A petition to force a vote on the job performance of Kent State University President Lester Lefton is shelved for now.
Associate Math Professor Joe Altobelli launched the petition drive two weeks ago to prompt a no-confidence vote against Lefton. Altobelli has criticized Lefton's handling of university faculty contract talks.
The Beacon Journal reports he's turned the petition over to George Garrison, a professor of Pan African studies at the main Kent campus, who will then consult with others to see if the petition should go forward to the Faculty Senate.
Whether or not a vote takes place, the results may not matter.
Lefton answers to the KSU trustees, who recently issued a statement of support for their university leader.
On the web: www.Ohio.com
Some regions of Portage County experienced flooding during Monday night's heavy showers.
WKYC Channel 3 News reports water as deep as three feet in Ravenna Township forced Portage County Sheriffs to advise residents to evacuate if necessary.
VIDEO See WKYC's report from Brady Lake
Brady Lake Road is no stranger to flooding trouble and last night a woman traveling on Brady Lake hydroplaned into a tree on Woodlawn Avenue.
She had to be rescued from her vehicle.
On the web: www.wkyc.com
Orange and black stripes have arrived at the Akron Zoo!
There are now two Sumatran tigers, as Berani joins Jae-Jae, who's been living at the zoo since 2009.
Sumatran tigers are now an endangered species with fewer than 300 in the wild today.
Press Release:
AKRON, Ohio – A new Sumatran tiger is now on exhibit at the Akron Zoo. The tiger, Berani, arrived at the Akron Zoo from the San Antonio Zoo. The zoo now has two male Sumatran tigers, which are endangered species. Berani was born on September 18, 2001 at the National Zoo.
He joins Jae-Jae who has been at the Akron Zoo since 2009. Because tigers are solitary animals by nature and Berani and Jae-Jae are both males, they will not be on exhibit at the same time. When not on exhibit they will be outside in the zoo’s off exhibit holding or in their indoor exhibit.
Sumatran tigers are indigenous to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Like all species of tigers, the Sumatran tiger is an endangered species. There are less than 300 Sumatran tigers in the wild.
Deforestation and poaching are the critical challenges facing these tigers in the wild. Currently there are only five subspecies of tigers that exist in the wild: Bengal, Indochinese, Amur, Malayan and Sumatran.
The South China tiger is thought to be extinct in the wild, but some do remain in captivity in Chinese zoos. The
Caspian, Javan and Bali tigers are all extinct. It has been estimated that as few as 3,500 total tigers remain in the wild.
A bogus email claiming to be from the U.S. Postal Service is circulating to some of its customers.
Postal inspectors say the email contains links and attachments that if opened, could activate a virus armed and ready to steal your personal and financial information. Officials warn customers to avoid clicking on the links.
To be on the safe side, the phony email should be deleted from your account immediately.
The Postal Service says it's in the process of resovling the matter, but offers the following tips on how to spot this inbox scam:
Additional questions regarding delivery or spam reports, should be forwarded to 1-800-ASK-USPS or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
A Summit County Sheriff Deputy is terminated as he's accused of requesting favors from jail inmates in exchange for privileges.
Summit County Sheriff Inspector Bill Holland says Deputy Dominic Martucci faces violations including conduct unbecoming of an officer and humane treatment of jail inmates.
"Inmates were asked to perform acts in exchange for privileges at the jail," Holland said.
"They weren't sexual in nature."
The details of the alleged favors and privileges were not made immediately available.
Martucci's firing Wednesday was also in connection to additional violations including cellphone use while working and not meeting deadlines for filing proper jail inmate paperwork.
Holland says the department does investigate a wide variety of policy disputes, but he admits that this isn't an incident they run into often.
"Conduct unbecoming is kind of a general rule and regulation that can translate into a lot of things, but basically , this particular situation is somewhat unique to what we see," he said.
At this time, Martucci is not facing any criminal charges.
Martucci is the son of retired Akron Police Detective Frank Martucci, who ran unsuccessfully for Summit County Sheriff in the March Democratic Primary.
In 2006, Dominic Martucci and other deputies faced criminal charges in the death of inmate Mark McCullough Jr. Those charges were dismissed after another deputy was aquitted on a murder charge.
Follow AkronNewsNow.com for the latest developments as more information becomes available.
Previous Coverage:
Summit Sheriff's Deputy Under Investigation
The U.S. Marshals have caught up with one of America's Most Wanted fugitives-- accused of setting up a phony organization to benefit veterans in order to help himself.
