Ohio's Attorney General Mike DeWine is considering filing criminal charges against Akron City Councilman Bob Hoch in connection to an ethics complaint filed back in 2015. 

The complaint references Hoch's voting on certain legislation that benefitted his two sons who are both Akron firefighters. It was filed by a former city administration that had been involved in a public dispute with Hoch regarding his outspokenness on issues that directly related to the city fire department. 

After an investigation by the Ohio Ethics Committee, the case has been turned over to the Attorney General's Office and a spokesperson says their prosecutors are involved. 

Hoch, who has been on the Akron City Council since 2012, denied that there was any conflict of interest on his part. 

The Cleveland Indians put a limited number of tickets to the 2016 World Series up for sale at Indians.com Thursday morning, starting at 10 a.m. EST. 

As of 10:13 EST, the were "GONE," as Tom Hamilton would say. The Indians have home-field advantage throughout the Series, so will be home for games 1 and 2, and potential games 6 and 7.

Now tickets will hit the after-market websites and likely be sold for well over face value. 

The World Series starts at Progressive Field on Tuesday, October 25th. The Indians will play the winner of the NLCS between the Chicago Cubs and L.A. Dodgers. 

The University of Akron Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday night to remove the "interim" tag and make it official, naming Matthew Wilson the President of the University. 

Wilson was named Interim President back on July 11, 2016, after a tumultuous two years at the university under then President Scott Scarborough. At the time of that appointment, the Board of Trustees put five primary responsibilities on Wilson's plate, the two most important being improving enrollment numbers and improving student retention and relationships with faculty and staff. 

In their announcement Wednesday, the board said that Wilson is well on his way to meeting or exceeding all of the goals they set for his term. 

Wilson, who was formerly the Dean of the College of Law at the University of Akron, will see his term run through June 30, 2018, per the board. 

Also in the meeting, the Board of Trustees removed the "interim" prefix on Sr. Vice President and Provost Dr. Rex Remsier. 

Below is the release from the University of Akron Website: 

The University’s Trustees voted today to name Matthew J. Wilsonthe University’s 17th president and Dr. Rex Ramsier as senior vice president and provost. Both had been serving in those roles on an interim basis.

Before the votes, Board Chair Roland H. Bauer praised the work done by both.

“In the months since (Wilson’s interim) appointment, he has brought new energy and enthusiasm to all corners of the campus and the community,” Bauer said.  “He is personally visiting area high schools – 20 so far with another two dozen scheduled the rest of this semester – talking with students and engaging with principals and counselors to help with our recruitment and enrollment efforts. He has had well over sixty meetings with donors, business and community leaders and public officials. He is conducting “town halls” with the colleges and academic units to foster free-flowing conversations. And, as has been well documented, he has actively engaged with students in the usual and some not-so-usual ways, such as basketball contests and late night email exchanges to provide guidance to students who have asked for help. As he says it so well… ‘It’s all about the students.’”

Speaking about Ramsier, Bauer said, “In similar fashion, stabilizing the academic leadership of the University is critical to our success going forward. Dr. Ramsier’s depth of experience as a faculty member and administrator, his personal devotion to the University as an alumnus, and his broad knowledge of national accrediting agencies and their procedures have secured the confidence of the Board as well. We recognize that as provost, he serves an important ‘gatekeeper’ function to both oversee and push forward the academic mission of the University.”

Read more at UAkron.edu. 

On Wednesday, the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy released information regarding the availability of naloxone (Narcan), the potentially life-saving opiate-overdose antidote drug, in pharmacies statewide. 

The press release stated that more than 1,300 pharmacies in 84 counties throughout Ohio offer naloxone. Recently added to the participating pharmacies were Giant Eagle and Rite Aid stores, which has increased that number. 

Naloxone is described as a safe medication that holds the potential to reverse an overdose that is caused by prescription opioids, heroin, and/or fentanyl. If the drug is administered while a patient is overdosing, it blocks the effects of the opioids on the brain and can restore breathing in a matter of minutes in some cases. 

"I am pleased that pharmacies throughout Ohio are recognizing the importance of offering this life-saving medication," said State Board of Pharmacy Executive Director Steven W. Shierholt. 

Recently, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed House Bill 4 into law, allowing pharmacies to dispense naloxone without a prescription. As a direct result of the law, and now with the addition of Giant Eagle and Rite Aid, 65% of Ohio pharmacies (1,374) carry the drug. 

Former A. Schulman CEO Bernard Rzepka was removed by the company back on August 18, 2016. Now, in October, the company is releasing the details of the separation agreement that was reached on Friday, October 14, between Schulman and Rzepka. 

