Displaying items by tag: Cleveland

On the Wednesday edtion of the Sam and Brad Show Podcast:

The fellas weighed in on Cleveland being the host city for the 2021 NFL Draft

Michael Lee of the Athletic joined in to talk NBA Playoffs 

One of the best television producers of our time Dick Ebersol joined the show to talk about being the recipient of the 2019 Pete Rozelle Radio and TV award during Enshrinement Week at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. 

Canton Police are looking for help finding missing 17-year-old Brooklyn Moody who they say isn't taking the medication that she needs. 

According to the report, Brooklyn ran away from her foster home on Halloween last year and hasn't been seen since. Police say, however, that she did contact her case worker back in December, only telling them that she was in Cleveland; not leaving any other specifics. 

Brooklyn has been diagnosed with depression and PTSD and takes medication that police say she doesn't have. 

She's listed at 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Canton Police Department at 330-489-3144.

The U.S. Attorney's Office out of Cleveland has released data from 2017 regarding gun indictments, and the report is showing a drastic jump in cases across Northern Ohio. 

In 2017, 202 people across the northern part of the statewere indicted on gun charges. That is an increase from 105 the previous year, and the highest number of indictments since 2013 when there were 207. 

Cleveland lead the way with 116, while Akron was a distant second place, logging 35 gun indictements over the year, followed by Youngstown (27) and Toledo (24). 

The average sentence for a gun sentence in 2017 was 9 years in Northern Ohio, according to the Attorney's Office. 

Trent Turner, 28, of Cleveland, will spend the rest of his life for the murder of 27-year-old Corey S. Seibel. 

The shooting happened back in November of 2015, when Turner and two other accomplices entered Seibel's Green home, attempting to steal a pound of marijuana. During the encounter, Seibel was shot twice by Turner, while Turner's girlfriend and child slept in a nearby room. Both accomplices have already been sentenced to 14 years apiece in the case. Turner, who the other men described as the shooter, was sentenced to life in prison by Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Amy Corrigal Jones on Tuesday. He will not be eligible for parole for at least 36 years. 

Below is the release from Summit County Prosecutor Sheri Bevan Walsh: 

AKRON, Ohio (Tuesday, August 08, 2017) – Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Amy Corrigall-Jones sentenced Trent Turner, 28, of Ansel Road in Cleveland, to Life in Prison for the murder of 27-year-old Corey Seibel. Turner will be eligible for parole after serving 36 years in prison. Judge Corrigall-Jones also determined Tuner is a repeat violent offender under Ohio law.

On August 1, 2017 a Summit County jury found Turner guilty of the following charges:

• One Count of Murder with a Gun Specification – a special felony
• Three Counts of Aggravated Robbery with Gun Specifications – felonies of the 1^st degree
• Two Counts of Aggravated Burglary with Gun Specifications – felonies of the 1^st degree
• Two Counts of Felonious Assault with Gun Specifications – felonies of 2^nd degree
• One Count of Grand Theft with a Gun Specification – a felony of the 3^rd degree
• One Count of Trespass in a habitation with a Gun Specification – a felony of the 4^th degree
• One Count of Having a Weapon Under Disability – a felony of the 3^rd degree
• One Count of Carrying a Concealed Weapon – a felony of the 4^th degree

“Corey leaves behind a family which will miss him every day, especially his 7-year-old daughter. No amount of justice will bring Corey back, but society is safer knowing Mr. Turner will be in prison for a long period of time,” said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Margaret Scott. “Tomorrow would have been Corey’s 29^th birthday. My hope is that his family finds some solace knowing the person who committed these crimes is finally being held accountable.”

In November of 2015, Turner was with two other people when all three went to Seibel’s apartment in Green to rob him. During the robbery, Turner shot Seibel several times. Two of Seibel’s friends were in the apartment at the time. Turner’s co-defendants, Spencer Sims and Ty’Shawn Henderson, both pled guilty and were each sentenced to 14 years in prison.

The Cleveland Browns are going with Brock Osweiller at quarterback to start the 2017 preseason against the New Orleans Saints Thursday, August 10th, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. 

