respectively, and claimed Notre Dame's eighth and ninth consensus national championships.

"As a student, I enjoyed the thrill of being on campus for Ara's last three years as head coach, including the 1973 championship, and saw firsthand the profound impact that he had on my classmates who played for him," said Jack Swarbrick, vice president and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics. "When I returned many years later as athletics director, Ara was unfailingly generous with his time, and his counsel proved to be invaluable."

Parseghian retired from coaching after the 1974 season and entered broadcasting. He worked as a color commentator with ABC Sports from 1975-81 and served as college football analyst for CBS Sports through the 1988 season.

In 1994, Parseghian, along with his son Michael and daughter-in-law Cindy, started the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation to fund the study of Niemann-Pick Type C Disease (NPC) in hopes of moving toward a cure. The foundation has raised more than $45 million to combat the disease, which claimed three of Parseghian's grandchildren, Michael and Cindy's children, Michael, Marcia and Christa.

Earlier this year, Vtesse Inc. announced the full enrollment of patients for a clinical trial of VTS-270, a drug candidate that was developed through research supported by the foundation.
Numerous other studies have been funded to identify the molecular mechanisms behind NPC disease, develop new models, identify novel techniques to better understand NPC and support young investigators researching the disease.

NPC is a genetic pediatric neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive deterioration of the nervous system, usually in school-age children. By interfering with children's ability to metabolize cholesterol, NPC causes large amounts of the substance to accumulate in the liver, spleen and brain, leading to a series of ultimately fatal neurological problems.

Building on a partnership the University formed with the foundation in 2010, the University established the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund in May 2016 and moved the administrative functions and granting process of the foundation from Tucson, Arizona, to Notre Dame.

The fund supports a competitive granting process, promotes fundraising efforts to support NPC research, raises awareness for the disease, manages communications and oversees an annual research conference in which researchers from around the world collaboratively share their findings.

"When I first started out, I wanted a silver bullet," Parseghian told the South Bend Tribune last year. "I wanted that cure that could help the children immediately. But research doesn't work that way. You've got to go step by step by step.

"But the monies that we've been able to raise and funnel into research have been very beneficial. We know a lot about it. When we first started, we knew very little about Niemann-Pick. We didn't even have a diagnostic test to tell it was Niemann-Pick, so we've come a long way. It was a paragraph or two in the med books. We've brought a lot of information about the disease out to the public and the people who have the misfortune of having their children diagnosed with this."

In his autobiography "God, Country, Notre Dame," the late University President Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., related the importance he and his executive vice president, Rev. Edmund P. "Ned" Joyce, C.S.C., placed on luring Parseghian to Notre Dame from Northwestern University after the 1963 season:

"Ara called Father Joyce, whom he knew well ... (and) told (him) that he had decided to leave Northwestern and was considering several offers. Would Notre Dame be interested in him? Would we!

"Parseghian had agreed to meet us on neutral ground, which turned out to be a Chicago motel at 9:30 at night. I won't soon forget that night. Ned and I drove some 80 miles in a blinding snowstorm to keep that appointment. And it was worth it."

Father Hesburgh's successor, Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., conferred an honorary degree on Parseghian at Notre Dame's 1997 University Commencement Ceremony. In his autobiography, Father Malloy wrote:

"Ara Parseghian ... combined the best qualities of all the great Notre Dame football coaches. He was great at adapting his strategy to the talents of his athletes, he was a master strategist in preparing for games and an excellent recruiter, and he represented the best of Notre Dame."

"I was enrolled in seminary at the time when he was hired as head football coach, and I went over to his opening press conference because I was all excited about him coming.

"I was so delighted that we could recognize him (with an honorary degree), not only for his legendary status as a coach but also because he has spent a lot of time fighting Niemann-Pick disease."

As the Notre Dame coach from 1964-74, nine of Parseghian's 11 teams finished the year ranked in the top 10 of the final Associated Press poll, and on 40 occasions during that period Irish players received first-team All-America recognition. He coached eight NCAA postgraduate scholarship recipients, 17 Academic All-Americans and five eventual winners of the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award.