Under that agreement, according to Crain's Akron Business, Rzepka is entitled to the following: 

$1,706,000 in cash severance payments, "with a lump sum payment on the first regular payday following March 25, 2017, in an amount eual to $426,500, and 36 equal semi-monthly installments of $35,541.67 commencing on the first regular payday following March 25, 2017." 

"Two lump sum payments of $853,000 in lieu of cash bonuses, with the payment on the first regular payday following March 25, 2017 and the second payment on the first regular payday following October 31, 2017."

"Pro-rata vesting of outstanding equity awards granted January 13, 2014, January 9, 2015, and January 13, 2016 which had time-based vesting"

"Pro rata vesting of outstanding equity awards granted January 13, 2014, January 9, 2015, and January 13, 2016 which had performance-based vesting."

"Reimbursement for loss incurred in connection with the sale of employee's primary residence in the United States in the amount, if any, that the proceeds from such sale (less reasonable selling expenses and commissions not to exceed $38,000), are less than $680,000, so long as such sale occurs within 18 months."

"Reimbursement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $75,000 for reasonable transition-related expenses incurred by Mr. Rzepka, including but not limited to school tuition transition costs, attorney fees, and tax related professional fees and expenses."

"Outplacement services as determined by mutual agreement."

"Engagement by the company of Deloitte & Touche LLP for tax advisory and tax return preparation services related directly to Mr. Rzepka's employment and separation."

A federal investigation into the fatal executive charter flight crash back in November of 2015 reveals that in addition to the flight crew, Florida-based ExecuFlight and even the FAA are at fault for what lead up to the crash that left 9 people on board dead. 

Back on November 10, 2015, the Hawker 125-700 twin engine jet that was on its way to Akron Fulton International Airport crashed into Akron's Ellet neighborhood, slamming into an apartment complex. Nine people, including the two pilots were killed on impact. 

During a conference Tuesday morning, the National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Christopher Hart said that charter company ExecuFlight, the flight crew, and the FAA all share blame in the deadly crash. "This disregard for safety was not confined to the actions of the flight crew; it extended to their employer, ExecuFlight. Our investigators found organizational factors in hiring, training, and scheduling, and other factors that predated the flight," Hart said in his opening statements of Tuesday's briefing.

The NTSB concluded that the probably cause of the jet crash was the flight crew's mismanagement of the approach and multiple deviations from the company's and the FAA's standard operating procedures, thus putting the plane and those aboard in an unsafe situation. 

Hart said that also contributing to the crash was "the casual attitude toward compliance and standards" set by the FAA. He did, however, not deter fault from the FAA itself, saying, "At the federal level, FAA oversight of ExecuFlight was insufficient to catch and correct the company's noncompliance of the regulations of its own standard operating procedures." 

The University of Akron will reportedly decide on whether or not they'll make Interim President Matthew Wilson the university's 17th President. 

A special meeting of the U of A Board of Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, October 19, at 4:30 p.m., to discuss the matter. 

Wilson has been with the University of Akron since 2014 when he was hired as Dean of the College of Law. He was named interim president back in July after former President Scott Scarborough was dismissed after only two years on the job. During his time on the job, Wilson has already made a significant impact, establishing a direct relationship with incoming students and upperclassmen. As part of his effort to better connect to University of Akron students, Wilson even gave out his personal cellphone number at a meeting with students on campus. 

At Wednesday's meeting, the Board of Trustees will also consider removing the interim tag on Senior Vice President and Provost Rex Ramsier. 

After an extended stalemate that has now cut well into the Cavaliers preseason (there's only one game left), the team and guard J.R. Smith have agreed to terms on a new contract. 

Smith made the announcement via LeBron James's Uninterrupted website Friday night, thanking his teammates and Cavs fans for sticking it out with him throughout this "rough patch of time," as he put it. 

The team has not officially released those terms that were agreed upon, but several outlets are reporting the deal with for four years and worth $57 million. 

Also during the short video announcement, J.R. made it known that he and his wife are having another baby! 

Cavs start their season at home against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, October 25th, when players and coaching staff will receive their 2016 NBA Championship rings and the organization will hoist the NBA Championship banner to the rafters of the "Q." 

Since its inception three years ago, the iC.A.R.E. student mentoring program has been a partner with Akron Public Schools, providing in-school mentoring to students grades K through 12. 

On Thursday, the United Way announced that iC.A.R.E. is officially one of their programs now, offering an expansion of services in the Akron Public Schools system and more mentors for students. 

Jonathan Greer, director of the iC.A.R.E. program with the United Way of Summit County says it's a perfect partnership, and "it's awesome to see how our agency is really expanding and doing impactful work within the Akron Public Schools district." 

