Akron Police say a 27-year-old man is under arrest in connection to the shooting death of his uncle over the weekend.
On Saturday, November 30th, police were called to home in the 800 block of Cordova Avenue, where they found the victim, 64-year-old Melvin Peters. He had been shot in the back and was pronounced dead on the scene shortly after EMS arrived.
According to APD, Donnell Lawson, the victim's nephew, confessed to the shooting.
Lawson is now charged with aggravated murder.
This week: green energy, electric cars, and Neflix making a big splash, on the big screen.
This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Leah Ungashick, a senior volleyball player from Coventry High School.
Some job shuffling going on over at Akron City Hall, as Mayor Dan Horrigan announces the city's Director of Public Service, John Moore, is retiring January 8th. He'll be suceeded by Chris Ludle, who is currently Akron's Deputy Director of Public Service.
In addition, the city's Public Service Department will be combined with its neighborhood Asssitance Department, in an effort to better manage city services in neighborhoods.
More details in the City's Press Release, below:
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Mayor Horrigan Announces Upcoming Changes in Cabinet and Staff
John Moore retiring as Director of Public Service; Eufrancia Lash (Deputy Director of Public Service and Neighborhood Assistance) and Frank Williams (Assistant to the Mayor for Labor Relations) join the administration
Akron, Ohio, November 26, 2019 – Mayor Dan Horrigan is announcing some upcoming changes within his cabinet and staff.
Effective January 8, 2020, John Moore, Director of Public Service, is retiring from the City after more than 35 years of service. Moore started his career with the City of Akron in 1983 as an intern in the Planning Department and worked his way through the ranks to Zoning Division Manager. He served as Director of Planning and Urban Development from January 2009 to December 2012, when he was appointed Director of Public Service.
“John Moore has devoted his professional career to making Akron a better place,” Mayor Dan Horrigan said. “He has taken on the role of Service Director during a pivotal, and often challenging, period in Akron’s history–as we navigate a billion-dollar federally-mandated upgrade to our sewer system. John chooses his words carefully, earns the respect of those around him, and embodies the highest ideals of public service. On behalf of the employees and citizens of Akron, I thank John for his distinguished service to our community and wish him the best in his well-earned retirement.”
Chris Ludle, currently the Deputy Director of Public Service, will succeed Moore as Director of Public Service, where he will oversee the Engineering, Public Works, Sewer, and Water Bureaus. Ludle began his service to the City of Akron in 2004 as a Mechanical Inspector in the Building Inspection Division, after 12 years of working in the private sector. In 2007, Ludle joined the City’s Sewer Maintenance Division where he gained firsthand experience managing projects within the City’s CSO program. Ludle was appointed acting Highway Maintenance Superintendent in the Public Works Bureau in 2014, and Deputy Director of Public Service in 2015.
Additionally, Mayor Horrigan is taking steps toward better re-integration of the core neighborhood services housed under both the Public Service and Neighborhood Assistance departments. Mayor Horrigan is aligning the leadership and functions of these offices under a unified team comprised of Ludle and Director of Neighborhood Assistance John Valle. Neighborhood Assistance currently encompasses Housing, Nuisance Compliance, the Vacant Building Registry, and the Mayor’s 3-1-1 Action Center, and Housing & Community Services, where over 70 % of requests are for Public Service matters (leaves, snow, trash/recycling, streets, water, sewer etc.). By integrating decision-making, the two departments will be better able to share data, direct resources, and manage services performed in our neighborhoods. This step will not result in any layoffs or personnel loss in either department.
To round out the leadership team, Eufrancia Lash will join the City of Akron as Deputy Director of Public Service and Neighborhood Assistance. Lash brings a diverse background and extensive experience in non-profit and service management, business development, and project management, including call center supervision. Lash currently serves as Director of Supportive Services with Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, where he manages the hiring and training of staff, and the planning, development, and implementation of programming for senior residents. Lash holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Organizational Communications from University of Akron.
“This unified leadership team is part of my vision to continually improve communication, coordination, and customer experience,” Mayor Horrigan said. “Public Service and Neighborhood Assistance both deliver services designed to keep our neighborhoods clean and livable. This move represents a step in the direction of greater efficiency--using technology and integrated processes to achieve better outcomes for residents.”
In addition to the leadership progression in Public Service, Mayor Horrigan is pleased to announce some additional changes within his administration. Mayor Horrigan has appointed Frank Williams to the position of Assistant to the Mayor for Labor Relations, in preparation for the eventual retirement of Deputy Mayor for Labor Relations Randy Briggs. Williams has served the Akron Police Department for 28 years, most recently as President of Fraternal Order of Police Akron Lodge #7. Williams has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice / Political Science from the University of Akron. In his position, Williams will assist Briggs in overseeing employment contracts on behalf of the city, and handling day-to-day labor issues between the unions and the City.