The announcement came Monday morning, along with the following statement from Browns head coach Hue Jackson: 

“At this stage in the evaluation process of our quarterbacks, we are going to have Brock start the preseason opener against the Saints on Thursday night,” head coach Hue Jackson said. “A lot goes into our evaluation but it’s always going to be about efficiently and effectively running the offense. You want your starter to be able to do that despite any circumstance. Brock hasn’t really gotten any first team reps and this will give him that chance. We look forward to seeing what he can do with this opportunity throughout the week and against the Saints. Cody will be the second quarterback to take the field followed by DeShone and then Kevin. I’m pleased with the way our quarterbacks have competed and improved throughout the offseason and training camp. We are going to see a lot more of all of them this preseason and everyone in that room still has the chance to earn more opportunities and the right to lead our team as the starter when the regular season begins on September 10th.” 

Update: Michael Cleveland was arrested at a motel in Middleburg Hts. Tuesday. 

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The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Michael Cleveland. Cleveland is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service for violating the terms of his bond in federal court.

On February 8th a warrant was issued for Cleveland after he failed to report to a halfway house for drug treatment. Cleveland’s bond violation stems from being charged with possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Cleveland is a 34 year old white male standing approximately 6’00” and weighing 180 pounds. He has blond hair and hazel eyes.

Cleveland is believed to be hiding in the west side of Cleveland and possibly in Parma. If you have any information in reference to Michael Cleveland, 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.

Allegiant Air has announced that they are moving its services from Akron-Canton Airport to Cleveland Hopkins Airport beginning February of next year. 

BIG news! We're moving operations from #CAK to #CLE & adding 4 new routes to northeast Ohio! https://t.co/ZYw28pM7fT #GetAway #YourWay pic.twitter.com/sqcAFbrdtQ

— Allegiant (@Allegiant) September 21, 2016

The airline says the decision doubles the number of weekly routes out of Northeast Ohio.

Any customers who purchased tickets for flights leaving out of Akron-Canton Airport next year can be re-accommodated from Cleveland Hopkins or receive a full refund.

CAK released this statement following the announcement: 

"We were informed by Allegiant Air that despite great performance at Akron-Canton Airport they will cease service at CAK on February 15, 2017.

Although we hate to lose any airline service, we do not anticipate a significant impact from this announcement as customers have many other exceptional vacation destination options from CAK.

Customers can still very easily and affordably fly to Florida and Myrtle Beach nonstop from CAK aboard Spirit Airlines. Customers looking for great fares, exceptional service and easy connections can also fly American, Delta, Southwest or United from CAK.

Despite this reduction in service, CAK capacity (number of available seats daily) is anticipated to be an increase in the second quarter of 2017 (after service ends) over this year. Customers with Allegiant Air reservations after February 15 should contact the airline directly at www.allegiantair.com or call 1-702-505-8888."

The Cleveland Police Department has released an official "Thank You" video following the Republican National Convention last week: 

The Republican National Convention is over, but the impact Northeast Ohio has had on at least one out-of-state delegate is enough to make him want to move here.

"I love it," said Efraim Manglona Atalig, mayor of Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands. "I was thinking, like, I wish I could move here."

Atalig's explanation is quite simple.

"I felt welcome and the people are friendly."

The delegates of the Northern Mariana Islands spent the week in the Akron-area. Atalig said he was able to explore the city and visit some of Northeast Ohio's most popular attractions, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"It was awesome."

Atalig said that it was the friendly environment that surprised him and left him wanting more.

"The people, at least in the establishments that I visited, the cashiers and the waitresses, they're very very friendly, and that struck me."

What happens inside of Tower City in Cleveland when the Republican National Convention comes into town? 

WAKR wanted to see if the pedestrian traffic increased/decreased inside of the building that neighbors Public Square in downtown Cleveland. Here's a pair of timelapse videos over a 10 minute period on the same day (around the same time) -- before and during the RNC: 

It was a busy day on The Jasen Sokol Show on Day 1 of The Republican National Convention. Here's the rundown of everyone who stopped by Media Row today:

Rep. Jim Renacci on whether Ohio Republicans are coalescing around Donald Trump

Tim Dimoff of SACS Consulting, Security, and Investigations on security measures around Cleveland

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan on the RNC's impact on Akron

Analysis from Tom Sutton of Baldwin Wallace University

Analysis from David Cohen of the Bliss Institute for Applied Politics at The University of Akron

Mark "Oz" Geist shares his stories of fighting in Benghazi

Former Akron City Council candidate Cynthia Blake on why she's a Republican

The Circle The City With Love rally and march to the Hope Memorial Bridge that heads into downtown Cleveland was a success, according to revelers and organizers alike. Roughly 3,000 attendees showed up to spread the message of love and peace during a time of well-documented tension across the nation. 

