Thursday, 08 November 2018 11:16

Fire Closes Green Daycare Center

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Green Fire Chief Jeffrey Funai tells the Akron Beacon Journal that the fire at the Kids Country Daycare on Town Park Boulevard started in a bathroom in the gym, and then spread to the roof.

With five fire companies responding, firefighters had the clames out within 10 minutes.

The daycare posted to social media that no kids were in the building at the time, but that they'll be closed the rest of the week, and that parents should make alternate child care plans.

 

Untitled

 

The cause is still under investigation.

Wednesday, 07 November 2018 10:38

Ray Horner Podcast - 11/7/2018

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:17 - It’s the morning after election day, and Ray Horner and 1590 WAKR have you covered! Before we went state and nationwide, Ray caught up with Akron mayor Dan Horrigan about moving the primary to May, which ended up passing.

5:38 - Dr. David Beer is a political scientist at Malone University, and he shared his views on the senate and house races, as well as the gubernatorial election in Ohio. Specifically, Dr. Beer points to just how red Republican Ohio is getting.

12:19 - After a few tries, a school levy has passed in Norton. Superintendent of Norton schools, Dana Addis, discussed the victory.

16:09 -Another local victory in Summit County was Issue 8. Julie Barnes from Summit County Children Services called in to discuss what this means for the residents in the area.

20:54 - With another look at the Ohio senate and gubernatorial races, Dr. David Cohen, professor of political science at the Bliss Institute, broke down what occurred.

31:06 - To cleanse the political palette, it’s time for the Academic Exam! Two students from Copley-Fairlawn High School stopped by to compete, and this friendly competition is brought to you by the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Wednesday, 07 November 2018 06:16

Summit County Local Race Results

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Below are the results of local, Summit County races, per the Summit County Board of Elections: 

#2 Nordonia Hills CSD Tax Levy (Add)
Current Expenses 6.98 Mills Ongoing
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 32 OF 32 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .      8,061   52.34         2,582         5,479
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      7,340   47.66         1,980         5,360

#3 Norton CSD Income Tax w/ Property Tax Reduction
.5% Tax on Income, 1.9 to 0.0 Mills on Prop Tax Ongoing
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 16 OF 16 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE ISSUE .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,042   52.00           694         2,348
 AGAINST THE ISSUE.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,808   48.00           610         2,198

#4 Tallmadge CSD Tax Levy (Add)
Current Expenses 7.4 Mills 5yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 17 OF 17 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .      4,539   54.96         1,157         3,382
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,720   45.04           857         2,863

#5 Manchester LSD Tax Levy (Ren)
Current Expenses 6.9 Mills 5yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 8 OF 8 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,607   68.86           601         2,006
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,179   31.14           299           880

#6 Woodridge LSD Tax Levy (Add)
Emergency 8.19 Mills 5yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 23 OF 23 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      4,378   52.90         1,296         3,082
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,898   47.10         1,300         2,598

#7 Stark County District Library Tax Levy (Add)
2.2 Mills 8yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 1 OF 1 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .          0                     0             0
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .          0                     0             0

#8 Summit County Tax Levy (Ren & Incr) 3.25 Mills 6yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 420 OF 420 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .    122,627   60.06        37,347        85,280
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .     81,541   39.94        22,350        59,191

#9 Akron Charter Amendment Move Municipal Primary to May
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 137 OF 137 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     33,757   61.43        11,695        22,062
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     21,195   38.57         6,912        14,283

#11 Akron 8-J Local Option
Papa Gyros 105 LLC Sunday Sales
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 1 OF 1 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        419   71.75           168           251
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        165   28.25            89            76

#12 Cuy Falls Charter Amendment
Move Municipal Primary to May
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 40 OF 40 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     16,438   85.19         4,191        12,247
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,858   14.81           482         2,376

#13 Green Charter Amendment
Move Municipal Primary to May
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 20 OF 20 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      6,343   62.52         1,959         4,384
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,802   37.48           852         2,950