He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

The 1966 season marked the third year under Parseghian, who nearly guided the Irish to the national title in his debut season (9-1-0) in 1964. Notre Dame's domination on both sides of the ball was born out in the numbers – including a dozen players who collected All-America honors. The Irish outscored their opponents by an eye-popping 362-38 margin, finishing as the nation's top-scoring team (36.2 points per game) while allowing just 3.8 points per game (second-best in the nation). Notre Dame shut out six of its 10 opponents, including 10th-ranked Oklahoma and 10th-rated USC.

The balanced offense (391.5 yards per game/third in the nation) included passing and rushing attacks that both ranked among the national top 20, with the defense yielding an average of just 187.6 yards per game (fourth-best in the nation).

Linebacker Jim Lynch – a unanimous All-America selection – led a defensive unit that also included All-America safety Tom Schoen and three All-Americans across the defensive line: end Alan Page (a consensus pick) and the tackle tandem of Pete Duranko and Kevin Hardy.

The '66 offense actually produced more All-Americans (seven) than the Irish defensive unit (five), led by unanimous All-America halfback Nick Eddy. The team's tailback, Larry Conjar, also was tabbed for All-America honors, as was the "fling-and-cling" passing combination of quarterback Terry Hanratty and receiver Jim Seymour, center George Goeddeke, tackle Paul Seiler and guard Tom Regner.

Hanratty and Seymour formed what remains one of the top passer-receiver combinations in Notre Dame history. Hanratty finished sixth in the 1966 Heisman Trophy balloting, three spots behind his teammate Eddy, while Seymour had eight touchdown catches (despite playing just seven games) and set a Notre Dame record by averaging 123.1 receiving yards per game.
In addition to their on-the-field honors, both Lynch and Regner were named Academic All-Americans.

Parseghian and the Irish would follow up the '66 national title with an 8-2 mark in 1967, 7-2-1 in '68 and 8-2-1 in '69. Notre Dame barely missed out on a national title in 1970. The Irish entered their regular season finale at USC with a 9-0 mark and No. 2 national ranking, but the Trojans upended Notre Dame, 38-28. The Irish earned just their second bowl appearance in modern time and defeated top-ranked Texas in the '71 Cotton Bowl, 24-11, which stopped the nation's longest winning streak at 30 games. The dominant postseason effort was not enough as Notre Dame ended the season ranked No. 2 and Parseghian's second national title would have to wait.

The 1972 season closed with lopsided losses to USC and Nebraska, and Parseghian and his staff would have to replace 13 starters from that team, not counting Dave Casper who started at offensive tackle in '72 and was the starting tight end in '73, and Mike Townsend, who started at cornerback in '72 before starting at safety in '73.

Many figured Notre Dame was a year away. Once again, Parseghian proved them wrong.

Four backs who gained more than 300 yards apiece led the balanced Irish attack: fullback Wayne Bullock (752), halfback Art Best (700), halfback Eric Penick (586) and quarterback Tom Clements (360). It was one of the fastest backfields Notre Dame had ever assembled, as Penick had 9.5 speed in the 100-yard dash, while Best checked in at 9.7.

The Irish were ranked in the eighth spot with wins over Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan State, Rice and Army, setting the stage for what everyone considered to be Notre Dame's first real test of the year.

As was the case on the road to Parseghian's first national championship in '66, the game against USC was a pivotal moment in the 1973 title campaign. Notre Dame was also full of memories of the previous season's clash, which saw running back Anthony Davis romp for six touchdowns in a 45-23 Trojan win.

The sixth-ranked Trojans visited South Bend for the annual matchup, but No. 8 Notre Dame set the tone early when defensive back Luther Bradley knocked Lynn Swann's helmet off on the first play. Later, Penick raced for an 85-yard touchdown, helping the Fighting Irish to a 23-14 victory. The triumph ended USC's 23-game unbeaten string and Notre Dame jumped to fifth in the polls.

The Irish cruised through the remainder of their schedule, defeating Navy, Pittsburgh, Air Force and Miami to complete Parseghian's first perfect regular season.
The stage was set for a Sugar Bowl matchup between No. 1 Alabama and No. 3 Notre Dame.

