The United States Postal Service announced plans to transition to a new schedule during the week of Aug. 5 that eliminates Saturday mail delivery.

Once implemented, mail delivery to street addresses will occur Monday through Friday. Packages will continue to be delivered six days per week. Mail addressed to PO boxes will continue to be delivered on Saturdays. Post Offices currently open Saturdays will remain open Saturdays.
The Postal Service expects to generate cost savings of approximately $2 billion annually, once the plan is fully implemented.

A jury determined Dawud Spaulding, 30, of E. Buchtel Avenue, Akron, should receive the death penalty for the murder of Erica Singleton and Ernie Thomas and paralyzing Patrick Griffin in a 2011 shooting spree.
According to the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, Singleton, Spaulding’s girlfriend and mother of his 7-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter, had filed for a civil protection order and was in hiding from Spaulding when he murdered her. Spaulding had discovered where Singleton was staying and drove by the house on the morning of Dec. 15, shooting and paralyzing Griffin, who was leaving the home. Later that morning, Spaulding returned to the home and shot and killed Singleton and Thomas, Griffin’s uncle, in the driveway.
Judge Paul Gallagher will officially sentence Spaulding Feb. 15.

Akron Police and the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office are investigating the death of a man in an accident in the 2200 block of Manchester Road, Jan. 27, about 2:45 a.m. According to police, the man's vehicle went off the side of the road, struck a utility pole, then hit a building. The vehicle caught fire after wires from the utility pole fell on top of it. The man’s identity has not been relased.

Arsonist gets maximum sentence

Scott Purk, 50, of Stow, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison, the maximum allowed, for burning down his house in Stow in 2009 in order to collect insurance money.

According to the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, in addition to setting fire to his house. Purk also set fire to a duplex in Stow in March 2010. The resident of the duplex was sleeping when the fire started, but was able to escape unharmed.

Purk pleaded guilty, Dec. 13, on charges of attempted aggravated murder, a first degree felony; three counts of aggravated arson, first degree felonies; three counts of aggravated arson, second degree felonies; insurance fraud, a third degree felony; two counts of disrupting public services, fourth degree felonies; and two counts of endangering children, first degree misdemeanors.

Joseph R. Litten, of Barberton, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the July sexual assault of a 86-year-old female, Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced.

Litten, 31, of Dean Drive, was also designated a Tier III sex offender, which requires lifetime registration. He was sentenced Jan. 23 by Judge Alison McCarty. A jury found Litten guilty of rape and kidnapping, both first degree felonies, Jan. 18.

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A crash involving cruisers from the Summit County Sheriff, Springfield Township Police, and a third vehicle is under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

A Summit County deputy was conducting a traffic stop with the help of a second deputy and a Springfield Township officer at approximately 9:05 a.m., Jan. 22, on Arlington Road, south of Krumroy Road in Coventry Township. According to the state patrol, a 1977 Dodge truck failed to stop or move over, striking one deputy’s cruiser, pushing it into the Springfield cruiser. The officers were not in their vehicles and no injuries were reported.

Robbery suspect fished from icy canal

A call of a robbery had Summit County Sheriffs deputies responding to the BP at 3171 South Arlington Road in Green.

The robbery call came in at 7:25 a.m., Jan. 19. Taken were two cartons of cigarettes. According to the Sheriff’s Office, earlier that morning, the same suspect stole cartons of cigarettes from the Sheetz at 20 W. Waterloo Road in Coventry Township and the Circle K on Massillon Road in Green.

As the suspect attempted to leave the BP, a civilian reached in the driver's side window and grabbed the steering wheel. The civilian was dragged for a short distance and the suspect fled north on Arlington Road.

A short time later, deputies initiated a traffic stop on East Exchange Street in Akron. The suspect left his vehicle and jumped into the canal behind Goodyear, but began yelling to the deputies for help once he entered the water. The deputies helped the suspect out of the canal and placed him under arrest.

Barberton Relay for Life is kicking off the year with a chili/soup cook-off, Sunday, Feb. 17, 12:30–3:30 p.m. It is open house style at the St. Augustine Church social activity center on the corner of Seventh Street NW and W. Lake Avenue.

Not only will you get to try a variety of chili and soup, there will also be raffle baskets, a silent auction, and a bake sale. Tickets are $15 per family (maximum of six) or $5 per person. Survivors wearing a survivor shirt get in free. All proceeds will go the American Cancer Society to help find a cure and beat cancer.