#14 Green Charter Amendment Article VI Law Director
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 20 OF 20 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      5,537   50.13         1,316         4,221
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      5,508   49.87         1,668         3,840

#15 Green 4-A Local Option
Latino Bar & Grill LLC Sunday Sales
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 1 OF 1 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        384   70.33           117           267
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        162   29.67            65            97

#16 Macedonia Charter Amendment
Section 3.03 Tie Votes in Council
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 12 OF 12 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,283   59.06         1,017         2,266
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,276   40.94           619         1,657

#17 Macedonia Charter Amendment
Section 4.13 Reduce Pay for Misconduct
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 12 OF 12 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      4,050   72.92         1,166         2,884
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,504   27.08           474         1,030

#18 Macedonia Charter Amendment
Section 10.01 Planning and Zoning Commission
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 12 OF 12 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,956   53.72           867         2,089
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,547   46.28           759         1,788

#19 Macedonia Charter Amendment
Change Appointment or Removal Process of City Employees
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 12 OF 12 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,863   53.41           806         2,057
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,497   46.59           783         1,714

#20 Macedonia Income Tax
.25% Increase on Fire, Police, Service Dept. Ongoing
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 12 OF 12 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE INCOME TAX  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,209   54.94           981         2,228
 AGAINST THE INCOME TAX .  .  .  .  .  .      2,632   45.06           709         1,923

#21 Norton Charter Amendment Section 2.04 Vacancy
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 11 OF 11 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,121   65.79           793         2,328
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,623   34.21           233         1,390

#22 Norton Charter Amendment Section 2.09 Compensation
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 11 OF 11 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,715   58.00           500         2,215
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,966   42.00           512         1,454

#23 Norton Charter Amendment Section 3.06 Vacancies
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 11 OF 11 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,833   62.03           731         2,102
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,734   37.97           263         1,471

#24 Norton Charter Amendment
Section 3.08 Compensation and Reimbursements
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 11 OF 11 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,449   53.12           461         1,988
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,161   46.88           543         1,618

#25 Norton Charter Amendment
Section 5.02 Department of Finance and Finances
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 11 OF 11 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,142   67.67           789         2,353
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,501   32.33           216         1,285

#26 Norton Charter Amendment
Section 5.03 Board of Control
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 11 OF 11 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,198   68.54           814         2,384
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,468   31.46           199         1,269

#27 Stow Charter Amendment
Section 21.08 Term Limits for Elected Officials
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 27 OF 27 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     11,994   82.39         3,135         8,859
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,563   17.61           718         1,845

#28 Stow 1-B Local Option
Meijer Stores Limited Partnership Sunday Sales
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 1 OF 1 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        359   72.82           105           254
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        134   27.18            50            84

#29 Tallmadge Charter Amendment
Move Municipal Primary to May
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 16 OF 16 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      5,104   67.72         1,412         3,692
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,433   32.28           489         1,944

#30 Twinsburg Zoning Amendment Ordinance 64-2018
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 15 OF 15 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      4,233   54.58         1,532         2,701
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,522   45.42         1,025         2,497

#31 Twinsburg Charter Amendment Article III
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 15 OF 15 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      5,214   68.43         1,863         3,351
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,406   31.57           672         1,734

#32 Twinsburg Charter Amendment Article IV
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 15 OF 15 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      5,349   69.46         1,867         3,482
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,352   30.54           683         1,669

#33 Twinsburg Charter Amendment Section 6.02
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 15 OF 15 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      4,719   61.95         1,536         3,183
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,898   38.05           980         1,918

#34 Twinsburg Charter Amendment Article VII
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 15 OF 15 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,778   50.96         1,252         2,526
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,636   49.04         1,227         2,409

#35 Twinsburg Charter Amendment
Move Municipal Primary to August
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 15 OF 15 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      4,899   64.68         1,638         3,261
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,675   35.32           873         1,802

