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The Reporter Newspaper is an all black operated and black-owned weekly newspaper/publication that's been telling our stories for 50 years. In 2016 The Reporter Newspaper announced that they were available online @thereporternewspaperonline.com which is the online equivalent (website) of the tangible form. Now in-conjunction with Mecca Media Inc. you can hear/ see the news being read directly from the website via a weekly broadcast.

November 2022

Akron Fire Department Named EMS Agency Of The Year At The 2022 Ohio EMS Star Of Life Awards

Akron, Ohio, Nov. 15, 2022 — On November 7, 2022, the Akron Fire Department was recognized at the annual Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services Star of Life Awards as the Agency of the Year. The Ohio EMS Star of Life Awards bring together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services on medicine's front lines.

“The service of EMS personnel is essential to our lives, and they play a critical role in delivering vital emergency services to all Ohioans,” said Ohio EMS Executive Director Rob Wagoner. “The Star of Life Awards exemplify the commitment and dedication of the over 41,000 EMS providers in Ohio, who provide an essential community service every day.” 

The Awards Selection Panel evaluates nominations based upon achievement of excellence in areas of patient care, public access, public education and training, disaster preparedness, and outstanding service to their communities.

“I’m incredibly proud of our Akron Fire Department for this accomplishment,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “Our community is well-aware of how outstanding our firefighter/EMS crews are, so it’s great to see them get the recognition they so rightfully deserve at the state level. Their commitment to excellence and their dedication to service are witnessed every day here in Akron and we applaud them for this well-earned award.”

“Our firefighter/EMS personnel are some of the very best in their profession across the entire state, and this award affirms that,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Clarence Tucker. “I congratulate our Akron Fire Department for this outstanding achievement and thank them for their ongoing dedication and extraordinary service to this community.”

Akron Fire Department has evolved from 25 paramedic firefighters and three paramedic transport units over 40 years ago to 149 paramedics and 14 paramedic transport units covering the city of Akron and providing mutual aid to surrounding communities.

AFD has many specialty teams and community outreach programs including: the Tactical EMS Team (TEMS) that works with the Akron SWAT team, the Resources, Education, and Advocacy for Community Health (REACH) program that provides home safety inspections and other resources to residents, the Quick Response Team (QRT) that provides resources such as CPR Anytime, Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) that provides free naloxone kits to treat opioid overdoses, and definitive care to residents with opioid addiction, and Community CPR classes that provide multiple opportunities for the public to learn hands-only CPR to improve survival from cardiac arrest.

Akron Fire’s tireless efforts to improve field times and survivability of cardiac arrest victims through an increase in bystander CPR, use of the PulsePoint mobile app, participation in the CARES registry, and the utilization of advanced equipment on paramedic units has gone above and beyond the day-to-day excellence of the EMS system and ultimately earned them this recognition.

City Of Akron Now Requiring Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Residential Buildings

Last week, Akron City Council unanimously passed an ordinance which requires carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed in residential structures that use fuel-burning appliances.

The new law gives the Akron Fire Department and the Department of Neighborhood Assistance the authority to inspect buildings for CO detectors, like they currently do with smoke alarms. The ordinance is complaint driven and the city aims to focus first on education and voluntary compliance. Owners and landlords who remain noncompliant would be subjected to fines or potential criminal penalties depending on the violation.

“Simply put, this ordinance is about saving lives,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “If we can prevent even one death by ensuring CO detectors are required, it will be worth it. I applaud City Council for their swift action and support in this matter.”

“Carbon monoxide is commonly known as the 'silent killer' because it's colorless, odorless, tasteless, and in most cases non-irritating," said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Clarence Tucker. "If you don't catch the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion) it's quite possible that you may lose consciousness before being able to call for help, and then it may be too late. This ordinance helps us better protect Akron residents by not only requiring detectors in residential buildings but also bringing this issue to the forefront so we can educate residents about the dangers of not having a detector in their home.”

Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels and is often produced by malfunctioning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters, boilers, room heaters, and fireplaces. When this happens, CO can build up in the dwelling and poison those in the home who are unknowingly breathing in the deadly gas.

The city’s ordinance now requires any residential dwelling with a fuel-burning appliance to have a carbon monoxide detector installed outside each separate sleeping area and on each floor including basements.

To file a complaint with the city, please call 3-1-1 (330-375-2311), the Housing Compliance office at 330-375-2366, or you can fill out the form here and email to HousingCodeComplaints@akronohio.gov.

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Mayor Horrigan Issues Statement On Passage Of Issue 10

Akron voters approved Issue 10 which will add an amendment to Akron’s City Charter creating a permanent Citizens’ Police Oversight Board to provide independent oversight and review of policing practices within Akron.

Mayor Horrigan has issued the following statement:

“Akron’s voters have made their voices heard and it’s clear they want a more permanent citizen police oversight board than what was recently established by Akron City Council. I respect the will of the voters and support the creation of the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board. The City’s Law Department will now take the next steps to determine the best path forward for the creation of the newly passed Board. For the nearly 60 applicants who have already applied to be on the Citizen Oversight Board, which was passed by Council in September, we will keep those applications on file as we decide the course of action necessary to implement the will of the voters. Issue 10 dictates that Akron City Council must pass any required legislation by June 30, 2023 in order to create and implement the Board, and we aim to meet that deadline. We may have chosen different paths to get here, but as long as we're unified in moving forward, I believe the formation of this Board can and will make Akron stronger.”.

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LEAF REMOVAL PROGRAM

The City of Akron's annual leaf removal program kicked off at the end of October and will continue through December. Signs will be posted in the various wards prior to pick-up dates.

The City’s leaf collection program only permits the raking of leaves into the street within two feet of the curb the day before the scheduled collection day for that street (posted by signage on streets). Leaf piles in the street can and will block and plug up storm sewers and combined sewers if left for too long which is why there are fines and penalties for violations.

All the wards will take more than one day to complete. Residents should have leaves on the street one day prior to the date listed or they may not get picked up. Be aware that the schedule is subject to change if adverse weather conditions prohibit removal.

Beginning in October, the City of Akron will start its annual leaf removal program.  Signs will be posted in your neighborhood by ward with the day of the week we will start leaf collection.

Please keep in mind that it takes multiple days to complete each ward.  The schedule can change due to weather. 

The new dates are listed below. Thank you for understanding and your patience.

2022 LEAF REMOVAL SCHEDULE

Ward 3.....October 31                 Ward 8.....November 17

Ward 5.....November 2                Ward 2.....November 26

Ward 7.....November 4                Ward 1.....November 30

Ward 6.....November 8                Ward 9.....December 3

Ward 4.....November 11               Ward 10..... December 7

Rake leaves into the street the day before your scheduled pick up day only.

Rake leaves into the street no more than two feet from the curb or edge of street.

Remove all vehicles off the street when crews are working in your area.

PLEASE NOTE:  parked vehicles left on the street, while crews are working, are subject to be towed/fined.

TO OUR STREET CLEANING CUSTOMERS
Our Service is more efficient and economical to the resident if these guidelines are followed.

• DO NOT place branches and other debris in the pile, they will not be picked up (Leaves only)

• DO NOT allow children to play in leaves on or near the street. 

• DO NOT bag leaves unless you have called 311 to arrange for one of your (3) three Sanitation bulk pickups. 

• DO NOT rake leaves into the street after leaves have been removed from your street or you will be subject to a fine.

• DO NOT park on leaves.

LEAF REMOVAL INFORMATION:
DIAL 311
OR 330-375-2311

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City Of Akron Passes Ban On Conversion Therapy For Minors

Earlier today, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan along with Council members Tara Mosley, Nancy Holland, Shammas Malik, and Sharon Connor submitted legislation to Akron City Council to ban conversion therapy for minors. Tonight, City Council approved the measure unanimously, making Akron the 11th city in Ohio to pass a similar ban. Conversion therapy, which aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, is a practice that is nearly universally shunned in the medical community and is particularly harmful to youth. Read the ordinance here.