Get icy and help the Foodbank

Hundreds of people will brave the icy waters of the Portage Lakes, Saturday, Feb. 16, during the 10th annual Polar Bear Jump to benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

During last year’s jump, 3,000 spectators came to support 750 brave jumpers who faced the icy, winter waters of Portage Lakes. The jumpers raised $85,000 for non-profit agencies in the community.

Want to jump, make a pledge, support the event? Go to www.akroncantonfoodbank.org, or call 330-535-6900. The goal is to raise $100,000, which will provide 400,000 meals to those struggling with hunger.

In addition to a weekly residential curbside garbage and recycling contract with Republic Waste Services, Monday night, Barberton City Council approved:

• Authorizing a $53,370 contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation for relocation of a Barberton owned waterline as part of a project to widen state Route 93, Manchester Road, and about a quarter mile of Robinson Avenue in Coventry Township. Funding comes from the city’s water fund.

• Spending $26,500 from the sewer fund to purchase 75 and 79 21st Street NW for $26,450.60.

Barberton All Town Little League and Quad County Softball will be having sign-ups for the upcoming season Jan. 19, Jan. 26 and Feb. 4, 10  a.m.-2 p.m. at the Active Adult Center in the Lake Anna YMCA. Cost is $95 for the first child and $90 per additional child. Please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate. For more information contact Dale West for B.A.L.L. at 330-730-8232 or George Thomas for Quad County at 330-310-3793.
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The next meeting of the Barberton All-Sports Boosters will be Feb. 4, 7 p.m. in the Barberton High School commons.
Membership in the Boosters Club is $20 and includes a membership card, an official All-Sports Booster Club T-shirt and your name listed in the fall and winter sports programs. All money collected will benefit Barberton athletes. For more information, contact the High School athletic office at 330-753-2255.

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The Barberton boys basketball team is selling tickets  for the 16th annual Magic 100 Raffle. The coaching staff, players and parents of players are selling 100 raffle tickets at $100 each. A drawing will take place Feb. 15, at halftime of the Collinwood game where the winner will receive $5,000.
Please contact Ken Rector at 330-753-1084  ext. 5037 or 5020. Tickets can also be purchased from every freshman, JV and varsity player, parent or coach or at the high school athletic office. There are special benefits for any corporation or individual who purchases five or more tickets.
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Barberton Girls Softball is hosting a Night at the Races, March 9, at  the
Barberton Band Booster's Hall, 795 W. Hopocan Ave.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with Dinner at 6 followed by the races at 7. There will be baskets to raffle off, a 50/50 drawing, a first-horse raffle and food and drinks. The fundraiser will provide equipment and other necessities for the girls this season. For more information contact Steve Kaisk at 330-338-6909 or Dave Rorrer at 330-472-5304.
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The Norton Hall of Fame induction Ceremony will take place Jan. 25. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. at Houston hall with the induction ceremony taking place during the boys basketball game against Springfield. Those planning on attending should call the Norton Athletic Office at 330-825-4167 by Jan. 22. This year's athletic inductees are Louis Ule, Class of 2000 and Mark Kelly, Class of 2005.
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Barberton Youth Soccer will be having signups for the spring Greater Akron Amateur Soccer Association season Jan. 19 and Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Active Adult Center in the Lake Anna YMCA.
GAASA fees are $65 for players 8-13 and new players must pay a $50 uniform fee.  New GAASA players must submit a copy of their birth certificate and a small photo by Feb. 6. A $25 late fee will apply after Feb. 6.
Fees for DD players (6-8 year-olds) is $40 for registration and $30 for uniforms  with the fee for instructional (4-5 year-olds) soccer set at $30 which includes a T-shirt.
A $5 discount will be given for signing up two siblings, with a $10 discount for three or more. All signup fees are due at registration.
GAASA practices will begin the first week in April with DD and Instructional beginning in late April or early May.
Registration forms and additional information can be found at www.barbertonsoccer.com or call Mike Mitchell at 330-825-7488 with any questions.


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Akron Children’s has implemented visitor restrictions, due to high levels of influenza-like illnesses:

• Visitation by children under the age of 14 years is limited to siblings only.
• No more than two visitors (in addition to parents/guardians) should be in a patient room at any one time.
• Only parents or guardians should visit in critical care areas (PICU, NICU, Special Care Nurseries, BURN Center, and Hematology/Oncology). Parents/guardians may arrange for visitors, on a limited basis.
• In general, only children seeking evaluation or treatment at Akron Children’s Hospital should be brought to the facility.
• Playrooms are only open to patients and their parents/guardians. Siblings must remain in the patient’s room.

Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced that Judge Tom Teodosio sentenced Anthony T. Hill, 21, of Peerless Avenue in Akron, to life in prison for the shooting death of Richard Coryell of New Franklin, April 12. Hill was also sentenced to three years in prison for a gun specification and 14 years in prison for two counts of felonious assault. Hill will not be able to go before the parole board until he has served 32 years in prison.

The Norton Board of Education organizational meeting is Monday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m., in the administration conference room, followed by a board work session.
The Jan. 28 meeting will be at Norton Middle School, 7:30 p.m., and the Feb. 25 meeting will be at Norton High School, 7:30 p.m.

El Jalapenos Mexican restaurant, 1195 Wooster Road W, will host Mayor Bill Judge’s monthly Change for Change fundraiser, Thursday, Jan. 24, 4:30–7 p.m. This is a great opportunity for people to network, relax and have a fun time while also helping a worthy cause. Proceeds benefit Relay For Life.

The Rev. Gay Jennings, president of the Episcopal Church House of Deputies, will be the guest preacher at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Sunday, Jan. 6. She will also serve as the celebrant at the 8 and 10 a.m. services of Holy Eucharist, where the church will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. Saint Andrew’s is at 583 W. Hopocan Avenue. Call 330-753-9026 or 330-801-2001.

Don Nicolard and Todd Bergstrom were re-elected president and vice president, respectively, by Norton City Council at its organizational meeting Wednesday.
Nicolard, who represents the 2nd ward, was elected 7-0. Bergstrom, 1st ward rep, was elected by a 5-2 margin, with members Charlotte Whipkey and Bill Mowery casting dissenting votes.

The Barberton Police Department and Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating the death of a man at the Alpeter Building, 130 Fifth St. SE. Witnesses called 911 about 3:42 p.m., Dec. 31, stating a man had fallen off the building. A preliminary investigation indicates the man jumped from his 13th floor apartment balcony.

Two men face felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 750 grams of cocaine worth an estimated $63,000 and $17,955 in cash following a Dec. 17 traffic stop on Interstate 77. Robert C. Weaver, 55, and Rodney S. Davis, 47, both of Akron, were charged with possession and trafficking in cocaine.

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About 60 women and girls will receive breast health education, bra fitting service and free bras, Saturday, Jan. 12, 1–3 p.m., at the Barberton Free Clinic. Call 330-745-7471 by Dec. 27 to register.    

Bridge reopening set for January

Motorists will have to wait a few more weeks to be able to see the new 31st Street NW bridge over Hudson Run in Barberton. The latest target from the Summit County Engineer’s Office for an opening is about Jan. 11, weather permitting.

Joe Paradise, deputy director of engineering service for the county, said the last concrete pour will take place Friday, Dec. 14, with 28 days needed for the concrete to properly cured before it can be exposed to road salts.

Four individuals have been charged in connection with a Coventry Township prostitution investigation by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

Amber Eslich, 30, of Louisville, and Latosha Wyrich, 32, of Moreno Valley, Calif., were arrested Dec. 10 for prostitution and promoting prostitution. Heather Long, 29, of Canton and Charitey Riggs, 19, of Louisville, were charged with prostitution. Other individuals have been identified and may be charged.

Beginning Monday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 a.m. the city will close much of the intersection of Fifth Street NE and Fairview Avenue in Barberton for up to 10 days for sewer repairs. Maxwell’s Recycling and the Sun Inn will be open for business, no homes will be impacted. Emergency traffic coming from the north to the hospital is advised to use E. State Street to E. Ninth Street to E. Paige Avenue. All non-emergency traffic coming from the north is advised to use E. State Street to Robinson Avenue to Fifth Street NE or Van Buren Avenue to E. Tuscarawas Avenue to Fifth Street NE.

The City of Barberton will take on employees form Alcoa Barberton in a charity flag football game Sunday, Dec. 16, starting at 10 a.m. The game will be played at the Barberton High football and soccer stadiums. All players must donate at least one new unwrapped toy. Admission will cost $2 for adults and $1 for children. There will be a 50/50 drawing as well as prize raffles. All money collected and toys donated will be given to the Barberton Salvation Army. Come join in the fun and help Barberton families with a monetary or toy donation.