#36 Twinsburg Charter Amendment Section 9.03
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 15 OF 15 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      5,855   75.77         2,045         3,810
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,872   24.23           531         1,341

#37 Boston Hts Vill Tax Levy (Ren)
Fire Apparatus, Appliances, Buildings .5 Mills 5yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 1 OF 1 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        482   68.18           136           346
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .        225   31.82            57           168

#38 Mogadore Vill Muni Income Tax .25% Increase, Ongoing
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 2 OF 2 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 AGAINST THE INCOME TAX .  .  .  .  .  .        586   54.21           112           474
 FOR THE INCOME TAX  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        495   45.79            69           426

#39 Mogadore Vill Charter Amendment Section 18.01
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 2 OF 2 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        653   63.46           109           544
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        376   36.54            64           312

#40 Bath Twp Tax Levy (Ren)
Park System and Facilities .75 Mills 5yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 8 OF 8 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,823   71.02         1,312         2,511
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,560   28.98           490         1,070

#41 Copley Twp Tax Levy (Replacmnt & Incr)
3.5 Mills 3yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 12 OF 12 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      4,917   63.50         1,741         3,176
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,826   36.50           915         1,911

#42 Coventry Twp Tax Levy (Add) .5 Mills 5yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 8 OF 8 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,034   50.75           483         1,551
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,974   49.25           482         1,492

#43 Northfield Ctr Twp Tax Levy (Ren & Incr)
General Construction of Roads 2.78 Mills 5yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 5 OF 5 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,810   64.53           527         1,283
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .        995   35.47           313           682

#44 Richfield Twp Zoning Amendment
Article IV, Section 420
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 2 OF 2 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        995   69.39           334           661
 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        439   30.61           208           231

#45 Sagamore Hills Twp Tax Levy (Add)
General Construction of Roads 1 Mill, Ongoing
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 10 OF 10 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      3,468   64.76         1,154         2,314
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .      1,887   35.24           564         1,323

#46 Springfield Twp Tax Levy (Ren & Incr)
General Construction of Roads 1.5 Mills 5yrs
Vote for not more than  1
    (WITH 10 OF 10 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
 FOR THE TAX LEVY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,630   53.53           640         1,990
 AGAINST THE TAX LEVY.  .  .  .  .  .  .      2,283   46.47           497         1,786
Tuesday, 06 November 2018 10:19

Ray Horner Podcast - 11/6/2018

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:17 - It’s election day! We covered the most crucial and series topic of our time: is a hot dog a sandwich?

3:46 - We had the Browns covered for you, as well. Our Browns guy, Fred Greetham from the Orange & Brown Report, talked about Gregg Williams’s first game as interim head coach, and how the team looks as they take on the Atlanta Falcons before the bye week.

12:42 - In this sports-heavy show, Ray talked Tribe with broadcaster Jim Rosenhaus. The GM meetings are going on in Major League Baseball, and Rosey discussed the state of the Indians, including the reports of possible trades of core players.

31:52 - The East Dragons are 9-2 on the season, and they’re set to take on Canfield this week. Head coach Marques Hayes talked about his strong football team.

35:14 - We head to Mogodore to talk to head coach Matt Adorni. The Wildcats are 10-1 on the season and they are set to take on McDonald.

39:15 - Speaking of “futbol,” Ray heads north to Richfield as he chats with boys soccer coach Nick DePompei and his Minutemen.

Tuesday, 06 November 2018 05:26

Missing Adult Alert Youngstown

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A Missing Adult Alert has been issued by the Youngstown Police Department statewide.

Information as of: November 5, 2018 at 8:38 PM

Be on the lookout for a missing adult. On November 5, 2018 at 5:00 PM, Ms. Thomas left her residence on foot and failed to return.

The incident took place in Mahoning County, OH on East Midlothian in the city of Youngstown 44502.