Additionally, Mayor Horrigan is announcing a transition in the Chief of Staff position. As anticipated, beginning in 2020, Deputy Mayor James Hardy will focus solely on building the Office of Integrated Development, where he leads the City’s economic development, planning, downtown operations, and recreation and parks divisions. Succeeding Hardy in the role of Chief of Staff/Deputy Mayor for Administration is Annie McFadden, who has served as Deputy Chief of Staff since 2016. As Chief of Staff, McFadden will oversee all functions of the Mayor's Office, manage messaging and communications for the City, and oversee strategic initiatives and special projects out of the Mayor’s Office including financial empowerment, the 2020 Census, and Age-Friendly Akron.
City of Akron Press Secretary, Ellen Lander Nischt, Esq. will assume the additional title of Senior Strategic Counsel, where she will bring together her experience and roles in law, policy and public relations. Nischt will continue to serve as spokesperson for the City, as well as support, coordinate and communicate the City’s legislative, strategic, and operational goals and initiatives, both internally and externally.
Finally, Tamiyka Rose, the City’s Health Equity Ambassador will add the title of Assistant to the Mayor for Public Policy. In her new role she will represent Mayor Horrigan and the City of Akron in policy matters and relationships at the state and federal level and continue to lead Akron’s efforts to decrease racial and ethnic disparities, particularly in premature births and infant mortality.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Ellen Lander Nischt, Press Secretary
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 330-375-2325
This week, robocalls, deep fake videos, smart speakers, and even smart earbuds!
The City of Akron is getting residents in the holiday spirit with the 16th annual Winterblast at Lock 3.
The season of outdoor, wintry fun for both adults and kids kicks off Friday, November 29th, Black Friday, and runs through February 17th.
“Winterblast is a hallmark of the Akron holiday season,” Mayor Dan Horrigan said. “It’s well worth the effort to navigate the downtown construction and stop by Lock 3 for a truly unique and enjoyable experience—whether that’s skating on the ice rink, strolling past the magical, animated window displays, or attending one of the many unique seasonal events. There truly is something for everyone during Winterblast.”
Winterblast at Lock 3 Featured Events:
OPENING CELEBRATION: Fri. Nov. 29th | Festivities begin at 6:30 pm. Tree lighting at 7:30 pm. Join us for free hot chocolate and cookie decorating, lighting of the City of Akron’s official tree, fireworks, make-n-take crafts, COSI – Center of Science and Industry with cool science spots, write a letter to Santa, and visit with Rudolph and friends, and more! Opening day hours: 11 am-11 pm.
CANDY CANE LANE - Presented by Cardinal Group and Signet Jewelers: Nov. 29th – Jan. 1st | 8 animated cottage windows will delight young and old.
WELCOME SANTA PARADE - Presented by Bridgestone: Sat. Nov. 30th | 10 am – On Bowery from Exchange to Main St. Welcome Santa to Town! (Visit lock3live.com for route)
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - Presented by Akron Community Foundation: Sat. Dec. 14th and 21st | 9:30 am –11:30 am. AND Sun. Dec. 8th, 15th, 22nd | 9:30 am –11:30 am. Event includes breakfast, entrance to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt and photo opportunities with Santa and costumed characters. $15 Children | $10 Adult
A VERY GRINCHY NIGHT- Presented by HM Miller Construction: Sat. Dec. 14th | 5 pm – 9pm. Menu includes Roast Beast, Who Pudding and More. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who will be there for photos. Children $10 (12 and under), Adults $15. Price includes Dinner, Photos, Putt-Putt and Skating Coupon. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Movie, starring Jim Carrey – Free Admission – Movie starts at 7:30 pm.
5TH ANNUAL COTTAGE CRAWL - Presented by Thirsty Dog Brewing Company: Sat. Jan. 11th | 1 pm – 6 pm. Fire Pits, Food and All Akron Beer.
NINJA PIZZA PARTY - Presented by The First Tee of Greater Akron: Fri. Jan. 18th | 5 pm – 8pm. Pizza, Drinks, Ice Skating, Putt-Putt and Ninja Training!
TOY TIME WEEKEND - Presented by Akron Community Foundation: Sat. Jan. 25th AND Sun. Jan. 26th | 9:30 am – 11:30 am. Event includes breakfast, entrance to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt and photo opportunities with costumed characters. $15 Children | $10 Adult.
PJ HEROES EVENT- Presented by Akron Community Foundation: Sat. Feb. 8th | 9:30 am – 11:30 am. Event includes breakfast, entrance to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt, and photo opportunities with costumed characters. $15 Children | $10 Adult.
THE MOUSE AND HIS FRIENDS - Presented by Akron Community Foundation: Sun. Feb. 9th | 9:30 am – 11:30 am. Event includes breakfast, entrance to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt, and photo opportunities with costumed characters. $15 Children | $10 Adult.
Also This Year:
AKRON ZIP CARD NIGHT - Presented by the University of Akron: University of Akron students and faculty receive free skating & hot chocolate with their zip card on Thursdays from 6-11 pm.
FUNDRAISER NIGHT: Print out the flyer from our website and share with your organization. Bring to Lock 3 any Wednesday night and your organization will receive $1 for every paid skate rental.
For a full calendar, click here. For tickets, visit www.lock3live.com
This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Alison Zupancic, a junior volleyball player from Firestone.