The Akron Jewish community mourns the loss of many innocent people and those who were severely wounded at Saturday’s shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers, sisters, first responders and community members who were impacted by this horrific crime of hate. Together we stand with all of Pittsburgh and the victims in the face of this terrible violence. May the memories of those who lost their lives be for a blessing.

We invite the entire Akron community to join us for an interfaith community vigil “Standing Together” on Thursday, Nov. 1, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., at the Schultz Campus for Jewish Life located at 750 White Pond Drive in Akron. Community members of all faiths, backgrounds and neighborhoods are invited to join the gathering.

Clergy from Anshe Sfard Synagogue, Beth El Congregation and Temple Israel will lead the public in prayer. Interfaith community members and public officials have been invited as special guests.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Due to heightened security, no large bags or backpacks will be permitted. For more information, please call 330-867-7850 or visit www.jewishakron.org.

If you would like to contribute to a special fund for the victims of the tragedy in Pittsburgh, please click here. 

Akron Police were called to a home in the 500 block of East South Street, Monday night around 11:30, on a report of a man who was assaulted by his roommate. 

When officers arrived, they found the 59-year-old victim who had been hit in the head with a wrench, allegedly by his roommate, 56-year-old Gary J. Thompson. 

The victim was transported by EMS to Akron City Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to the police report. 

Thompson, meanwhile, has been booked into the Summit County Jail on charges of felonious assault. Included in the report was that Thompson attacked his roommate over the volume of the television. 

(Summe Health) – The Summa Health Board of Directors today announced that Cliff Deveny, MD, has been named president and CEO. Dr. Deveny rejoined Summa in March of 2017 as interim president and CEO.

Since returning to Summa, Dr. Deveny has been instrumental in guiding the turnaround of the health system, both culturally and financially. Through August of 2018, the organization experienced an operating margin of $17.5 million. This reflects a turnaround of more than $50M in operating income improvement, when compared to the same time period in 2017.

“Dr. Deveny has done an outstanding job of transforming our culture,” said Anthony Lockhart, chair of the Summa Health Board of Directors. “As a graduate of Firestone High School and a longtime member of the Summa family, he clearly understands the communities we serve and the importance of a positive, thriving workplace environment. His collaborative style, coupled with his deep understanding of our vision for population health, makes him the perfect choice to serve during this vitally important time as we search for a potential partner and solidify our future.”

“Returning to Summa has been a gratifying experience and a tremendous honor,” said Dr. Deveny. “Working in partnership with the board of directors, Summa’s leadership team, the medical staff and our dedicated employees across the organization, we have made tremendous improvements in the delivery of care. This is a time of great opportunity and I look forward to continuing my work as president and CEO to ensure the very best care for the people of our community, now and well into the future.”

Dr. Deveny’s leadership also has resulted in many other successes. These include continued improvement in engagement with employees and physicians; innovative and meaningful approaches to those struggling with opioid addiction; increased treatment options for patients; ongoing investments and enhancements in the Barberton and Akron campuses; and a 4.5-star rating for SummaCare’s Medicare Advantage plans.

The City of Akron has delayed the 2018 leaf pick up schedule by one week as a result of the extended warm weather and leaves falling later this year.

The printed leaf removal schedule that was included in October’s water bill shows the original dates and will now be delayed by one week. Residents may use any of their three annual free curb service bulk pick-ups for leaves if they choose to schedule for an earlier date. For early pick up, the leaves must be bagged.

Below are the new start dates for each Ward:

Ward 5                 November 5
Ward 3                 November 7
Ward 9                 November 9
Ward 7                 November 14
Ward 6                 November 17
Ward 2                 November 21
Ward 1                 November 27
Ward 8                 November 30
Ward 4                 December 7
Ward 10               December 12

Leaf  removal services are more efficient and economical to residents if the following guidelines are followed:

• Do not allow children to play in leaves on or near the street
• Do not place branches or any other debris in the street- only leaves
• Do not rake leaves into the street after leaves have been removed from your street or you will be subject to a fine
• Do not park vehicles on the street the day before your scheduled pick-up, until your leaves have been removed
• Do not park vehicles over leaves - heat from the underside of the vehicle may cause a fire

We remind residents not to rake leaves into the street until the day before scheduled leaf pickup. Each of the wards will take more than one day to complete. Leaves must be on the street by the dates listed – if they are not out, they may not get picked up. The City will make one round through each ward, and the schedule is subject to change in the event of adverse weather conditions. After one round of City-wide leaf removal has been completed, leaf crews will work to fulfill as many additional pick up requests as possible before winter. For more information, visit the City website or call 3-1-1 (375-2311).