On New Year's Eve 1973, the battle of unbeaten teams was a back-and-forth contest for much of the game, and came down to the final few minutes of regulation when Notre Dame's Bob Thomas kicked a go-ahead field goal with 4:26 to play. But the Crimson Tide pinned the Irish near their own end zone on their next possession, and it looked as though Notre Dame might have to punt, giving Alabama a chance at a game-winning field goal of its own. That was, at least, until third down when Clements connected with Robin Weber on a long pass that sealed a 24-23 Irish victory.

In addition to the 1973 Sugar Bowl win, Parseghian and his Irish posted victories in the 1971 Cotton Bowl and the 1975 Orange Bowl (again over unbeaten Alabama), which proved to be his final game on the Notre Dame sidelines.

Born May 21, 1923, in Akron, Ohio, Parseghian was married to the former Kathleen "Katie" Davis. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in 1949 and 1954 from Miami (Ohio) University. He is survived by Katie, two children – Kristan Parseghian Humbert and her husband, James Humbert; Michael Parseghian, the secretary/treasurer of the research foundation and member of the University's College of Science Advisory Council, and his wife, Cindy, president of the foundation and a Notre Dame Trustee; son-in-law James Burke; and six grandchildren. His daughter Karan Burke and three grandchildren preceded him in death.

Parseghian played football and graduated from Akron South High School in 1942, and enrolled at the University of Akron later that fall, but withdrew to serve the U.S. Navy for two years during World War II. He was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Academy in 1944, where he continued his football career as a member of its football team, which was coached by the legendary NFL Hall of Famer Paul Brown.

After his term of service, Parseghian continued his education and athletic career at Miami University, where he played football, basketball and baseball. He was not only drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 13th round (109th overall) of the 1947 NFL Draft, but also was selected in 1948 by the Cleveland Browns in the 25th round (177th overall) of the rival All-America Football Conference draft. He would ultimately play halfback for the Browns (coached by Brown, Parseghian's coach at Great Lakes) in 1948 and 1949. Cleveland won the league championship both of those years, but a hip injury ended Parseghian's playing career.

He returned to Miami in 1950 as an assistant coach under Woody Hayes and was named head coach in 1951 following Hayes' departure to Ohio State. Parseghian's five Miami teams combined for a 39-6-1 record (.859), including a 32-3-1 mark over his final four campaigns, and won a pair of Mid-American Conference championships (1954 and 1955).

Miami University President Gregory Crawford, the former Warren Foundation Dean of the College of Science at Notre Dame and a significant supporter of the Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, presented Parseghian with the President's Medal last fall.

Parseghian moved on to Northwestern in 1956 and coached the Wildcats for eight years. He compiled a 36-35-1 (.507) mark and helped turn a perennial loser into a consistent contender in the national polls. He even led Northwestern to a No. 1 national ranking following a 35-6 victory over Notre Dame on Oct. 27, 1962. That victory capped off a remarkable run of success for Parseghian-coached teams versus the Irish. He went 4-0 against Notre Dame, with the victories occurring in consecutive years from 1959-62. That remains tied for the best winning percentage of any coach who faced the Irish at least four times in his career since the start of the 20th century.

Parseghian turned his attention to Notre Dame and its rebuilding efforts in 1964. The Irish program had not recorded a winning record in the five previous seasons and many experts figured the program would never return to its gloried past.

He wasted no time in dispelling that myth.

Parseghian, who ranks third in school history for career victories behind Lou Holtz and Knute Rockne, guided the '64 Irish squad to a 9-1 record and McArthur Bowl Trophy from the National Football Foundation. He was chosen the national college coach of the year by the Football Writers Association of America, American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers of America, Washington Touchdown Club, Columbus Touchdown Club, Football News and New York Daily News.

During his years as coach, awards came to his student-athletes as well. Gaining All-America acclaim from his 1964 squad were quarterback John Huarte – the Heisman Trophy winner – split end Jack Snow and linebacker Jim Carroll.

Huarte's Heisman is one of the best examples of Parseghian's ability to recognize previously untapped talent. Despite missing much of the 1962 season due to injury and playing sparingly as a junior the next year, Huarte was named by Parseghian as the starting quarterback in 1964. In leading the Irish to a 9-1 record, he ranked third nationally in total offense with 2,069 yards and set 12 school records. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

From the '65 squad, guard Dick Arrington and safety Nick Rassas were cited on most All-America first teams, while in 1967 Hardy and Schoen added their names to the list of consensus All-Americans produced by Parseghian.

