High Heat Safety as Warmer Weather Approaches
Written by Steffany MurdockDr. Debbie Plate, from Cleveland Clinic Akron General, joined the Ray Horner Morning Show. With high temperatures in the forecast, it's important to take precautions to stay healthy and safe. Dr. Plate covers hydration, stages of heat illness, and more.
Akron Officials Update Community on Recent Mass Shooting
Written by Jeanne Destro
Akron City officials updated the community on the mass shooting in Akron on June 2.
The number of people reported injured has changed several times since it happened. First, police said it was 27, then, they revised it down to 25, then, it went back up to 27, and now, officials say the stands at 28.
One 27 year old man, Lateris Cook, died from the drive-by shooting, which took place in East Akron.
No one has yet been arrested in connection with the crime, though officials say they are still following up on tips.
Today, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik announced the City is forming a Gun Violence Response fund.
Most of the money will be allocated to help those specifically impacted by the mass shooting earlier this month, though the plan is to have it be an ongoing community resource to help victims of other types of gun violence, like suicide, for example. Funds can be used to cover things like the loss of work because of injury, funeral, medical, and other related expenses.
He said much of the inspiration for creating the fund, came from former Dayton Mayor, Nan Whaley, and members of the Dayton Community Fund, who shared what they did to help victims of the 2019 mass shooting that claimed the lives of 9 people, and injured 17 others in Dayton.
$50 thousand dollars will be contributed by the Akron Community Foundation, The Victim Assistance Program, the United Way of Summit and Medina Counties, and the rest–$150 thousand dollars–will come from the City of Akron.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said he would ask City Council to allocate the funds, tonight.
For more information, watch the Press conference video, below:
This week, Akron celebrates 88th A.A. Founders' Day. Historian Dave Lieberth joined the Ray Horner Morning Show. He talked about Alcoholics Anonymous, the founders, and more.
The City of Akron has a new Fire Chief.
Deputy Chief Leon Henderson has been with the Akron Fire Department for 34 years, rising through the ranks from firefighter/paramedic in 1990, to stepping into the role of Fire Chief, today.
He replaces former Chief Joseph Natko, who announced his retirement from the department in March, and took on a new role with the administration as Assistant to the Mayor for Emergency Management.
Though Henderson was appointed and sworn in by Mayor Shammas Malik this morning; there will be a public swearing in celebration sometime in the coming weeks (the exact date has not yet been announced).
In the meantime, citizens can meet the new Chief at a Public Town Hall this coming Wednesday, July 10, from 5-6:30pm at the Akron Summit Public Library in downtown Akron (60 S. High St.).
New Fire Chief Leon Henderson, is sworn in by Akron Mayor, Shammas Malik
Fire Chief Leon Henderson & Family (wife, Sarah, and son, Abraham), along with Mayor Shammas Malik
Chief Leon Henderson, Bio:
Chief Leon Henderson has a proven track record with three decades of experience in fire service, fire prevention, safety communications, and emergency response. A proud graduate of Akron Garfield High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army, Chief Henderson began his distinguished career with the Akron Fire Department in 1990 as a firefighter/paramedic. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Dispatch Supervisor Lieutenant, and Captain Safety Officer, before being promoted to District Chief in 2018 and Deputy Chief in 2022.
Chief Henderson’s extensive training and certifications reflect his commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. He has undergone training in FEMA Community Preparedness and various Advanced Incident Command Classes, OPOTA Law Enforcement Training at SACS Training Academy, and is an NAUI Certified Rescue Diver. He is also a State Certified Fire Inspector and Instructor. Additionally, he has completed an Arson Investigation Certification at the National Fire Academy and received specialized Information Technology Training.
In his role as Deputy Chief, Henderson demonstrated exceptional leadership by fostering a culture of adaptive leadership and promoting diversity within the department, achieving a historic 44% minority recruitment rate in the 2024 Akron Fire Department Graduation Class. His commitment to community safety is reflected in the creation of fire prevention education programs, ensuring the safety of Akron businesses and Akron Public Schools.
As District Chief, Henderson managed critical projects, including the implementation of a consolidated CAD system, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency. His strategic oversight in deploying the WestNet Alerting System and conducting the first mock drill for the Safety Communication Center further showcased his dedication to improving emergency response capabilities.
Beyond his technical expertise, Chief Henderson is a proactive leader in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. He served on the City of Akron's Racial Equity and Social Justice Taskforce, launched the Akron Fire Department Human Relations Committee, and designed a job recruitment task force in collaboration with other city departments and local organizations to enhance employment opportunities.