State Senator Frank LaRose (R-Akron) will have open office hours Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Barberton Municipal Building, 576 W. Park Ave., from 8–10 a.m. No appointment is necessary.

Learn to simply and casually share your faith, today, Dec. 2, 7–9 p.m., at St. Augustine School cafeteria, 195 Seventh St. NW. Terrie Baldwin, director of the Evangelization Office for the Diocese of Cleveland, will present this evening for adults and children alike. Baldwin will share ideas that will empower listeners to witness to their faith to others in everyday encounters. 

Magical Theatre Company sold out its entire run of “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!” but one more performance has been added: Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.

Remaining tickets are $11 & $13 per person and can be purchased by calling 330-848-3708 or online at www.magicaltheatre.org. Magical Theatre Company is at 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave. in Barberton.

The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office and the Akron Police Department are investigating the shooting death of a unidentified male. On Nov. 28, shortly before 10 p.m., the male was shot by a unknown person near the intersection of Buckingham Street and Fairbanks Place in Akron. The victim was transported to Akron City Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:38 p.m.

The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office has positively identified the victim as Will A. Lamon, a 21-year-old male from Hammel Street in Akron. An autopsy has been completed and the cause of death is a gunshot wound to the torso. The manner of death is homicide.

Proper precautions make a safe, festive family holiday

Cooking is the leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires. The State Fire Marshal is reminding Ohioans about the dangers of cooking fires this holiday season.

Marshal Flowers offers the following tips to reduce the 65 percent of holiday fires due to cooking.

• Have a safety zone: keep children and pets three feet away from the stove and oven.

• Never hold a child or pet while cooking.

• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.

• Keep potholders, oven mitts, towels and anything flammable away from your stovetop.

• Clean food and grease from burners and the stove top. It can catch on fire.

• If you must use a turkey fryer, keep it outside, away from buildings and other structures, such as garages, carports and decks and in view when it is on. The turkey should be thawed prior to frying. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• Keep an ABC multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water on a grease fire. Water and grease are a dangerous combination. Water can cause hot grease to splatter.

• If you are cooking and a fire starts, turn off the heat source; put a lid on it, and Get Out!

Canal Fulton will host its annual Christmas on the Canal from noon–8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1. Stroll through the streets of historic downtown Canal Fulton. Visit Santa Claus, enjoy Christmas shopping, an electric lights parade, tree lighting ceremony, Christmas caroling, children’s activities, prizes and much more. Free parking is available at St. Helena Heritage Park, 125 Tuscarawas Street. Stop in the Canalway Center first to pick up a schedule of events and special coupons. Check out www.cityofcanalfulton-oh.gov.

Summit County government offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 22, and Friday, Nov. 23, for the Thanksgiving holiday. www.co.summit.oh.us

Be sober during the holidays

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds drivers of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 17 people were killed on Ohio’s roadways with 30 percent related to impaired driving. Last year 27 people were killed due to impaired driving between the Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve holidays. Call #677 to report drug activity or impaired drivers.

Livingstone Baptist Church, 288 Harter Ave. will be feeding the hungry, Sunday, Nov. 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m. They also feed the hungry the third Sunday of every month. The event is sponsored by the LBC Usher Board, and all are welcome. For information, call 330-753-1508. 

The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office and the Akron Police Department are investigating the shooting death of a 31-year-old male. At approximately 2:50 p.m., Nov. 14, the victim was in a vehicle near the intersection of Copley Road and Edgewood Avenue in Akron when he was shot by a unknown person. The victim was transported to Akron General Medical Center where he died from his injuries at 3:17 p.m.
UPDATE:  The victim that was shot Nov. 14 at approximately 2:50 p.m., near the intersection of Copley Road and Edgewood Avenue in Akron has been positively identified as Jaquare Jackson, a 31-year-old male from Storer Avenue in Akron.

From the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, Nov. 9 – Brogan Rafferty, 17, of Mac Drive in Stow, was sentenced to life in prison without parole eligibility for the murders of Ralph Geiger, Timothy Kern and David Pauley and the attempted murder of Scott Davis, Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced.
A jury found Rafferty guilty Oct. 30 of nine counts of aggravated murder with firearm specifications, one count of attempted murder with a firearm specification, four counts of aggravated robbery with firearm specifications, four counts of kidnapping, two counts of grand theft, receiving stolen property and three counts of petty theft.

