For the first time since Canal Park opened nearly 20 years ago, the field will be getting a complete makeover. The renovations include removing the existing turf, improving the drainage and irrigation infrastructure , and reconstructing the bullpens, mounds, and batter's boxes.

Officials with the RubberDucks say the renovations are needed, especially ahead of the Eastern League All-Star Game in 2016. Akron will host the All-Star Game and festivities July 12-13. The season opens for the RubberDucks on Thursday, April 7 with the home opener scheduled on Thursday, April 14.

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(Akron RubberDucks - Press Release) The Akron RubberDucks and the City of Akron Mayor Jeff Fusco announced today Canal Park is undergoing a complete field renovation in time for the 2016 All-Star Season. It is the first complete field renovation since Canal Park's construction in 1996 and opening in 1997, and the renovation includes the first resurfacing of the playing field since 2007.

"We are thrilled to partner with Mayor Fusco and the City of Akron to provide a new playing surface and much-needed improvements to the drainage and irrigation infrastructure," said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. "I know our players and the Cleveland Indians player development team will enjoy a new, improved playing surface for 2016 and beyond."

The tearing out and installation work is being performed by local Seville-based AG Design, and Tuckahoe Turf from Hammonton, New Jersey, will be installing its Tuckahoe Big Roll sod, which is 100 percent Kentucky Blue Grass. The renovation began November 11, and the new turf is expected to be laid in place by the end of the week.

The complete field renovation includes:
· Removal of the existing turf and organic layer to reduce percolation issues

· Installation of a new Rain Bird Irrigation System

· 400 tons of root zone sand and 50 tons of infield material will be added and graded

· 100 tons of warning-track material will be added and be graded

· Reconstruction of bullpens, mounds, and batter's boxes

· ACO Drains will be added to the warning track for improved field drainage

· Playing field will be graded and prepared for new sod

"With the upcoming Eastern League All-Star Game, now is the perfect time to install a new irrigation system and add additional drainage," said head groundskeeper Chris Walsh, who will oversee the project. "The Kentucky Blue Grass field should take root over the winter and be ready for Opening Night and the All-Star Game."

"We've made a number of improvements to Canal Park over the past few years, but this one is a re-investment in the facility that players, coaches, and on-field personnel will enjoy for a long time," said Pfander.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2016 season will be the franchise's 20th since moving to Akron and third since becoming the RubberDucks. Akron will host the Eastern League All-Star Game and festivities July 12-13, and the season opens Thursday, April 7 with the Home Opener at Canal Park on Thursday, April 14 vs. Bowie Baysox at 6:35 p.m.

Fans can secure season tickets, flex plans, or arrange a group outing by contacting the Akron RubberDucks ticketing department at 330-253-5151 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information about the team, please visit the RubberDucks' website, www.akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter feed @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

Longtime Akron City Councilman Mike Williams attended his final meeting Monday night after serving 28-years on city council.

Williams had to choose between running for mayor and running for re-election for his at-large seat.

But he wouldn't change a thing -- including his decision to run for mayor.

"The only regrets you have in life are the things you didn't try and that you didn't go for," said Williams. "It was very important to me. It's something that I always wanted to do.

Williams said he's still not sure what's in store for the future, but he plans to stay active in the community.

"This community has been wonderful to my family and it our obligation to give back, and it's the same thing I've taught my children."

The other members leaving council this year include Jack Hefner, DeAndre Forney and Jim Hurley who lost his seat in the primary.

The city of Cuyahoga Falls is offering a safer alternative for those who want to sell or purchase an item through Craigslist or other online sites.

Mayor Don Walters recently announced a new "safe zone" available for residents to meet up to complete online purchases inside the lobby of the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department.

The "safe zone" is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offers recorded video and audio surveillance.

Walters hopes the safe zone will reduce the number of crime-related reports associated with face-to-face transactions.

"It's more visible than being somewhere in a parking lot, said Walters. "And if it was a stolen product, I think people would be more reluctant to meet at the police station and sell it."

Those interested in meeting at the "safe zone" don't need an appointment, but Walters does suggest people call the department ahead of time to alert officers on duty.

