Aaron Coleman
Aaron has been working with RCRG since August of 2008 covering various news and sporting events. He graduated in 2003 from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron. He then went onto the University of Akron in May of 2008 with a degree in Radio/TV & Media Productions and a minor in Psychology. It was at WZIP & ZTV where Aaron developed a passion for radio especially Sports Radio. While attending the University of Akron you could hear Aaron on Sundays doing the "Sports Power Talk" program. Aaron covers City Hall, County Council and Akron School Board beats and handles traffic updates weekday afternoons on 1590 WAKR, 97.5 WONE and 94.9 WQMX. You can contact Aaron through the newsroom 330-864-6397 or email acoleman@rcrg.net
Ross Trial Date Set For August
A date has been set for the trial of a man in connection with the 1999 death of an Akron woman.
Denny Ross was in court today for a pretrial hearing related to his alleged involvement with the death of Hannah Hill, 18 of Akron.
The Beacon Journal is reporting Ross rejected a plea deal that would have meant 25 more years in prison or 15 to life with 8 years credit for time served.
His trial date is set for August 13th in Judge Judy Hunter's courtroom. The first trial for Ross was declared a mistrial in the fall of 2000.
The newspaper is also saying Ross had a choice of 2 deals, one for murder and one for manslaughter.
The 32-year old Ross is already in prison for an unrelated crime while he was free on bond following his mistrial in the Hill case.
He is charged with two counts of murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence, and felonious assault.
Ross will not face the death penalty.
Hill's body was found in the trunk of her car in Ellet after a week-long search in May of 1999.
On the Web www.ohio.com
AUDIO Akron To Hire Veterans As Cops
The City of Akron will look to use federal funds to hire 12 new police officers with military backgrounds to help patrol the streets.
Public Safety Chair and Ward 9 Councilman Mike Freeman says $1.5 million from the U.S Department of Justice would be used to bring in the officers.
"The approximately 12 new officers hired under the grant must be veterans that served in active duty on or after September of 2001," Freeman said.
Akron City Council unanimously voted on the agreement between the city and the Federal Government to implement veterans into the police force through a grant from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.
Akron Councilman Mike Freeman by Akron NewsNow
The city says once the civil service exams are given, those personnel, some of whom have served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan will have an opportunity to obtain a full-time job with benefits once they return to the States.
Freeman says the program is an excellent way of showing the veterans appreciation for their service to our country.
"We just think it's a good way to honor the veterans and show them we appreciate this," Freeman explained.
"The city voted on something like this a few years ago and it went very well, and we just look forward to seeing these new hires come on."
The councilman says that having these veterans, who are already trained in conflict resolution and other disciplines will be ready to handle the rigors of being an Akron police officer once they are hired.
In June, U.S Senator Sherrod Brown helped the city secure the grant to bring the veterans to the workforce and have them serve the community as members of the APD.
AUDIO Soto Garners Eastern League Honors
Following his historic no-hitter on Sunday, Akron Aeros southpaw Giovanni Soto has been named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week.
Taking questions from the media Monday afternoon at Canal Park, Soto said through his translator, Aeros coach Rouglas Odor that Sunday's milestone was a thrill he'll never forget.
"He's very excited about it, " said Odor. "Every time he takes the mound, he's always looking to deliver a good performance, but he never thought it would be as good as Sunday."
The 21-year old's dominant pitching performance was just the second time in franchise history that an Aeros pitcher has thrown a 9-inning no hitter since Jeanmar Gomez accomplished the feat in 2009.
Akron Aeros Pitcher Giovanni Soto by Akron NewsNow
Odor said after his no-no Soto was responding to the numerous congratulations he received through social media and phone calls.
"There were many people congratulating him on Facebook, so he spent a lot of time after the game typing back to his friends and family members."
Soto struck out six batters and walked three while giving up one unearned run in Sunday's 2-1 victory over the Altoona Curve.
The Carolina,Puerto Rico native is now 6-6 on the year with a 3.7 ERA in 18 starts with the Aeros this season.