The 1968 Irish yielded tackle George Kunz, Hanratty and Seymour. The '69 team had Mike McCoy, Bob Olson, Jim Reilly and Larry DiNardo, while the 1970 squad had DiNardo, Gatewood, Clarence Ellis, Joe Theismann and Walt Patulski.

Patulski, Ellis and Mike Kadish earned All-American honors in 1971, while tackle Greg Marx earned the honor in 1972.

Two operators of the Royal Buffet and Grill in the Chapel Hill retail area will be going to prison -- Zhou Quiang Zou for 18 months after which he'll be deported and his wife, Xin Hsu who got nine months in prison then nine months house arrest for harboring and putting undocumented workers on the job.

The couple also failed to full pay taxes on cash business -- at least $1.5 million prosecutors charged.

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(Northern Ohio US Attorney) Two people who operated an Akron restaurant were sentenced to prison for harboring and hiring undocumented workers, law enforcement officials said.

Zhou Qiang Zou, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, to be followed by deportation. Xin Hsu was sentenced to nine months incarceration followed by nine months of house arrest. They are married and live in Akron. Both are 35 years old.

They were among the operators of the Royal Buffet and Grill restaurant in the Chapel Hill area of Akron. Hsu, Zou and others conspired to harbor and harbored at least 10 undocumented workers for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain. The conspiracy included employing the undocumented workers at the Royal Buffet and Grill, where they worked for below minimum wage or only for tips, according to court documents.

Hsu, Zou and others also failed to report and pay taxes on cash receipts for nearly a decade, resulting in a tax loss of at least $1.5 million.

The defendants also housed the undocumented workers at one of their residences on Annapolis Avenue in Akron and transported them to and from the Royal Buffet and Grill as part of the conspiracy. Hsu, Zou and others housed as many as 14 undocumented workers at one time inside a single-family house, according to court documents.

"These defendants violated immigration and tax laws, taking advantage of their workers and the taxpayers," said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja.

"Employers have a legal responsibility to hire and maintain an authorized workforce. Those who circumvent our immigration system will be held accountable," said Steve Francis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI's Detroit office.

"Individuals who corruptly violate the law to further their business interests and intentionally evade paying their fair share of taxes undermine public confidence in our tax system and unfairly disadvantage businesses that play by the rules," said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. "As these defendants have discovered, operating outside the law and failing to pay taxes have severe consequences."

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Teresa Riley and Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.

Akron Zoo fans and family are mourning the loss of one of their own, a sleek Snow Leopard who took to the Zoo and his mate and helped keep the species alive.

Roscoe was a 14-year old male snow leopard; he was put to sleep by Zoo personnel after discovery of a fast-growing cancer of his lower jaw. He and his mate Shanti brought seven cubs into the world, three of whom remain in Akron. Snow leopards are an endangered species, but the Akron Zoo says it was able to freeze some of Roscoe's sperm so it can be used for species diversity for years to come through artificial insemination.

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(Akron Zoo) The Akron Zoo is sad to announce that Roscoe, a 14-year old male snow leopard, was humanely euthanized on July 26 after being diagnosed with a fast growing cancer that severely affected the bone in his lower jaw. The median life expectancy of a snow leopard is 14 years old.

Roscoe has been at the Akron Zoo since 2004 and has sired seven cubs during his time in Akron, three of which are still in Akron.

Within the last two weeks keepers observed a change in appetite and behavior in Roscoe and the vet staff at the zoo performed an exam, which led to the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, bone cancer in Roscoe's jaw. His appetite and activity began to rapidly decrease and the decision was made to humanely euthanize Roscoe. His annual preventive medicine exam last summer showed no signs of the cancer.

Snow leopards are an endangered species and the zoo participates in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), which includes a total of 167 snow leopards. Participation in the program has led to three successful litters with Roscoe and the zoo's female snow leopard Shanti. Two cubs were born in 2012 & 2014 and three cubs were born in 2016 and are still at the Akron Zoo. The other four cubs are at other AZA accredited zoos in the U.S.

In 2010 and 2012 the Akron Zoo worked with researchers to freeze Roscoe's sperm to potentially use in the future for artificial insemination. With the advances in veterinary medicine, Roscoe's legacy could continue for many generations and help to prevent the extinction of snow leopards.