From the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, Nov. 9 – Summit County Prosecuting Attorney Sherri Bevan Walsh announced that a jury found Dawud Spaulding, 30, of East Buchtel Avenue in Akron, guilty of: two counts of aggravated murder, with a specification for killing two or more people; attempted murder, a felony of the first degree, with a firearm specification; felonious assault, a felony of the second degree, with a firearm specification; domestic violence, a felony of the third degree; having weapons under disability, a felony of the third degree; intimidation of a crime victim, a misdemeanor of the first degree; violation of a protection order, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Erica Singleton, Spaulding’s girlfriend and mother of his 7-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter, had filed for a civil protection order and was in hiding from Spaulding when he murdered her. Spaulding had discovered where Singleton was staying and drove by the house on the morning of Dec. 15, shooting and paralyzing Patrick Griffin, who was leaving the home. Later that morning, Spaulding returned and shot and killed Singleton and Ernie Thomas, Griffin’s uncle, in the driveway. Because the jury found Spaulding guilty of the specification for murdering two people, Spaulding faces the death penalty.

The mitigation phase, during which the jury determines whether Spaulding should be sentenced to death, is scheduled to begin Dec. 4.

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The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) will conduct a free train ride to honor veterans and their families, Monday, Nov. 12, through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The South Summit Chamber of Commerce will conduct its monthly luncheon, Thursday, Nov. 15, at Prime 93, 4315 Manchester Road, Akron. Check-in and networking is 11–11:30 a.m. with lunch promptly served 11:45 a.m.

The speaker will be Teresa LeGrair, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve. Her topic is “Great Futures Start Here.”

Reservations were due Nov. 5 for the South Summit Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours, 8 a.m., Friday, Nov. 9, at Sydmor’s Jewelry, 131 Second St. NW, Barberton.

All Business Development Group members and South Summit Chamber of Commerce’s members are invited to this great event.

Call the Chamber to RSVP at 330-745-3141 or email southsummitcc@att.net.

Barberton Mayor Bill Judge cautions residents to be prepared for stormy weather. A storm now striking the east coast is headed towards Ohio and expected to hit Summit County and the Barberton area later today, Monday, Oct. 29.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the area from noon today until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Sustained winds are expected at 30-40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. A long duration of this event will likely result in significant damage.

Residents are asked to secure any outside objects or bring them inside if possible.  Make arrangements for outside pets. In the event power is lost, remember to treat all intersections as a four way stop.

Spend Halloween with Edgar Allan Poe at Magical Theatre Company

Magical Theatre Company, Northeast Ohio’s professional resident and touring theatre for young audiences and families, presents its original play, “Quoth the Raven” for one night only, Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. at Magical Theatre Company.

News of the death of Edgar Allan Poe prompts a re-telling of some of him most mysterious and macabre works, including, of course, “The Raven.” This play, adapted by Adam Hoffman and directed by Dennis O’Connell, is an adventure into the underground passages of the human soul. It features the professional company of actors from Magical Theatre Company, including Adam Hoffman, Deb Lemire, and Eric Lualdi.

“Quoth the Raven” is suggested for families ages 12 and up. Magical Theatre Company is at 565 W. Tuscarawas Avenue in Barberton. Tickets are $9-$11 per person and reservations may be made online: www.magicaltheatre.org or by calling 330-848-3708.

Norton officials have announced a fixed rate for members of the city’s natural gas aggregation program.

Residents in the program supplied by IGS Energy will pay a fixed rate of $4.77 per Mcf for all gas billed during the months of December through November 2013. Residents and businesses already in the program do not need to take any action as they will automatically receive this rate.

Residents who are served by another supplier may seek enrollment in the city’s aggregation program by calling IGS Energy at 800-280-4474 or responding to a letter they receive from IGS Energy.

Final defendant sentenced in death of infant
Randy Legg, 20, of St. Leger Avenue in Akron, was sentenced to seven years in prison for the death of 17-month-old Patrick Lerch. Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced the decision by Common Pleas Court Judge Thomas Parker, Monday, Oct. 22.

Barberton officials have announced a fixed rate for natural gas, supplied by Constellation Energy Gas Choice (Constellation), for residents participating in the city’s natural gas aggregation program. They will pay rate of $4.96 per mcf for all gas consumed during November through October 2013.