Sales involving alcohol, drugs, weapons, vehicles, boats or other large equipment are not permitted in the "Safe Zone."

It's been more than three days since the shooting death of 21-year-old Zakaeria (Zak) Husein who was shot in the chest during a robbery at his brother's pizza shop in Akron.

Family and friends have used social media as an outlet to share stories and remember the University of Akron student as a kind individual who was devoted to his faith as a Muslim.

It was clear to see the impact he had on friends and family members. Hundreds attended a prayer service for Zak at the Islamic Center of Akron and Kent this week and his Facebook page is flooded with with messages, describing the young man as a thoughtful, kind, accepting and genuine individual who had a bright future ahead.

"Zak is one of, if not the, nicest guys I have ever met," said Amal Almahd, Zak's cousin and president of the Muslim Student Association at the University of Akron.

But in the midst of many positive comments, one specific remark stood out to Zak's cousin and Muslim Student Association (MSA) President Amal Almahd. She said the comment, attached to a picture of Zak, referenced the young man as a Muslim "waiting to be radicalized."

"It just hurt me so much to see that the person went and even took his picture to make such a hateful comment."

While the comment was hurtful, Almahd believes the memories shared of Zak's life has been able to counteract the verbal attacks targeting Muslims.

"Through Zak's actions, I think everyone could see that whatever hateful comments, or whatever Donald Trump and anyone is saying, is completely wrong," said Almahd. "If anything, he (Zak) really was the best example of a Muslim."

Zak was studying international business at UA and was an active member of MSA. He was shot and killed during a robbery at Premium New York Style Pizza on Glenwood Avenue Monday night.

Akron police released surveillance video of the robbery to help track down the gunman who was wearing all black and a mask. Husein can clearly be seen handing over the money to the robbery suspect. Originally , the suspect was described as a black male, but police later confirmed that they were not ruling out the possibility that the suspect was a woman.

Zak's family has offered a $50,000 reward for anyone with information that would lead to the conviction of the person responsible in the fatal shooting.

More than $3,000 has been raised in a GoFundMe account that has been set up to help Zak's family pay for funeral expenses.

Previous Coverage: 

VIDEO 21-Year-Old Shot, Killed In Akron

An Akron man is accused of trying to hide or destroy evidence in a homicide investigation.

Police said Robert Leemar Lewis Jr., 21, of Mull Avenue, lied to officers about his identity by giving false information and removed a 9mm pistol from a Storer Avenue house and then tried to hide it under a car.

Authorities said Tyshawn Vaughn, 21, was shot and killed at the Storer Avenue home last Friday.

Lewis has been charged with obstructing official business, tampering with evidence and weapons under disability.

According to police, Lewis is a convicted felon who is unable to possess a firearm.

Updated 1:34 p.m. Police say the gunman pictured in the surveillance video below appears to be one of the two people who robbed two Family Dollar stores on Saturday night by pistol-whipping employees.

They say one suspect could be a female.

Akron CrimeStoppers is offering a reward in the crimes.

NewsChannel 5 reports that Husein's family is offering a $50,000 reward in addition to a reward offered by Akron CrimeStoppers.

(Previous coverage) The shooting death of a 21-year-old at an Akron pizza shop is under investigation.

The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office reports the man was shot at Premium New York Style Pizza on East Glenwood shortly before 11 p.m. Monday night. He is identified as Zakareia Husein, 21, from Springfield Township. He suffered a fatal wound to the chest.

Updated 11:50 a.m. Akron police released surveillance video of the robbery as the gunman, clad in black with a mask covering his face, approached the cash register demanding money. Husein can clearly be seen handing over the money. The video does not include the shooting.

Police have also released surveillance video of the Family Dollar robbery on East Tallmadge Avenue on Saturday night, and the Family Dollar robbery a half hour later on South Main Street.

Husein was taken to Akron City Hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Police are asking for the public's help identifying the gunman.

The director of the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study is leaving his position to become the city's new planning director.

Akron Mayor-elect Dan Horrigan announced that Jason Segedy, director of AMATS for the past seven years, will take over the new position in January.