The large group organized near the corner of W. 30th St. and Lorain Rd. and began their trek up and over the Hope Memorial Bridge around 2:30 Sunday afternoon. Once on the bridge, two single-file lines were formed on either side of the bridge as the marchers held hands and took part in a 30-minute-long moment of silence; a moment to represent the peace all Northeast Ohio residents and visitors to the area would like to see maintained throughout the 4 days of the Republican National Convention. 

After the silence, the group cheered and clapped, celebrating a successful event. It was then that the most powerful moment of the event occurred. The people who showed up for the peaceful march lined up once again, this time to shake the hands of, thank, and even hug all of the bicycle police officers who came to the event to help maintain a safe environment. See the video below: 

"Don't be alone."

That's the message from the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland following Sunday's mass shooting in Orlando that left 49 victims dead. The center is opening its doors today for those looking for supportive and healing services.

"We just wanted to ensure that the community knew that they are not alone and they don't have to process or observe their feelings in a vacuum." said Maya Simek, director of programs.

Staff will be available for counseling and the center will be open through 8 p.m. on Monday for those seeking resources and a safe place to process the events.

"Being able to talk and process about what you're feeling when you're safety is, again, called into question, I think is important for people to know they have the ability to do so in a safe space."

For those who can't make it out to today's programs, Simek says the community center will help to direct them to local services and counselors.

The Community AIDS Network Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI)is also offering help for those in need of support services. More information can be found on www.canapi.org.

The legendary St. Ignatius head football coach joined the Sam Bourquin Show to disscuss his recent hire as the new Browns Youth Football Advisor. Kyle talked about how his meeting with Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and his wife Dee helped him with his decision saying he took it as a great honor in being asked to be directly involved in helping the community and youth athletics. Coach Kyle said after the meeting that he was very excited about the idea, "I really got excited about the idea, in my small way contributing to the community and certainly for youth delopment."  

Just how lazy are you?

Well, it turns out Ohioans are among the laziest. That's according to career website Zippia.com.

Dayton is at the top of the list with Toledo following directly behind, and Cleveland and Akron coming in at sixth and seventh place.

The survey took a look at things like the shortest commute time, unemployment rates, fewest workers per household and the fewest adults with a college degree. Those were the only factors identified by the survey.

As with any list you may come across, there can be some variables that turn up missing -- like the percentage of those over the age of 65 in each city.

On the web: www.zippia.com

Cleveland will rock more often starting in a couple years.

Friday night's Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will honor the class of 2016 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, but it will soon return to Cleveland and will continue to do so on a more regular basis.

In an interview with the website Den of Geek, Rock Hall CEO Joel Peresman said that next year's induction ceremony will remain in Brooklyn, but will come home to Cleveland every other year starting in 2018.

Peresman said Cleveland "really just came around in the past few years to being able to afford to do the fundraising they need to do for an event of this size".

You can see this year's ceremony on HBO on April 30.

There is talk of protests and potential riots at the Republican National Convention, and local security experts say the area should be prepared - even into the Akron/Canton area.

Tim Dimoff's SACS Security is monitoring security concerns for private companies for the RNC.

He says what happens in downtown Cleveland in July could very well effect how far protesters go.

"How good is the security up in the convention area, in the greater Cleveland area, how well they manage that," Dimoff tells WAKR's Jasen Sokol, "can determine how far south of Cleveland protesters or people will go."

Dimoff says there could be "decoy" protesting groups that spread away from downtown Cleveland into the suburbs, and even into Akron and Canton, and that those groups could be testing security outside the convention area.

He says that though there's not a strong worry about a terrorist attack at the RNC, any large political convention is a possible target.

UPDATE: State health officials say there's a second case of the Zika virus has been diagnosed in a Stark County man.

The Ohio Department of Health says the 21 year-old man returned to Ohio from Haiti, like the 30 year-old Cleveland woman first reported on Tuesday.

The ODH says the cases are not linked.