Newly eligible accounts will receive an opt-out letter from Constellation on or about Oct. 22. Those residents and small businesses will be added to the program unless they opt-out during a 21-day period as stated in the letter.

City officials ask those with questions about the rate to contact Constellation at 800-718-1493.

– Former Green Assistant Music Teacher Sentenced to Prison –
Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced that Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands sentenced Jason Mazan, 28, of Shakertown Drive NW in Canton, to 18 months in prison. Judge Rowlands also deemed Mazan a Tier III sex offender, which means he must register his address with the sheriff’s office for the rest of his life.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, early in the morning of April 7, a Summit County Sheriff’s Deputy found Mazan parked in his car with a partially-clothed 14-year-old girl. Mazan was an assistant music teacher in Green at the time of his arrest.
Mazan pleaded guilty, Aug. 15, to attempted sexual battery, a felony of the fourth degree; attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a felony of the fourth degree; and falsification, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Officers arrested a man Tuesday night, Oct. 9, after responding a complaint that he was at an E. Ford Avenue residence and may be manufacturing methamphetamine.

Daniel A. Sutton, 22, of E. Ford Avenue, was arrested on the warrant for a disorderly conduct charge. He was also charged with illegal manufacturing of a controlled substance, illegal assembly of chemicals to manufacture a controlled substance and child endangering.

Barberton officials are assuring residents their drinking water is safe and in compliance with Ohio EPA standards. Utilities Director Jim Stender said the problem occurred between April and June when tests indicated an elevated level of 0.082 milligrams per liter for trihalomethanes (TTHM). Testing between July and September showed levels below the EPA limit of 0.080mg/l.
    
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Barberton City Council member Craig Megyes, 4th Ward, will conduct a Van Hyning neighborhood meeting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Active Adult Center in the YMCA Community Center. Topics of discussion include what a group home is and Issue 63, the Barberton Schools operating levy. Scheduled to speak are Joe Stefan, assistant planning director and Barberton Board of Education president, plus Barberton Police officers Mike Green and Marty Eberhart.

Norton Police are investigating an armed robbery at the Copper Mine Internet Cafe, 2966 Barber Road, shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30.
Chief Thad Hete described it as a classic "takeover" robbery in which three male suspects entered the cafe and ordered the approximately 25 patrons to the floor. Hete said the robbers were armed with a handgun and what appeared to be a semi-automatic or automatic submachine gun. In addition to robbing the patrons, they ordered the safe opened and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.
The police received the alarm call at 8:12 p.m. and responded quickly. Barberton Police assisted. Hete said the dispatch center was flooded with cellphone calls from cafe patrons.
Hete said the robbery was "well organized" and "happened very quickly." He said no shots were fired.
The suspects, described as three black males with hoodies pulled over their faces, escaped.

State Rep. Zack Milkovich, D-Akron, will have a town hall meeting, 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 6, at the Barberton Active Adult Center, 500 W Hopocan Ave., to address the issues and concerns of the citizens of the district.

A 76-year-old Hamilton County man hospitalized with encephalitis has become Ohio’s first human death from West Nile virus (WNV) case this year. The death was reported Aug. 29 by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), which continues to see widespread WNV human infection.
So far in 2012, Ohio has recorded 49 human cases of WNV and 960 positive mosquito samples. At this time last year, ODH had only recorded two human cases and 450 positive mosquito samples. The percentage of mosquitoes testing positive for WNV in 2012 has been higher than in any year since 2002 when Ohio had 441 human WNV cases and 31 fatalities.
Ohio WNV numbers for the year as of Aug. 29:
46 human cases
1 human fatality
56 years – median age of human cases
4 years – youngest human case
87 years – oldest human case
31 counties have WNV-positive humans, mosquitoes and/or horses
960 positive mosquito samples
2 positive horses or other animals

During Friday’s monthly food distribution, the Barberton Salvation Army welcomes the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and the Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Mobile (eBus).

Positions are open for crossing guards and substitute crossing guards at Barberton public schools. Call the police department at 330-848-6701.

A Barberton landmark is coming down. The Center Court, what many grew up knowing as the Varsity Teen Center, is being demolished. Keep checking the Herald for this story.