Current AMATS planning administrator Curtis Baker will replace Segedy as interim director on January 4th.

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(AMATS - News Release) - After seven years as director of the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS), Jason Segedy will be leaving this position in January. Akron Mayor-elect Daniel Horrigan announced today that Segedy will be the city's new planning director.

Segedy became AMATS director in 2008 and has been with the agency since 1998. During his tenure as agency director, AMATS focused its efforts on increasing funding for road and bridge preservation, pursuing "Complete Streets" planning principles, and advocating better urban design to focus more on people than cars.

"Although it is never easy to leave a job one loves, the knowledge that our region - by working together - has been making great and steady progress towards becoming a better connected, cohesive and equitable place, makes it easier to say 'goodbye' to our wonderful organization and its members," Segedy said.

Curtis Baker, current AMATS planning administrator, will replace Segedy as interim director beginning Jan. 4. Baker has been with AMATS for over nine years and holds a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership from Miami University and a master's of city and regional planning from The Ohio State University

The College of Wooster canceled classes Monday after receiving two bomb threats in one day.

Officials were forced to close academic buildings on campus as authorities investigate yet another threat. The first bomb threat was reported Sunday night. The second threat was reported around 9 a.m.

Police searched through the campus early Monday morning after receiving a bomb threat targeting a library on campus, but nothing was found.

Further details were not released.

The Cleveland Indians announced Monday that the more than 10-year-old scoreboard at Progressive Field will be replaced with a new high-definition screen.

The new scoreboard will measure 59-feet high by 221-feet wide and will include a new sound system for the 2016 season.

Renovations are still underway at the stadium to add more local restaurants and a new club on the main level and behind home plate.

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(Cleveland Indians - MLB Pro Blog) The Cleveland Indians announced that a new scoreboard will be in place at Progressive Field for the 2016 season and beyond.

The scoreboard will replace the current, now-outdated system installed at then-Jacobs Field in 2004.

The new scoreboard, manufactured and installed by Daktronics, will feature premier high-definition technology for every fan at Progressive Field. It measures 59 feet high by 221 feet wide, amounting to 13,000 square feet of active display area.

The project includes other boards throughout the ballpark which will enhance fans' experience by providing greater access to statistics, scores from around the league and sound quality. The project also includes a state of the art new sound system to be installed for the 2016 season.

"The new boards will significantly enhance our fans' experience at Progressive Field," said Neil Weiss, the Indians Senior Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer. "This project increases our ability to deliver a world-class in game experience, delivering stats, highlights and player profiles in large, high-definition formats."

The installation of the new scoreboard will begin as work continues this offseason on Phase 2 of Progressive Field renovations. Phase 2 expands themes from the successful Right Field District project completed in April to the rest of the ballpark, including:

Concessions: The Indians and Delaware North Sportservice will look to incorporate more popular local restaurants into the ballpark, similar to those that were part of the Right Field District introduced at the start of the 2015 season: Melt, Barrio, Sweet Moses, Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Dynomite Burgers
Club behind home plate: The Indians will construct a new club located on the ballpark's main level and behind home plate, providing great views of the action on the field. The club will include a full bar, access to a variety of new concessions options within the space, a customer service center and a glass front for prime viewing. The club will remain open after games, to offer Season Ticket Holders with access to an option to let traffic clear on high-demand games. The club also will significantly improve views of the field for all fans using the main concourse behind the home plate area.

Additional elements: The second phase of renovations will also feature wayfinding consistent with the Right Field District, updated signage and more team history incorporated throughout Progressive Field, along with the renovation of a select number of suites.

"We're proud to partner with the Cleveland Indians to provide Progressive Field with a premier, high-definition video display system," said Daktronics CEO Reece Kurtenbach. "As venues hosting live sporting events continue to strive to improve fan entertainment, Daktronics continues to provide industry-leading technology to stay in front of these trends. This installation will deliver an impressive and memorable game-day experience for Indians fans in 2016."

Akron police are investigating the shooting death of a man on the city's west side Friday night.

The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office reports a man was shot at a home on Storer Avenue and was pronounced dead at the scene around 8:30 p.m.

Further details and the victim's identity have not been released.