“I’m incredibly proud to add Akron to the growing list of communities recognizing the harmful impacts of conversion therapy and taking a stand against the practice,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “Akron has proven itself time and time again to be a welcoming, diverse place and taking this step is another way of making sure our community is inclusive of everyone. LGBTQ+ youth who are not supported for who they are, are more likely to attempt suicide, face homelessness, experience high levels of depression, and engage in high levels of substance use. I’m hopeful that this step sends a clear message to our LGBTQ+ youth that this City supports them for exactly who they are.”  

The ordinance will take effect immediately and makes it unlawful for any healthcare professional to knowingly engage in conversion therapy with a minor. The Akron Civil Rights Commission will have the authority to investigate and consider complaints of a violation of this chapter, and may create additional rules and procedures to receive, initiate, investigate, hold hearings, and issue orders and penalties on complaints alleging violations of this chapter. The Commission is appointed by Mayor Horrigan with approval from Akron City Council. It was established after Akron City Council passed non-discrimination legislation in 2017.

To file a complaint, visit akronohio.gov/ACRC.

Several members of local, state, and national organizations spoke in support of the legislation during committee and at the City Council meeting this evening.

National Support:

“It is heartening to see the leaders of Akron come together to protect LGBTQ young people in their communities from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion ‘therapy.’ Research from The Trevor Project has found that LGBTQ youth who have been threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy report more than twice the rate of attempting suicide in the past year than those who have not,” said Casey Pick, Senior Fellow for Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project. “Progress like this is made possible by the work of community advocates, grassroots organizers, and supportive local leadership. We hope that Akron’s action helps spark leaders across Ohio to follow suit with statewide protections.”

State Support:

"We know that equality means passing protections like Akron has done today—and, as Barbara Gittings said, ‘equality is more than that.’ Equality is won by changing the hearts and minds of the community,” said Alana Jochum, Executive Director of Equality Ohio. “Today, Akron has achieved both. We are proud of the great work this community has done alongside local government to protect its youth against an immoral, harmful practice. We look forward to a future where LGBTQ+ youth feel safe coming out here and across the entire state." 

Local Support:

“CANAPI’s staff and board thank Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Akron City Council for passing a ban on conversion therapy for minors here in Akron,” said Rebecca Callahan, Executive Director of CANAPI. “Here at CANAPI, we advocate for the notion that we all thrive when each and every person can live as their true and authentic self, which is why we support inclusive and fair public policy. We applaud all those elected officials who have supported these measures and encourage those cities who have not, to take a look at the statistics and get involved.”

Mayor Horrigan continued: “I want to thank the many individuals and organizations who spoke in favor of this legislation and provided their expert knowledge about the impact of conversion therapy on minors. I would like to especially acknowledge and thank the board of CANAPI who first brought this issue to my attention. This new ordinance is another step in the right direction for LGBTQ+ residents in our city.”

Summit Lake Residents Break Ground On Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail

 Today, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, in partnership with the City of Akron and residents of the Summit Lake neighborhood, held a groundbreaking celebration for the Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail.

The Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail is the first project of the resident-led Akron Civic Commons 2.0 work at Summit Lake, and it features a 2.75-mile multi-purpose trail that will be accessible for hikers, walkers, and bicyclists around Summit Lake. The trail links the eastern and western neighborhoods surrounding Summit Lake and connects to the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. 

"Today marks another milestone in our Akron Civic Commons 2.0 work with this groundbreaking for the Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail," said President and CEO of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, Dan Rice. "With these shovels of dirt, we are moving from dreams to reality as we develop the Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail and reconnecting our communities both physically and emotionally.  This multi-use recreational trail is more than a physical connection, since it will provide a beautifully designed healing space and refuge for neighborhood residents to enjoy nature, exercise and spend time with their families."