The St. Helena III Canal Boat and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail will be the setting for the Canal Boat Theater Cruises. The Canal Fulton Players will perform Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” on the boat and along the towpath trail Saturdays, Aug. 18 and Aug. 25, 4 and 6:30 p.m., and Sundays, Aug. 19 and 26, 4 p.m. The canal boat departs from the Port of Canal Fulton in St. Helena Heritage Park, 125 Tuscarawas St. A limited number of tickets are available and reservations are required. To purchase tickets, $19 each, contact the Canal Fulton Canalway Center at 330-854-6835 or online at www.cityofcanalfulton-oh.gov.

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The Summit County Department of Community and Economic Development will be conduct a fuel fund assistance day for income qualified FirstEnergy customers at the Job Center, 1040 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, beginning at 8 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 9. Applicants will be given a number upon arrival. Only 200 numbers will be distributed. If you arrive after all numbers have been distributed or after 2 p.m., call 330-643-2068 to obtain future fuel fund dates. Eligibility is based on a household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Persons applying for fuel fund assistance must provide photo identification, the most recent delinquent electric bill or termination notice, proof of a good faith payment within the past 90 days; the date in which you have applied for Summer Crisis (if applicable).    

Several hundred turned out for the Aug. 1 pay to participate meeting at the high school. Officials explained a student fee will be assessed for sports, band and other major extracurricular activities if The Aug. 7 levy fails. The fee will likely be $125 for high school students and $100 for middle school students. The Barberton Board of Education is discussing an individual student or family cap on the fee. Officials answered parents' questions and urged passage of the 8.52-mill operating levy.

The 26th Annual Gospel at the Gazebo concert is July 28, 7 p.m., at Lake Anna Park. Christ Unlimited will be there, along with special guest Rich Adkins. Be sure to bring a lawn chair. For more information, call 330-285-5581.

The Barberton girl's volleyball team have teamed up with Shelly Kadilak for a Zumba party class, Wednesday, July 18, 6–8 p.m., at Barberton Middle School.

Shelly introduced the team to Zumba as part of their conditioning routine. They've enjoyed it so much they wanted to do an extended class, open to the public, before they participate in a Relay For Life event Saturday.

The class will be conducted by Shelly and other members of the Kadilak Fitness team of instructors.

Why? Why not? It's a party you don't want to miss, exposure to some of the best certified Zumba instructors and proceeds benefit Relay For Life. The cost is $10 per person.

Low-income Barberton residents, with appropriate documentation, can have their dogs, family cats, and feral cats spayed, neutered, and receive rabies shots at low or no cost by the Heart of Gold Humane Fund, July 18. The services are provided by appointment only at One of a Kind Pet Spay and Neuter Clinic. 

Other Barberton residents can have their cats or dogs spayed, neutered, and receive rabies shots at One of a Kind Pet low-cost clinic fees. Appointments, which are required, will be taken one a first-come, first-serve basis, and are available for other dates in July as well. 

For the clinic on July 18, transportation for Barberton cats and dogs to and from the clinic is available. Drop off and pick up will be at a Barberton location, identified when you call to make your appointment. 

Financial assistance for low-income Barberton residents who register their cats and dogs for an appointment is being provided by Heart of Gold Humane Fund, sponsored by a Barberton family. The fund was established by the family through the Barberton Community Foundation. 

For more information, or to register for an appointment, please contact One of a Kind Pet Spay and Neuter Clinic, at 330-865-6890.

The eighth annual Robert A. Krska Memorial Baseball Tournament will be this weekend, July 12-15, at the Robert A. Krska Memorial Field on Hopocan Avenue, and the adjacent Community Foundation Complex. Starting on Thursday July 12, and ending on Sunday, July 15. This year's field will consist of 30 teams from all over Ohio and Pennsylvania. The tournament is in its' eighth year, under the direction of founder and tournament director Brad Fox, who started the tournament to honor is best friend in life, Bob Krska. The 10-U Nomads, coached by Ron Eagle and George Krska, will play at 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., Saturday, July 14. The 10-U Nomads will also play Sunday, July 15, 11:45 a.m. All of the games will be played at the Robert A. Krska Memorial Field, on Hopocan Avenue. 

Lady Magics hosting Zumbathon

     The Barberton High School volleyball team will have a Zumbathon to raise money for the Relay for Life, July 18, from 6–8 p.m., at Barberton Middle School. Cost is $10 per person, or $15 per pair. The team asks that you please come out and show your support for a great cause.

A business was called by an individual claiming to be from the Summit County Police Department asking for donations to take needy children shopping at Wal-Mart. When questioned about the donation, the caller became abusive and hung up.