"Roscoe has been a beloved member of our family since he arrived from San Antonio. He will be missed by all of us. I want to thank our professional animal care staff who cared for him attentively every day, and our veterinary care staff who so diligently treated him during his illness to ensure his welfare," commented Doug Piekarz, Akron Zoo president & CEO. "According to the Snow Leopard Trust at least one Snow Leopard is killed each day in the wild. With only a few thousand left on Earth we recognize the importance of the work we are doing to ensure the Snow Leopards survival. Roscoe will continue to play a critical role with his genetics preserved to help create a more genetically diverse future generation of snow leopards."

Roscoe, was born May 18, 2003 at the San Antonio Zoo and came to the Akron Zoo December 15, 2004.

"Roscoe will be missed deeply by the zoo staff, volunteers and community," added Dr. Kim Cook, Akron Zoo director of animal health & conservation. "He was a laid back cat with a great bond with Shanti. In fact they were able to be together at all times, which is rare for snow leopards, which are typically solitary animals."

Goodyear reporting the market is tightening with net income for the first half of the year of $313 million dollars on sales of $7.4 billion, down two percent from $386 million the first half of 2016. Overall tire volumes were down seven percent. CEO Richard Kramer says there's a weakening in the original equipment and consumer replacement tire markets despite overall strength in the industry, notably lower gasoline prices.

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(Goodyear Tire and Rubber) Goodyear Reports Second Quarter, First Half 2017 Results

- Second quarter results in line with guidance
- Goodyear net income of $147 million for second quarter, $313 million for first half
- Segment operating income of $361 million for second quarter, $746 million for first half
- Germany plant closure complete, $45 million in annual savings expected
- Company updates 2017 segment operating income guidance

AKRON, Ohio, July 28, 2017 – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today reported results for the second quarter and first half of 2017. "Our second quarter results reflect the impact of volatile raw material costs and an increasingly challenging competitive environment, particularly in the United States and Europe," said Richard J. Kramer, chairman and chief executive officer. "In addition to higher raw material costs, we have seen a weakening in OE and consumer replacement demand across many of our key markets during the first half, despite strong underlying industry fundamentals," he said.

"The combination of these factors has led to a highly unusual first half environment, particularly given the favorable trends in miles driven, gasoline prices and unemployment that are generally supportive of our industry," Kramer added. "In light of the challenging global marketplace in the first half of 2017, we have lowered our segment operating income expectations for the remainder of the year," he said. "Despite the near-term challenges, I am no less optimistic about our ability to drive our strategic priorities against the favorable industry megatrends." Goodyear's second quarter 2017 sales were $3.7 billion, down from $3.9 billion a year ago, with the decrease largely attributable to lower tire unit volume, partially offset by improved price/mix.

Tire unit volumes totaled 37.4 million, down 10 percent from 2016, primarily in Europe, Middle East and Africa and the Americas. Replacement tire shipments were down 11 percent. Original equipment unit volume was down 8 percent. Goodyear's second quarter 2017 net income was $147 million (58 cents per share), down from $202 million (75 cents per share) in the year-ago quarter. Second quarter 2017 adjusted net income was $177 million (70 cents per share), down from $314 million ($1.16 per share) in 2016. Per share amounts are diluted.

The company reported second quarter segment operating income of $361 million in 2017, down from $531 million a year ago. The decrease reflects higher raw material costs and the impact of lower volume, which were partially offset by improved price/mix and cost savings.

Year-to-Date Results

Goodyear's sales for the first six months of 2017 were $7.4 billion, down 2 percent from the 2016 period, reflecting lower tire unit volume, partially offset by improved price/mix. Tire unit volumes totaled 77.4 million, down 7 percent from 2016. Replacement tire shipments were down 6 percent, reflecting increased competition. Original equipment unit volume was down 8 percent, driven by lower auto production.

Goodyear's year-to-date net income of $313 million ($1.23 per share) is down from $386 million ($1.43 per share) in 2016's first half. All per share amounts are diluted.

The company reported first half segment operating income of $746 million in 2017, down from $950 million a year ago. The decrease was driven by higher raw material costs and the impact of lower volume, partially offset by improved price/mix and cost savings.