Akron Public Schools and Bridgestone Americas are teaming up to further advance the district's College and Career Academies program. 

On October 30th, about 100 students at East Community Learning Center will be part of a new, hands-on experience working with top-of-the-line automotive technology at the new Automotive Training Center, thanks in part to the Firestone Complete Auto Care program. 

Of the new venture, APS Superintendent David James says the new East CLC Automotive Training Center will offer a full-service Firestone Autocare center where students will "be learning about automotive technology, but also the retail side of a regular Firestone Autocare store. "They have a critical need for automotive technicians across the country," James says, "as their employee population begins to age (and near retirement)." 

The East CLC Automotive Training Center will officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 30th. 

The Stark County Sheriff's Office and Canton Police are looking into Radio IDs that were stolen.

The IDs, according to the press release (below), are subscribed to the Multi-Agency Radio Communication System, or MARCS statewide emergency public radio system used by several agencies in Ohio.

Stark County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Michaela Madison says seven different search warrants were executed around Canton Monday, though it doesn't list any arrests.

Sheriff George Maier said in the release, "It is critical that we do everything to ensure the MARCS radio system is protected." 

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(Canton, Ohio) – The Stark County Sheriff’s Office and Canton Police Department are conducting a joint investigation into stolen radio IDs on the MARCS Radio System. The Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) is a statewide emergency public radio system used by numerous public safety agencies in Ohio.

Authorities were notified of suspicious activity by officials with Ohio MARCS, which led investigators to execute seven search warrants in the Canton area on Monday, October 22nd, 2018 in connection to stolen radio IDs operating on the MARCS Radio System. The stolen IDs were being used to illegally program additional radios to run on the system designed for first responders. Also discovered were a number of firearms violations. Investigators are being assisted by ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) with the weapons violations. The search warrants lead to the investigation of nearly a dozen individuals.

“It is critical that we do everything to ensure the MARCS Radio system, which provides life-saving communication capabilities to our first responders, is protected,” explained Sheriff George T. Maier. “We are committed to holding those accountable who interfere with our emergency communication here in Stark County and across the state of Ohio.”

Additional search warrants are expected as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, 330-430-3800.

Another violent weekend in Akron, this time ending with two homicides. 

First, Friday night around 8:15, Akron Police were called to the scene of a car that had crashed into a building at the intersection of Osage Alley and Park Street. Upon arrival, officers noticed several citizens surrounding the vehicle, attempting to assist the driver who was unresponsive. EMS was called to the scene, where they determined that the driver had been shot, announcing him dead on arrival. 

Meanwhile, on Sunday night about 8:40, police were called to the 700 block of Merton Avenue for a reported shooting. When they arrived, they found that three people who were shot, one of whom was dead inside of a car and two others who suffered non life-threatening injuries. 

The investigation into both shootings is ongoing and neither victim's name has been released yet, pending positive I.D. and family notifications, according to Akron Police. 

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Bryan Esters.

Esters is wanted by the United States Marshals Service and the City of Akron Police for Murder and Felonious Assault. Esters is believed to have committed the homicide in the 300 block of Pioneer Street, Akron, OH that occurred on July 1, 2018. Esters, 33, is a black male, standing approximately 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 190 pounds.

Esters has ties throughout Akron area but his last known address is the 600 Block of Fern St. Akron. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

If you have any information in reference Bryan Esters, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or Text keyword WANTED and tip to 847411 (tip411). Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available.

Akron Police have reportedly launched an internal investigation into an incident involving several APD officers who were involved in an arrest 

WKYC.com is reporting that officers were seen tasing the suspect, and as seen in the video below, at least one officer punched the suspect several times while he was on the ground. 