The adult's name is Sara Thomas and the individual is missing. The adult is a Black female, age 73, is 5'4" tall, weighs 230 lbs, and has white hair and brown eyes. Ms. Thomas suffers from Dementia and diabetes, she is without her medication. She was last seen wearing a white beanie hat, with a black coat, white sweater, blue jeans and blue and white tennis shoes. 

Call or dial 911 if you see the adult. You can also call 1-866-693-9171 or 911 to be transferred directly to the investigating law enforcement agency or to hear the alert information.

To view photographs, visit the Endangered Missing Adult Alert website. 

Monday, 05 November 2018 11:39

More Changes at the Top at Akron Children's

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More changes at the top for Akron Children's Hospital Monday morning, just a few days after President Bill Considine stepped down, and Grace Wakulchik moved into the President and CEO role.

The hospital announced Monday that James Brazeal was named Vice President of research administration in the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, after only joining the hospital October 29th, before which he was with Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania.

See the full press release below: 

(CHILDREN'S) AKRON, Ohio (Nov. 5, 2018) ­ -­- James Brazeal has been named Akron Children’s Hospital’s vice president of research administration in the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute. He joined the hospital Oct. 29.

In the newly created position, Brazeal is responsible for ensuring that the institute’s research facilities and scientific operations efficiently support investigators and their scientific pursuits. Brazeal, who reports to Chief Research Officer Dr. Michael Kelly, will also work with Kelly to establish strategic goals for the Research Institute.

“With projected growth in the scope and number of research studies at Akron Children’s, we needed someone with James’ experience to provide administrative direction as we grow,” Kelly said. “James has the administrative expertise necessary to lead change initiatives necessary to build and maintain a world class research institute. He will be a terrific asset to our team.”

Before joining Akron Children’s, Brazeal served as chief administrative officer for research for Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pennsylvania. Prior to that, Brazeal was the executive director of technology development, transfer and commercialization for Geisinger. He also previously was the director of technology commercialization at The University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he also worked as a licensing and business development associate.

He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in biology and holds a juris doctor from The University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Brazeal lives in Copley with his wife, Mary, and two sons.

The Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute is the catalyst for research and innovation at Akron Children's Hospital, northeast Ohio's largest pediatric healthcare provider. It facilitates industry sponsored clinical studies and supports investigator-initiated research programs across a broad spectrum of research subjects and medical disciplines, and is working to build a research community that transforms pediatric care and improves health outcomes through disease prevention and the development of better, safer therapies. The Research Institute also offers educational opportunities for students, fellows and faculty, and is advancing collaborative research and educational partnerships by providing access to the highest quality equipment, latest techniques and expert professional mentorship.

Monday, 05 November 2018 11:00

Ray Horner Podcast - 11/5/2018

Written by
:17 - After a whirlwind week, the Cleveland Browns were back on the field and surprised no one with a 37-21 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Ray and Tony broke down how they viewed the contest, which had a slightly better offensive scheme.

7:07 - Our veterinarian Dr. Gary Riggs stopped by, as he typically does on Mondays, to answer questions on your pets. Some of those questions revolved around flea medication, annual shots, and what happens if and when your pet gets into some candy.

20:27 - During our Question of the Day segment, the topic of what are the busiest airports during the holiday season was broached. The panel discussed some of their favorite airports to fly into, and some of the places to avoid if possible.

32:05 - Time now for our Business of the Week! Scheeser Buckley & Mayfield in Green is an engineering firm, and Jim Eckman, the president, talked about the company.

41:54 - Coming up on November 12th at the Funny Stop Comedy Club is the 7th annual Suicide Prevention Benefit. Shawn Boyd started this event back in 2011 following the suicide of a friend, and he’s been raising money and awareness ever since. Shawn is performing that night, as well as our own Tony Mazur.

Friday, 02 November 2018 11:51

Wadworth Teen Guilty in Elderly Neighbor's Murder

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The 17 year old Wadsworth boy was charged with stranging his 98 year old neighbor, Margaret Douglas, has been found guilty of multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder, in connection with her death.