Known at "Bobby Thompson" to officials, "Thompson" founded the charitable organization known as th U.S. Navy Veterans Association in 2000. Officials say Thompson received close to $100 million in donations and it's believed that little money, if any, actually benefitted veterans in several states.
In August of 2010, "Thompson" was charged in Ohio on various offenses relating to fraudulent activity.
He's been on the run for the past two years and his journey ended last night as authorities arrested him in Portland, Oregon.
"Thompson" faces charges including unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, identity theft, fraud and money laundering.
Press Release:
Cleveland, OH – Late last night, the United States Marshals Service captured one of Americas Most Wanted and elusive fugitives who is accused of stealing millions of dollars that had been donated for the sole purpose of aiding U.S. veterans. “Bobby Thompson”, which was an alias, was on the run for over the last two years where he assumed numerous fictitious names and was known to alter his appearance. He was charged with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution, Identity Theft, Fraud, and Money Laundering.
In the early 2000s, the subject, using the alias “Bobby Thompson”, founded the U.S. Navy Veterans Association (USNVA), a charitable organization whose stated mission was to provide assistance to veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The USNVA claimed to have a national headquarters in Washington D.C., but its base of operations was the Tampa, FL, area. From its inception to the summer of 2010, it is estimated the USNVA received close to $100 million dollars in nationwide donations. Officials in several states are investigating the USNVA and it is believed little, if any, of the money actually benefitted veterans or current service members. In August 2010, “Thompson” was charged in Ohio with various offenses relating to this fraudulent activity.
“Thompson”, the alleged mastermind of this plot, fled in June 2010, when he learned of the criminal investigation. “Thompson” was featured on America’s Most Wanted on two separate occasions, with the most recent being March 2011.
In November 2011, the United States Marshals in the Northern District of Ohio were called on to spearhead the apprehension of “Thompson” who was indicted out of Cuyahoga County.
In November 2011, United States Marshal Pete Elliott for the Northern District of Ohio was contacted by former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and asked for his assistance in locating “Thompson”. Marshal Elliott immediately formed a task force in Cleveland, Ohio that has diligently pursued “Thompson” for over the last six months. Numerous leads were followed up while Ohio investigators tracked “Thompson” through several states to include Massachusetts, Arizona, New Mexico Rhode Island, West Virginia, Indiana, Florida and Washington.
“Thompson’s” fictitious and fraudulent life on the run came to an abrupt end last night in Portland, Oregon. After conducting an intense and thorough investigation, a team of Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers from the Northern District of Ohio traveled to Portland, Oregon and coordinated efforts with the U.S. Marshals in the District of Oregon.
At approximately 10:30 pm (PST), the team apprehended “Thompson” outside a residence on 72nd St., NE in Portland where he has been living under one of his new fictitious names. Upon arrest, “Thompson” refused to make any statements. He appeared to be in poor physical condition and was walking with a cane. He was in possession of several false identification cards from Canada along with a backpack containing an undisclosed amount of cash. All of his possessions were taken as evidence and search warrants are being obtained for his residence. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is traveling to Portland to conduct further investigation. Investigators are still unsure of the true identity of “Thompson” and will be working on that as well as identifying his ongoing criminal activity. “Thompson” was transported to the Multnomah County Jail where he will await extradition to Northern Ohio.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “This was one of our most challenging fugitive investigations to date. Our investigators followed up leads all over the nation. Their diligence and dedication directly led to the arrest in Portland. I am proud of everyone that worked on this investigation and their efforts have brought this scam artist to justice.”
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine stated, “We are relieved Bobby Thompson is now in federal custody after a nationwide manhunt and years of work within the Attorney General’s Office to track him down. We believe he stole between $1.5 million and $2 million which came from generous people in our state who thought they were helping U.S. Navy veterans.”
Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of this fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at: 1-866-4-WANTED or text keyword WANTED and the tip to 847411(tip411). Tipsters may remain anonymous and a cash reward may be available.
Five people face federal charges in Cleveland for allegedly plotting to blow up the Route 82 bridge between Sagamore Hills and Brecksville.
U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach says it's considered a terrorist plot.
Douglas L. Wright, 26, Brandon L. Baxter, 20, and Anthony Hayne, 35, were arrested by members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force April 30 on charges of conspiracy and attempted use of explosive materials to damage physical property affecting interstate commerce.
Both Connor C. Stevens, 20, and Joshua S. Stafford, 23, were also arrested
Dettelbach says the public was not in danger from the explosives the five allegedly planned to use.
(Image Courtesy: CVNP)
Press Release:
Five people were arrested and accused of conspiring to use explosives to destroy a bridge near Cleveland, Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland Division of the FBI, announced today.