Originally selected by the Detroit Tigers in 2009, Soto was acquired by the Cleveland Indians in the Jhonny Peralta trade in 2010.
The Aeros will continue their homestand with the Harrisburg Senators at Canal Park through Wednesday.
Note: Soto is speaking through Aeros coach Rouglas Odor in the audio clip.
Possible Panther Sighting In Mantua
The Portage County Sheriff's Department is asking residents to keep a close eye on their livestock as several reported panther sightings have residents in Mantua anxious.
Portage County Sheriff David Doak says multiple reports have surfaced regarding sightings of the feline.
"Four or five people tell us that they've seen this animal," Doak said.
"They've described it as a large black cat."
The Sheriff's office cannot confirm if the animal is indeed a panther because they haven't seen any photos of it. He believes the mystery cat was a pet that someone released.
Sheriff Doak says people shouldn’t panic if they come in contact with the animal.
"Don't run from it, stay in groups, and keep an eye on your children," he says.
The Sheriff's Department has been in contact with the Department of Natural Resources and they say that the big cats generally won't approach humans.
"These cats will be afraid of humans most of the time and they'll run from you, but don't run from it, because their first instinct is to chase," said Sheriff David Doak.
The Sheriff's office says there have been no reports of any downed livestock in the Manuta area.
If anyone is to see the animal, they should contact law enforcement and take a photo if possible.
Business Owner, Company Guilty Of Open Dumping
An area business owner has been found guilty in a Summit County open dumping case.
Mark Malbin along with his Richfield-based company Bencin Material Hauling & Disposal Services were found guilty of two felony counts of open dumping and operating an unlicensed solid waste disposal facility Wednesday in Summit County Common Pleas Court.
Malbin was setenced to 20 days in jail as well as 45 days of house arrest, 50 hours of community service, and pay $29,000 in fines and restitution to the Ohio EPA and the Attorney General's office.
His company was also hit with $23,000 in fines and restitution payments.
He (Malbin) was also placed on community control for three years and if he violates any of the terms, he could face two years in prison on each count.
In addition, Malbin was ordered to clean up the facilities where the waste and debris were buried on.
The Ohio EPA first caught wind of the open dumping situation after getting an anonymous complaint about one of the sites in October of 2010.
Press Release:
On Wednesday, in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Mark Malbin and Bencin Material Hauling & Disposal Services Inc. (2636 Brecksville Road, Richfield, Ohio) were found guilty of open dumping and operating a solid waste disposal facility without a license, both counts are unclassified felonies. Judge Elinore Stormer adopted the plea agreement and sentenced as follows:
Mark Malbin: He shall serve twenty days of incarceration on each count (work release acceptable) followed by 45 days of electronic monitoring per count; pay a fine of $5,000 on each count; pay restitution of $5,000 on each count to the Ohio EPA; $2,500 on each count to the Ohio Attorney General; $2,000 on each count to the Northeast Environmental Enforcement Project. He will be placed on community control for three years and if he violates any terms or conditions of community control, he could face two years of prison on each count. He also will serve 50 hours of community service on each count. He was ordered to clean up the facilities located at 2636 Brecksville Road, Richfield, Ohio; 10801 Meech Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio; 19906 Miles Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio.
Bencin: $2,000 fine on each count; pay restitution of $5,000 per count to the Ohio EPA; $2,500 per count to the Ohio Attorney General; $2,000 each count to the Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association. Mr. Malbin is the owner of Bencin which provides waste removal to commercial enterprises. He operated his business activities over the years at the above locations. As a result of a state investigation, it was discovered that solid waste and construction demolition and debris were buried on these properties.
Browns Select Former Baylor WR Gordon In Supplemental Draft
The Browns have added to their receving corps by selecting former Baylor wideout Josh Gordon in the second round of the NFL’s supplemental draft.
The Beacon Journal confirms Gordon was selected by the team in hopes of adding some big-play ability to an offense that was struggling to get points on the board.
Gordon showed some flashes of that ability as he posted 42 receptions for 714 yards and seven touchdowns for the Bears as a sophomore in 2010.