Gavon Ramsay changed his not guilty plea to "no contest". He was suupposed to go on trial, Monday, where cell phone evidence was going to be presented. According to reports, Ramsay's mother gave detectives permission to access the cell phone that she shared with her son. On that phone were pictures of Douglas' dead body. 

Instead, he'll be sentenced on January 3rd, for killing Douglas, and hiding her body inside her home on Portage Street.

 

Friday, 02 November 2018 11:34

Richland County Boy Scout Official Arrested

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Thomas Close of Richland County has been arrested on production of child pornography charges after he secretly recorded young boys changing in and out of their swimming trunks.

The press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office out of Cleveland claims Close, who is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, recorded the videos at the YMCA in Sandusky, at the Firelands Scout Reservation in Wakeman, and inside the bathroom of a home investigators believe to be Close's.

The U.S. Attorney's report states that Close is affiliated with Boy Scout Troop 406 out of Shelby, though it doesn't specify in what capacity.

See the full press release below: 

(U.S. Attorney) A Richland County man affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America was arrested and charged in federal court with production of child pornography after he surreptitiously recorded children changing.

Thomas Close, 39, of Shelby, was charged with sexual exploitation of children and receiving and distributing child pornogrpahy. The investigation is ongoing.

According to an affidavit filed in the case:

Homeland Security Investigations agents received information from the Cyber Crimes Center regarding videos taken of minor boys changing before or after swimming at the YMCA in Sandusky.

A review of several videos revealed they were recorded at the YMCA facility in Sandusky, which sometimes rented its pool to the Boy Scouts, inside teepees used at the Firelands Scout Reservation in Wakeman, as well as inside the bathroom of a home that appeared to have a swimming pool.

Investigators met with Boy Scouts of America officials in Cleveland, whose area includes seven counties. Due to the fact that all of the photos appear to revolve around changing before or after swimming, Boy Scout officials alerted investigators to an incident report from June documenting an occurrence at the Firelands Scout Reservation they felt could be related. The report was made by a den leader regarding a Boy Scouts of America staff member named Thomas Close, also known as “Aqua Joe,” according to the affidavit.

Close is associated with Boy Scout Troop 406 and has a pool in his back yard.

HSI investigators went to Close’s home on Nov. 1. Upon viewing his bathroom, they realized it is the same bathroom depicted in one of the videos. Close admitted to making the videos and said he created videos between 2011 and the summer of 2018, according to the affidavit.

He also admitted to downloading child pornography and said he had approximately five terabytes of child pornography on his computer, according to the affidavit.

“This case was solved because of good investigative work but also because a parent who was trained to look for signs of suspicious activity raised their concerns to Scout leadership,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We all have an obligation to be aware of what is taking place around us and let authorities know when there are concerns.”

“This individual is accused of violating his position of trust with the Boy Scouts and as a teacher to exploit and take advantage of young people under his supervision," said Steve Francis, special agent in charge of HSI for Michigan and Ohio. "The exploitation of children is reprehensible, and HSI has highly skilled and dedicated special agents to investigate child exploitation crimes to ensure that we identify and arrest perpetrators while protecting our most vulnerable population, our children."

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than maximum. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Shelby Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.

A charge is only an allegation and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Anyone with knowledge of the man’s unsupervised contact with children should contact HSI at 216-749-9602.

Friday, 02 November 2018 09:36

This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-11-2-18 Featured

Written by

tech pic This week, we’re going green with energy efficient buildings, recycled windshields, and charging stations for electric cars on the turnpike. We’ve also got news about how you might be in line for some money from the Yahoo class action lawsuit, vastly improved mobile phone cameras, and artificial intelligence-generated artwork.

***Please note: This show is now available as a podcast on Apple and Android devices. To find out how, follow these links: Appleor Android

 


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