A Northfield Village man was sentenced to 11 years in prison for the death of his 4-month-old daughter.

Louis Delery, 24, of North Plaza Drive, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter in December. Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Amy Corrigall-Jones sentenced Delery to 11 years in prison, which is the maximum allowed by law.

In August of 2014, investigators said Delery called 9-1-1 to report that his daughter, Addison, had stopped breathing.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and discovered the child had multiple rib fractures. The investigation revealed that Addison died from a chest compression which caused her to stop breathing.

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.

The Akron-Canton Foodbank is lending a helping hand to residents in Flint, Michigan with its water crisis after tests revealed the city's water supply contained elevated levels of lead. The foodbank has partnered with FirstMerit Bank to load and ship bottled water to those in need.

Akron-Canton Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers grew up in Michigan and started his career at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint. He says the crisis hits close to home.

 "When this crisis emerged, it just seemed like the right thing to do to share some of our water in our inventory," said Flowers.

A semi-trailer filled with 40-thousand pounds of bottled water left to eastern Michigan this morning. The water will be donated to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and will be distributed to hundreds of hunger-relief programs like food pantries, hot meal sites and shelters.

"It's representative of that spirit of generosity and sharing that I think has made this community great and we know that it's going to help the people of Flint," said Flowers. "If we have more water donations that come our way that we can share, we're happy to do that."

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(Press Release: Akron-Canton Foodbank) The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank in collaboration with FirstMerit Bank, have assembled a quick response to support a partner food bank in Flint, MI that is currently experiencing a contaminated water crisis.

A public health emergency has been declared in Flint, MI, after tests showed the city's water supply caused elevated levels of lead in children, following months of complaints about the smell and taste.

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank staff and volunteers loaded bottled water onto a semi-trailer for departure early Wednesday morning. The Foodbank’s trailer, carrying approximately 40,000 pounds of bottled water sourced from its Feeding America partnership, will travel to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and is scheduled to arrive later on Jan. 20, 2016.

"The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank has a long and great partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint. I grew up and started my career at that Food Bank. We have shared food and ideas with one another for many years. Our hearts break for the good people of Flint that are met with this unfortunate water issue. As the Akron community has done many times before in times of crisis, we are glad to share a load of water with them during this time of need and will stand by to help more if we can," said Dan Flowers, President and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

The water donated to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will be distributed to its network of more than 400 hunger-relief programs like food pantries, hot meal sites and shelters.

“FirstMerit has always been an active leader in disaster recovery relief, here in our hometown region and elsewhere, such as New York City after 9/11 and the East Coast following Hurricane Sandy. With so many FirstMerit employees and their families living and working in Flint, this disaster hits close to home. We are pleased to be able to help the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank by covering the transportation costs of getting all of this drinkable water to the good folks in Flint,” said Nicholas Browning, Akron Regional President at FirstMerit Bank.

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan are both members of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Feeding America is a nationwide network of food banks that provide food to virtually every community in the United States.

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.

Cuyahoga Falls firefighters spent the morning battling four house fires in an area where three homes were under construction.

Fire officials report that the initial blaze was reported around 6 a.m. on Lake Forest Drive. Four homes were on fire when crews arrived on scene, including two homes that were under construction.

One of the homes under construction was occupied, but no one was in the home at the time of the blaze. The other completed home was vacant.

Officials say the vacant home was unstable and had to be taken down with an excavator. The two other homes under construction have been torn down.

According to the fire department, Deputy Fire Marshal Tom Carano, who also serves as a firefighter, was able to save a cat that was hiding under a couch. No injuries were reported

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

Jethro was more than just a Canton police K9 officer. He was a man's best friend.

His job was to protect his partner, officer Ryan Davis, and that's exactly what he did. 

Hundreds of police officers, family and friends gathered together at the Canton Civic Center to honor Jethro, who was shot and killed during a burglary last weekend. 

"That's his best friend," said retired Canton police officer Bill Workman. "That's the best partner you'll ever have because he will put his life on the line, just like he did."

"Jethro's legacy is to remind us that bravery and devotion can travel on four legs," said Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei.

Home videos and photos were shared during the funeral service -- featuring Jethro as an officer and friend to many. A short video (below) showed Jethro and two children enjoying a day out, jumping off a platform and into a lake.

The funeral service for Canton police K9 Jethro included video and photos -- as an officer and a best friend. pic.twitter.com/ksJc1TuRF9

— Amani Abraham (@AmaniAbraham) January 14, 2016 

Law enforcement from all over the area, including New York police officers and fellow K9 officers, were among hundreds who filled the Canton Civic Center Thursday afternoon. In his final police car ride, dozens of police officers and K9s followed Jethro to honor his service and the legacy he left behind. 

Previous Coverage: 

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.