The 6-foot-3, 224-pound wide receiver had some off the field issues at Baylor, as he was arrested for marijuana possession in 2010 and subsequently failed a drug test, dismissing him from the team. He then enrolled at Utah and sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules.
With the Browns' selection of Gordon, they will lose a second-round selection in next year's NFL Draft.
This is the first time since 1985 that the Browns took a player in the supplemental draft when the team selected quarterback Bernie Kosar.
On the Web www.ohio.com
AUDIO Akron To Provide More Streamlined Services
The City of Akron has taken the next step in addressing quality of life issues and responding to citizen complaints.
John Valle, who is the Director of the newly formed Department of Neighborhood Assistance tells AkronNewsNow.com that this new approach will help the city better coordinate its services.
"There's four divisions that will be part of the Department of Neighborhood Assistance," Valle says.
"The housing division, the nuisance compliance division, the 3-1-1 call center, and the recreation bureau will all be under one roof to better serve the residents of Akron."
City Council unanimously approved the formation of the department during their meeting Monday evening.
Valle says the new department is more practical for inspectors to address problems at the same house or neighborhood.
Department of Neighborhood Assistance Director John Valle by Akron NewsNow
"We have cross-trained our nuisance compliance inspectors and our people in the housing department where they can go out to one location and write up multiple nuisance violations," Valle said.
'We've been improving in that area over the past several years, and now with this department we can do better."
He says that by having experienced managers and leadership within the department, more things can be done to help improve Akron's neighborhoods.
"I will be pulling all these resources from these experienced managers that we have, and we will make things easier for residents and block watches in our city to get things done in our neighborhoods."
Valle also says that he will offer the public the opportunity to speak to him one-on-one to discuss any neighborhood or property concerns that come to mind.
Massillon Cafeteria Worker Sentenced For Sending Nude Photos
A former cafeteria worker will be spending some time in prison for sending nude photos of herself to male students.
WKYC-Channel 3 News is saying that 35-year old Stacy St. Jean-Barton will be serving 22 months in prison on charges of disseminating material harmful to juveniles. She worked in the cafeteria at Massillon's Washington High School.
She pleaded guilty to the charges last month.
St. Jean-Barton will be eligible to apply for early release after serving six months of her prison term. She will be on probation for five years after she is released.
On the www.wkyc.com
Canton Man Arrested For Alleged Drug Trafficking
A 65-year old Canton man is now facing numerous drug charges after allegedly trafficking drugs within a school zone.
The Beacon reports officers from the Canton Police Department's Special Investigations Unit and the SWAT team conducted a raid in the 2200 block of Mahoning Road Northeast around 4p.m. Tuesday afternoon following a lengthy investigation that was sparked by a citizen complaint.
Police say David Currie Jr ran the operation out of his home on Mahoning Road NE, which is close to to St. Paul’s Catholic School and the J.R. Coleman Child Care and Family Center.
Authorities recovered powder and crack cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernaila, and a gun among other items.
He was arrested and charged with possession and trafficking of heroin and cocaine, weapons under disability, and other drug-related charges.
Currie has had a history of drug and weapons related convictions in the past according to police.
On the Web www.ohio.com
AUDIO Akron Asks Congress To Re-Evaluate Post Office Bill
Akron City Council is asking the U.S. House of Representatives to vote no on a bill that would eliminate Saturday mail delivery and effect how millions get their mail each day.
At-large Councilman Jeff Fusco doesn't think the approach is necessary for fighting the post office's financial situation.
"We certainly understand that adjustments ought to be made," Fusco said.
"However, House Resolution 2309 is an "all or nothing" approach to alleviating this problem."
Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing the bill during their meeting Monday night.
At-large Councilman Jeff Fusco by Akron NewsNow
Fusco said if House Resolution 2309 passes, a negative impact would be felt all over the country and in Akron, especially amongst the elderly and the disabled in the community.
"Obviously we have a lot of people who have a hard time getting around, and this would adversely affect them tremendously," Fusco said.
"We're simply asking Congress take their time and study ways to save the post office money."
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