Earlier, the first case of the Zika virus has been reported in Cuyahoga County.

The Ohio Department of Health reports the Zika virus was discovered in a returning traveler from Haiti, a 30-year-old Cleveland woman.

Until the Ohio cases, There have been 35 cases reported in 12 states and D.C.

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(News Release: The Ohio Department of Health) The Ohio Department of Health is reporting Ohio's first case of Zika virus in a returning traveler from Haiti, a 30-year-old Cuyahoga County woman, city of Cleveland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was reporting 35 cases of Zika virus in 12 states and the District of Columbia prior to Ohio's case.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted through a mosquito bite, and there is no indication that it can spread from person to person through casual contact. CDC has confirmed a U.S. case of Zika virus infection in a non-traveler after the person's sexual partner returned from an affected country and developed symptoms.

Planning is underway for a Zika virus tabletop exercise to ensure Ohio's preparedness at the local and state levels prior to the 2016 mosquito season that runs from May to October.

Of people infected with the Zika virus, 80 percent do not have any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are often mild, lasting from several days to a week, and include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and headache. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Due to the possible association between Zika virus infections in pregnant women and certain birth defects, CDC recommends that pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant consider postponing travel to areas with Zika virus transmission.

"There is no vaccine available for Zika virus so it's important for Ohioans traveling to affected areas to take steps to prevent mosquito bites," said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director of the Ohio Department of Health. "There have been no reported cases of Zika virus disease transmission through mosquito bites anywhere in the continental U.S."

To prevent potential transmission through sexual contact, CDC recommends men with a pregnant sex partner abstain from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms during sex for the duration of the pregnancy. CDC also recommends that pregnant women without symptoms of Zika virus disease be offered testing 2 to 12 weeks after returning from areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission.

CDC has issued a travel alert for people traveling to the following regions and countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. territories; American Samoa; Barbados; Bolivia; Brazil; Cape Verde; Colombia; Costa Rica; Cura?ao; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guadeloupe; Guatemala; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Jamaica; Martinique; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Saint Martin; Samoa; Suriname; Tonga; and Venezuela. Zika virus disease has historically occurred in Africa, Southeast Asia and islands in the Pacific Ocean. In May 2015, Zika virus was found for the first time in the Western Hemisphere in northeastern Brazil. The virus has since spread throughout much of the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

The primary mosquito that transmits Zika virus is found in the tropics and southern U.S., but it is not established in Ohio. Another type of mosquito found in Ohio may potentially transmit Zika virus, although it has not yet been implicated in the transmission of human cases.

"Prevention of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission is the same as prevention of any other mosquito-borne diseases," Dr. DiOrio said. "This includes taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites – such as using insect repellents, limiting exposure where and when mosquitoes are most active, and removing breeding sources such as containers that collect standing water."

Gas prices continue to fall as the new year moves forward. In the past week, gas prices have dropped more than a nickel in the past week in the Akron area, bringing the average price of a gallon of gas to $1.86, according to GasBuddy.com.

And it appears drivers will enjoy the benefits for months to come.

"By and large, at the end of the year, if you were to add up your receipts you'll find that you'll be spending about 10 to 12 cents less a gallon than you were last year." said Senior Petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan.

DeHaan said prices in 2016 are expected to stay under $3 per gallon -- with the exception of areas in the West Coast. Even with possible refinery issues and the switch to "winter-blend," DeHaan doesn't expect the average price of gas to reach above $3.

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in a national televised game on TNT by a score of 104-100. LeBron James nearly had a triple double, putting up big numbers with a 33 pt, 11 reb, and 9 ast performance. Bleacher Report Cavs beat writer Greg Swartz joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about some of the highlights of the game, as Brad Russell of the Average Sports Show filled in for Sam. Swartz also talked about James crashing into pro golfer Jason Day's wife, Elle Day, on a loose ball, where she had to be taken to the hospital, leaving the game on a stretcher.

As the Browns prepare to take on the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, Medina Gazette reporter Brian Dulik gives his take on what the Cleveland Browns have to do to defeat the Seahawks in a tough match up on the road. Dull talks with Brad about his expectations for quarterback Johnny Manziel and head coach Mike Pettine's comments on whether or not Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is an elite quarterback in the NFL.