Douglas L. Wright, 26, Brandon L. Baxter, 20, and Anthony Hayne, 35, were arrested by members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force on the evening of April 30, 2012, on charges of conspiracy and attempted use of explosive materials to damage physical property affecting interstate commerce. Also arrested were Connor C. Stevens, 20, and Joshua S. Stafford, 23.
The public was never in danger from the explosive devices, which were controlled by an undercover FBI employee. The defendants were closely monitored by law enforcement. The explosives that the defendants allegedly purchased and attempted to use were inoperable and posed no threat to the public.
A criminal complaint was filed this morning in U.S. District Court in Cleveland.
According to that complaint, Wright, Baxter and Hayne are self-proclaimed anarchists who formed into a small group and considered a series of evolving plots over several months.
The initial plot involved the use of smoke grenades to distract law enforcement in order for the co-conspirators to topple financial institution signs atop high rise buildings in downtown Cleveland, according to the complaint.
The plot later developed to the utilization of explosive materials. The defendants conspired to obtain C-4 explosives contained in two improvised explosive devices to be placed and remotely detonated, according to the complaint.
The defendants discussed various bridges and physical targets in and around the Cleveland metropolitan area over the course of several months. The final plan resulted in the Route 82 Brecksville-Northfield High Level Bridge being the designated target. This bridge crosses from Brecksville, Ohio, to Sagamore Hills, Ohio, over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, according to the complaint.
“The complaint in this case alleges that the defendants took specific and defined actions to further a terrorist plot,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach. “The defendants stand charged based not upon any words or beliefs they might espouse, but based upon their own plans and actions.”
“The safety of the citizens of the Northern District of Ohio is and continues to be our primary focus. The individuals charged in this plot were intent on using violence to express their ideological views,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue to be vigilant in its efforts to detect and disrupt any terrorism threat, domestic or international.”
Wright, Baxter, Hayne, Stevens and Stafford will appear before a federal magistrate in U.S. District court today, May 1, 2012, in Cleveland.
Agencies represented on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force include: Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office; Federal Air Marshal Service; Cleveland Police Department; Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Police Department; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence; Westlake, Ohio, Police Department; U.S. Diplomatic Security Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Customs and Border Protection; RTA Police; Ohio State Highway Patrol; Transportation Security Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Shaker Heights, Ohio, Police Department; North Olmstead, Ohio, Police Department; U.S. Postal Inspectors; and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistance was also provided by the U.S. National Park Service Park Rangers, Sagamore Hills Police Department, Brecksville Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent of the charges until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Feeling itchy lately? How about sneezing more often?
Allergy season is in full swing in Northeast Ohio.
Akron area Allergist Dr. Bela Faltay joined the 1590 WAKR Akron General Good Health Hour earlier this month.
Dr. Faltay described an increase in not only allergies among patients this season, but a higher number of patients exposed to poison ivy.
"I think the safest bet is to shower after you come in from outside, because poullen covers your skin and can get in your hair and if you're that sensetive, you can actually have skin reactions from contact," Faltay said.
Faltay also recommends using aggressive soaps while showering if your skin has been exposed to plants and brush.
Akron firefighters are cleaning up after a semi caught fire near Chapel Hill Mall.
Lt. Leon Henderson tells AkronNewsNow.com it took firefighters almost 30 minutes Thursday morning to calm the blaze near HoneyBaked Ham.
Witnesses described seeing smoke billowing from the semi tractor-trailer.
"When they got there, they saw the fully involved semi truck and they basically needed additional help," Lt. Leon Henderson said.
Firefighters used to water lines to stop it from spreading.
The smoke set off fire alarms at Macys department store and inside the mall. No one was injured.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Follow AkronNewsNow.com for updates as more information becomes available.
Three Kent Roosevelt High School juniors remain hospitalized following a one-car crash off Thursday afternoon.
"We responded to the scene and found that two girls were trapped in the vehicle and that one girl was ejected from the vehicle," Kent Police Lt. Paul Canfield said.
The vehicle ended up in the grass off of River Bend Boulevard in Kent. Police received a call at 2:45 regarding the accident.
Canfield says by the time the Jaws of Life finished removing the girls from the car, the vehicle was in bad shape.
All three girls were juveniles and were taken to Akron Children's Hospital and Akron City Hospital. One was taken by a medical helicopter.
School officials tell AkronNewsNow that the students' injuries appear to be non life-threatening.
Witnesses tell police they may have been racing with other vehicles.
Previous Coverage:
Kent Crash Injures Three Students
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