"This public space investment represents a priority for my administration regarding the importance of equity in our community parks, trails, and open spaces," said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. "We are very proud to partner with the Summit Lake residents, Knight Foundation, Akron Civic Commons, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, and all of our funders and partners on this transformational trail project here in the heart of our community.”

Other distinguished speakers at the groundbreaking event included Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro, City Council President Margo Sommerville, Summit Lake CDC Vice-Chair Grace Hudson, Summit Lake volunteer Toqa Hassan, Knight Foundation Program Director Kyle Kutuchief, and Akron Civic Commons 2.0, and Donor Committee Co-Chair Bill Considine.

The Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail is part of the Summit Lake Vision Plan, which has received over $10 million in funding from the City of Akron, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, County of Summit, Ohio & Erie Canalway, State of Ohio, Akron Community Foundation and individual donors. The Summit Lake Vision Plan is a key component of the resident-led Akron Civic Commons 2.0 project to create an accessible, equitable and welcoming park for all residents and visitors. In addition to the trail, the resident-led Summit Lake Vision Plan includes a pavilion for family gatherings, shaded seating and swings, a canoe and kayak share, boat launch ramp and a concession stand to enjoy an ice cream cone, sandwich, or cup of coffee.

Akron Civic Commons 2.0 is coordinated by Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, in partnership with the City of Akron, and they serve as the fiscal agent and project manager for the Summit Lake Vision Plan and Lock 3 Park.  For more information about donation opportunities and Akron Civic Commons 2.0, please contact Dan Rice, at drice@ohioeriecanal.org or (330) 374-5657.

Akron Bicentennial Commission Issues Request For Qualifications For Bicentennial Logo Design

The Akron Bicentennial Commission, established to oversee the planning and programming surrounding Akron’s 200th anniversary in 2025, has launched an initiative to have a logo created that will appear on all official Akron Bicentennial publications.

“We are excited to open up the application process for a designer or artist hoping to create a logo celebrating Akron’s Bicentennial,” said Summit County Judge Elinore Stormer, Honorary Co-Chair of the Akron Bicentennial Commission. “This logo will be used for a range of marketing material leading up to and during the city’s 200th anniversary and will forever live as a symbol of the City’s Bicentennial Celebration.”

Judge Stormer chairs the Commission’s Marketing Workgroup, which has created a Request for Qualifications that has been approved by the Commission for public dissemination. To see the full Request for Qualifications please click here.

Interested parties have until January 9 to submit their qualifications to the Commission. The process is open to anyone who wishes to apply, but applicants must demonstrate they have experience working with partners in Akron and Summit County. Applicants are asked to submit previous work in diverse sectors, e.g. education, parks, tourism, arts, and other areas of community interest. Individuals, collaboratives, or agencies applying to design the logo are also asked to demonstrate their technical capability to perform the services required.

There is no age restriction for those who wish to apply. Students may submit an application individually or with partners.

A panel of design professionals will then select one or more applicants to submit art during the second phase of the process. One submission will become the official Bicentennial logo. The successful applicant will be awarded $2,500.

“The final artwork that is selected should communicate Akron’s history, values, and vision for the future,” says Dave Lieberth, Executive Secretary of the Bicentennial Commission. “We look forward to seeing submissions from a diverse group of artists and graphic designers.”

The City has made accessibility a priority in this process. The  Marketing Workgroup hopes to receive qualifications from a wide range of applicants. The process is intended to be an opportunity for anyone in Akron to make their mark on the city in a long-lasting way.

In order to apply, applicants should send the required materials via email to 2025@akronohio.gov before 5pm, January 9, 2023.

Applicants should submit the following:

• Cover Letter with introduction, professional background, and reason for applying (e.g. experienced or aspiring designer, passion for Akron, interest in the celebration.)

• Statement of the applicant’s capabilities

• Statement describing the method that applicant will use to develop the logo.

• Portfolio. At least three examples of relevant experience. Applicants may submit sketches of a logo, but there is no expectation that applicants must do so to be qualified for the selection.

• References

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