Chief Henderson’s career is marked by his dedication to public safety, community engagement, strategic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to serving the Akron community. His extensive experience in project management, communications, and emergency services consistently demonstrates his ability to lead teams, implement innovative solutions, and foster collaboration across various departments and organizations.
Cool, Low-Tech Tips To Reduce Global Warming Featured
Written by Jeanne Destro
There's not a whole lot better than summertime in Ohio, when it comes to picnics in the park, hikes along the Cuyahoga river, and maybe even a cool dip in one of our many beautiful lakes.
But this cool green serenity is at risk, as global climate change heats up the water, fosters toxic algal blooms, and hastens leaf decomposition, which in turn; fuels more global warming.
The good news is, though, that there is something you can do to help fight back against that right now, in your own backyard.
It also just happens to be cheap, low-tech, and easy to accomplish without fancy lawn equipment, or an advanced degree in Biology.
Of course, we are going to need somebody who actually does have an advanced degree in Biology to explain it all to us, and that's where our special guest, Dr. David Costello, from Kent State University, comes in.
Listen now.
Dr. David Costello, Associate Professor of Biology, Kent State University
In this week's edition of Bases and Balls, Guardians broadcaster Jim Rosenhaus joined Ray to discuss the Guardians young players, including the recently debuted Daniel Schneemann.
This week, our golf pro Dan Dauk gave us some pointers on what clubs to use in the fairway, and what situations call for certain clubs.
In this week's session, film study professor Joe Fortunato joined the show to discuss one of Ray's favorite movies, Field of Dreams.
Ray spoke with Twinsburg head baseball coach Jim Lipinski, who took over the team after the tragic deatrh of former coach Jeff Luca. Now, Lipinski has the Tigers in the hunt for a state title.
Tips, Leads, But No Suspects Arrested Yet In Akron Mass Shooting
Written by Jeanne Destro
Akron City officials provided an update on their investigation into Sunday's mass shooting in East Akron, which resulted in the injury of 27 people, and the death of one man; 27 year old Lateris Cook, of Akron.
Some of the highlights of today's press conference include:
- The number of people who were injured when they were struck or grazed by bullets was originally listed as 27 on Sunday morning, then revised to 25, and now—after further investigation, police have found that the actual number of injuries is 27, plus the one fatality.
- Police have been getting tips and are following up on a number of leads, but so far, they have still not identified or arrested anyone responsible for the shooting
- 45 bullet shells were recovered at the scene, from at least 5 weapons
- 3 handguns were recovered at the scene, and they can confirm that at least one person shot back at the drive-by shooter, or shooters, who attacked the crowd
- Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation, including Akron Police, Summit County Sheriffs, along with the FBI, ATF, US Marshals, and US Department of Justice
- President Biden’s office reached out directly to Mayor Shammas Malik, and pledged their support.
- There will be three public gatherings this week designed to offer support and comfort to community members who were directly involved in the events, who live in the Kelly Avenue neighborhood, and from the community at large who feel who are experiencing ongoing trauma from this event.
- There will be a Prayer Vigil tonight (Wednesday) from 6:30-7:30PM, at the Arlington Church of God, 539 South Arlington Street, Akron, OH 44306
- There will also be Prayer Vigil on Thursday night at the Burning Bush Church, 131 S. High St. Akron, OH. 44308, and a larger community gathering from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 8, at the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, 550 S Arlington St, Akron OH 44306.
- The reward being offered for the arrest and successful prosecution of the shooter or shooters is now $22,500.
- Police are now reviewing hundreds of hours of police and other first-responder body cam footage, and reviewing surveillance video from both Flock traffic cameras and citizen doorbell cameras. So far, they aren’t sharing any of that with the public, but they say the police body cam footage will be released soon.
For more information, watch the video of the press conference, below.
More...
On the doorstep of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in World War II, Dr. Kevin Kern joined Ray to discuss the pivotal day in world history.
Hey Bobby! Mike Hargrove and 10-Cent Beer Night
Written by Steffany MurdockThis week, Ray and Guardians VP Bobby DiBiasio chatted About former manager Mike Hargrove and reflected on the 50th anniversary of 10-cent beer night at Municipal Stadium in 1974.
Donna Skoda On Bird Flu in Cows and the Dr, Fauci Hearing on COVID
Written by Steffany MurdockDonna Skoda of the Summit County Health Department joined Ray today to discuss the concern of bird flu appearing in cows, as well as the hearing involving Dr. Anthony Fauci and the circumstances around COVID-19.
Each week, WAKR's Ray Horner profiles a local business. This week's business is the Hospice of the Western Reserve.