Greer says they're looking to have more than 1000 students, and in turn mentors, involved in the program this year. iC.A.R.E. prides itself on being a one-on-one student to mentor program, so the "more the merrier," Greer says. 

For more information on how you can be a mentor in the iC.A.R.E. program, visit www.uwsummit.org/mentor. You can also read more in the official press release below: 

iC.A.R.E in-school mentoring becomes United Way program

AKRON, Ohio – October 13, 2016 – United Way of Summit County has welcomed a new member into its family of community impact programs and initiatives. Created in 2013, the iC.A.R.E Mentoring program provides Akron Public School students in grades K-12 with nurturing and supportive role models.

Unlike other mentoring programs, which generally involve activities outside of school hours, iC.A.R.E works within the school system, coordinating with administrators to ensure that students can spend time with their mentors without taking time away from their academic work.

Since beginning in Summit County three years ago, iC.A.R.E has grown significantly, now serving nearly 300 students with a roster of more than 200 mentors. Volunteer mentors spend one hour per week with each mentee, helping children and young adults excel academically, build confidence and acquire the skills needed to face difficult life challenges.

“It’s a great source of stability for students,” says Jonathan Greer, director of iC.A.R.E Mentoring for United Way. “More than a third of Akron public school students change schools each year, but mentors follow their mentees from school to school.” Indeed, the results are often striking – absenteeism rates for students who are mentored through in-school programs have been shown to decrease by nearly 50 percent.

“It’s simple: kids go to school more when they have a mentor,” adds Greer. “It makes a huge difference when they can spend time with an adult who isn’t a disciplinarian, just a friend.”

It seems as though students agree. The program boasts a retention rate of above 90 percent.

For United Way, the acquisition of iC.A.R.E provides another opportunity to expand its impact in the local community. With the increase in recognition and resources that comes with being a United Way program, the organization hopes to have more than 1000 students involved in iC.A.R.E Mentoring this school year.

United Way has recruited a team of ten AmeriCorps VISTAs to help coordinate volunteer efforts and expand the program. The organization hopes to attract further funding for the program in the future through nontraditional sources such as grants.

Further, United Way will take advantage of its large network of corporate partners whose employees could serve as mentors in the program. Just as with other United Way engagement opportunities, volunteers can gain the satisfaction of helping to improve their communities. Corporations who encourage their employees to participate as mentors can also enjoy the benefits of greater employee satisfaction and a more upbeat and motivated workforce.

Ultimately, the addition of iC.A.R.E to its roster of programs will help United Way continue to advance its mission to improve education across the local community. With more than a quarter of Akron public school students not graduating high school in four years, investments in programs like iC.A.R.E, which help students succeed in school, can make an enormous difference in the lives of children and young people.

“iC.A.R.E is a natural fit for us,” says Jim Mullen, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Summit County. “It will allow us to drive volunteer engagement – consistent with our increased focus on engaging our partners in the work we do – and it will create a measurable impact in the lives of students and families in this community.”

“This program is a great investment in the future of this city,” he adds.

"The difference in our school climate, our students and their performance is marked and measurable," said Akron Public Schools Superintendent David W. James, in talking about iC.A.R.E's influence on grades, attendance and discipline.  "We have actually been working with mentoring programs for several years now, and Jonathan's approach is working at APS."

For more information on iC.A.R.E Mentoring, visit www.uwsummit.org/mentor. Individuals who would like to volunteer as mentors should contact Jonathan Greer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Corporate groups should contact Sarah Catherine Teixeira by phone at 330-762-0317 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About United Way of Summit County

United Way of Summit County advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on Education, Income and Health because these are the building blocks for a good quality of life. We train a spotlight on critical issues, engage with private and public sector leaders and coordinate agendas with partners to leverage Collective Impact. We invite everyone to be part of the change by giving, advocating and volunteering. When we work together in common purpose, we LIVE UNITED. For more information about United Way of Summit County visit uwsummit.org.

The Stark County Sheriff's Office reporting they have arrested Joseph Matthew Wilds, 23, in connection to last week's fatal hit-and-run accident along State Route 62 near Middlebrach Avenue. 

The hit-and-run happened Tuesday, October 4th, around 10 p.m. When police and EMS arrived on the scene, they found 60-year-old Dennis Slaton unresponsive. Shortly after he was prounounced dead. 

On Monday night, Stark County Sheriff's Deputies made a routine stop of a Mercury Grand Marquis that was driving left-of-center. When deputies approached the vehicle they noticed damage to the hood and the passenger-side mirror. Wilds admitted to his involvement in the hit-and-run and was later booked into Stark County Jail. He was cited for crossing the center line and also charged with hit-and-run and failure to stop after an accident.