One of the GREATEST days of all of our lives and @CavsFredMcLeod called it all with his buddy A.C! ???❤️ https://t.co/q8r7go14IB
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 10, 2019
(Cavaliers) It is with the most extreme sadness that the Cleveland Cavaliers share that Cavs and Fox Sports Ohio play-by-play announcer Fred McLeod died suddenly Monday evening. The entire Cavaliers organization mourns the loss of their great friend and teammate. Fred’s deep love for Cleveland and the Cavaliers was clearly evident in everything he did in and around the community and on-air during his more than 1,000 Cavalier game broadcasts. He was a true, heart-felt ambassador for the team, fans and entire greater Cleveland community.
The Cavaliers extend our deepest condolences to Fred’s entire family, including his wife Beth, mother Marilyn, sister Lynn, and his three children, Sean, Jenna, Molly and each of their families.
Fred was born and grew up in nearby Strongsville, Ohio. He was the Cavaliers television play-by-play announcer on FOX Sports Ohio since the 2006 season. He was about to embark on his 14th consecutive season, and 15th overall, as he served in the same capacity with the Cavs during the 1979-80 season.
In addition to his play-by-play duties, Fred also served as the Cavaliers’ Executive Producer for Multimedia, providing fans behind-the-scenes access on Cavs.com, Cavs HQ, Twitter and Facebook with daily updates and interviews during the season.
One of the most accomplished and respected announcers in the NBA, Fred recently celebrated his 36th season of broadcasting games, having also spent 22 seasons announcing Detroit Pistons games, prior to returning home to join the Cavaliers in 2006. Fred spent the 1979 MLB baseball season in Cleveland as well, as a TV announcer for the Cleveland Indians. His diverse and extensive sports broadcasting career also included time with the NFL’s Detroit Lions and MLB’s Detroit Tigers.
Fred was a multiple regional Emmy Award winner as part of the Fox Sports Ohio Cavs broadcast crew, along with his beloved game broadcast partner Austin Carr. He was also a proud recipient of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences’ prestigious Silver Circle Award in recognition of lifetime achievement in television.
Fred was a Point Park University (Pittsburgh) graduate, where he played baseball and pitched in the NAIA College World Series.
Statement from the Gilbert family regarding Fred McLeod:
“Fred McLeod was truly a one-of-a-kind person and friend. Words cannot express our feelings as we think about the many special memories we have of Fred and a relationship that spans four decades. We will miss him tremendously.
Fred was not only a great broadcaster and communicator that informed, explained and entertained, but he passionately embodied the Cavaliers ‘All for One. One for All.’ DNA in every aspect of his life.
He had the gift of connecting with everyone he interacted with and leaving them feeling happier, stronger, more positive, and valued. Fred has left an impactful, lasting legacy in Cleveland, Detroit and beyond.
Our family extends our deepest and warmest sympathies to Fred’s entire family, including his wonderful wife Beth, mother Marilyn, sister Lynn, and his three children, Sean, Jenna, Molly and each of their families."
This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-9-6-19 Featured
Written by Jeanne DestroWith summer vacation over, and everybody back to school, we thought it would be a good time to look at technology and education. So, this week, we've got stories ranging a proposed law requiring employers to provide on the job training for employees whose jobs are threatened by new technology, to new ways of training employees with technology. We’ll also learn about some novel new ways to use video, virtual reality, and even holograms in the classroom.
Please note: You can subscribe to this podcast through the Apple and Andoid app stores, as well as through Stitcher and Spotify.
APD: Be Weary of "Good Deals" on Home Repairs
Written by Ryan LangIn the wake of recent severe weather that's caused damage in and around the Greater Akron area, Akron Police are warning residents to be cautious of bogus contractors offering deals on home repairs.
The Better Business Bureau has a list of tips for homeowners, advising first and foremost to do your research.
See that full list below:
- Contact your insurance company- ask about your policy coverage and filing requirements
- Do your research- get references and check to see if they are licensed
- Resist high-pressure sales- they will try to sell you on a “good deal” if you hire them on the spot
- Be especially careful of door-to-door contractors- ask for identification and see if their vehicle has the business name and phone number to verify if they are legitimate
- Don’t sign over insurance checks to the contractor- get an invoice and pay them directly
- Be wary regarding places you can’t see- unethical contractors may create damage to get work
Additional information can be found on the Better Business Bureau website at bbb.org
NEO Red Cross Volunteers Deployed Ahead of Dorian
Written by Ryan LangAs residents of the Carolinas and surrounding southern states deal with and continue to prepare for Hurricane Dorian, the American Red Cross has mobilized more than 1,900 trained disaster response workers, including 18 from Northeast Ohio.
As part of their efforts, the Red Cross has deployed 110 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs), two of which are from Northeast Ohio, and more than 100 tractor trailers packed with relief supplies, including cots, blankets, and 63,000 ready-to-eat meals.
According to a press release from the Red Cross of Northeast Ohio, on Monday night alone, more than 12,200 people utilized 171 Red Cross and community evacuation shelters in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. "What we're trying to do is make sure that people have a safe place to stay," says Jim McIntyre, Communications and Marketing Director for the American Red Cross, Northeast Ohio Region. Estimates are that as many as 60,000 residents across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas could be impacted by Dorian, that just finished ravishing the Bahamas, leaving at least twenty dead in its path of destruction.
Find out how you can help those impacted by Hurricane Dorian by visiting RedCross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting "DORIAN" to 90999.
More...
Texas Couple Kidnaps Akron Man Looking for Cash
Written by Ryan LangAkron Police arrested a Texas couple who they say set up another man and kidnapped him in an effort to get money.
According to the report, the victim met his friend, Nicole Gaither, 47, at a bar along Arlington Street Saturday night. After some drinks the victim left around 1 a.m. Sunday morning, and was met by the female suspect's husband, Ronnie Gaither, 50, who pulled a gun and kidnapped the male victim.
Police were notified by the victim's brother around 7 a.m. Sunday after he told them he received messages demanding money, presumably from the Gaithers. About 1 p.m. Sunday, police found the victim, unharmed, at a home along East Tuscarawas Avenue in Barberton.
The Gaithers were arrested, charged with kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and abduction.
This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-8-30-19 Featured
Written by Jeanne Destro
Please note: You can subscribe to this podcast through the Apple and Andoid app stores, as well as through Stitcher and Spotify.
Select high school football teams across the state will be donning special Ohio National Guard-themed jerseys to kickoff their seasons this weekend, including Cuyahoga Falls High School.
The jerseys (pictured) feature a dark camouflage pattern, black numbers and lettering, with "National Guard" scrawled across the back.
Read the full press release from the Ohio National Guard below:
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(NATIONAL GUARD) COLUMBUS, Ohio - High school football teams all across the state of Ohio will be wearing special jerseys at designated games during the 2019 regular season, with help from the Ohio Army National Guard, beginning Friday. The jerseys are a dark camouflage pattern and have been approved by the Ohio High School Athletic Association for home team wear. Fairfield High School, Cuyahoga Falls High School, River View High School, and Warren High School are expected to debut the jerseys this weekend.