CONTENT WARNING: 

No officers have been suspended, according to the report. 

The WAKR Newsroom has a call in to Akron Police for comment. 

(Akron Public Schools) Today Akron Public Schools (APS) formally welcomed Stark State College (Stark State) as a sister college to Kenmore-Garfield High School. The partnership is part of the growing community of businesses and organizations engaging in the new College & Career Academies for APS high schools. More than 100 business and community leaders gathered at Stark State College for the announcement. 

Modeled after "Sister Cities" that were launched by President Dwight Eisenhower's administration in 1956 to help cities share best practices, a sister college will give support and provide resources to APS students as they explore various college and career options. Stark State College will work with teachers at Kenmore-Garfield to develop career-themed classroom content; design and present "problem-based" learning opportunities; provide parent and student workshops and assistance on the college admissions process; and offer valuable enrichment opportunities. 

APS Superintendent David James said at today's announcement, "We are thrilled that Stark State College has agreed to be the first named partner for Kenmore-Garfield High School. Its partnership will enhance the academic experience for our students and guide students and families on a path toward higher learning." 

Kenmore-Garfield Principal Kathryn Rodocker added, "Whether a student's path is employment, enrollment in college or enlistment in the military, Stark State College will help ensure that he or she is prepared." 

"We welcome this new partnership with Akron Public Schools as an extension of our current collaborative efforts with the district," said Stark State College President Para M. Jones, Ph.D. "Stark State College is proud to work with Kenmore-Garfield as a 'sister school' to support college and career readiness and success for all students. We look forward to working with students, teachers, parents and staff to achieve these important goals, which align with APS career academy goals and the economic development plan for Akron and Summit County." 

The partnership between Akron Public Schools and Stark State College was formed with the help of United Way of Summit County. Last year, APS announced that United Way would serve as a link between the College and Career Academies of Akron and local businesses to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students and to strengthen the education-to-employment pipeline in Summit County. 

"This partnership represents an incredible opportunity," said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit County. "More than ever before, post-secondary education and career training are essential to the success of our youth. By helping prepare the students of Kenmore-Garfield for college, Stark State is bringing them one step closer to a successful career, a stable livelihood and the chance to make their mark on the future of our community." 

APS was designated a Ford Next Generation Learning Community in May 2017. Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, is supporting the transformation of public high schools into career-themed academies to better prepare students for college and professional success in today's competitive global economy. College and Career Academies of Akron are supported by the following key strategic partners: GAR Foundation, United Way of Summit County, ConxusNEO, Summit Education Initiative and Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce. 

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About Akron Public Schools: 
Akron Public Schools (APS) enrolls more than 21,000 students and employs 3,000 teaching and non-teaching professionals in Northeastern Ohio. The district, one of the state's largest and most diverse, covers 62 square miles in a city of 195,000. APS educators are committed to rigorous teaching and learning, safe learning centers, and community engagement to prepare young people to be well rounded and ready for the challenges of learning that follow in life. The goal of APS is to be the #1 urban school system in the United States. For more information about Akron Public Schools, visit AkronSchools.com. 

About Stark State College: 
Stark State College focuses on affordable, quality higher education that propels students to career success or launches them toward advanced degrees. The College offers more than 230 associate degrees and certificates in business, education, engineering technologies, health, human and public services, information technology, liberal arts, mathematics, and sciences. Stark State also works closely with business and industry to train a skilled workforce in meeting talent pipeline needs for in-demand jobs. The College enrolls more than 14,000 students, about a quarter of whom are from the Akron area. Stark State College Akron is a new 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility at 360 Perkins St. Learn more at starkstate.edu/akron. 

About United Way of Summit County: 
United Way of Summit County takes on the issues that matter most to children and families in Greater Akron. We pursue Bold Goals through forward-thinking strategies, innovative programs and hands-on work in our community. We team up with private and public leaders, local businesses, and thousands of volunteers from across our community to create change that matters. Together, we are hand raisers. Game changers. Because there's a better future in store for Greater Akron, and the time is now to make it happen. Learn more at uwsummit.org.