Good morning, Portage County. Just six months into its existence, Akron's police oversight board is learning that building trust is a bit like assembling IKEA furniture - it takes time, patience, and occasionally results in heated disagreements about which pieces go where. With 130 incidents reviewed and some contentious conversations about Taser policies, the board's relationship with police leadership has been anything but boring.
Meanwhile, the University of Akron's polymer science department is facing its own structural challenges. The proposed elimination of 10 positions from this 115-year-old program has the materials science community bouncing like a rubber ball. Though with $82 million in fresh funding bouncing their way, including a shiny new Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, perhaps this story isn't as sticky as it first appears.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
88% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
👮 Akron's police oversight board marks progress, but tensions remain high. After hiring police auditor Anthony Finnell in May, the board has reviewed over 130 incidents of police conduct and recommended several policy changes around Taser usage and de-escalation. The board's relationship with police leadership has been strained, particularly after Finnell disagreed with the police chief over two use-of-force incidents. Community trust remains fragile following the Thanksgiving shooting of 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker, with residents expressing fears of being "targeted." Looking ahead to 2025, the board aims to expand its investigative powers and conduct a comprehensive review of use-of-force policies with help from former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch.
🔬 Renowned polymer program faces controversial cuts at University of Akron. The proposed elimination of 10 positions from the university's prestigious polymer science department has sparked concern about the future of Northeast Ohio's materials research hub. The program, which dates back to 1909 during Akron's rubber boom, currently serves 160 students and has been crucial to the region's polymer industry, supporting over 550 related businesses. Despite the proposed cuts, the university recently secured $51 million in federal funding for a Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, along with $31.25 million in state funding for polymer innovation. University President R.J. Nemer has pledged to protect the program's "integrity, reputation and strength" while seeking alternative solutions to the merger and staffing reductions.
🔫 Two men break into Akron home, kill resident in mysterious attack. DaVionne Bigby and Gerald Wilson have been indicted on murder charges after allegedly forcing their way into Douglas Walters' home and fatally shooting the 32-year-old victim. Though charged with aggravated burglary, police say theft wasn't the motive and believe the suspects knew Walters. In an ironic twist, one suspect, Wilson, accidentally shot himself during the invasion and required hospitalization after his arrest. Both men remain in Summit County Jail on $1 million bonds each, awaiting their next court appearance.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Crestwood Red Devils | ||
| @ Chagrin Falls | W 56-52 | |
 Garfield G-Men | ||
| @ South Range | L 57-33 | |
 Rootstown Rovers | ||
| @ Southeast | W 63-28 | |
 Southeast Pirates | ||
| vs Rootstown | L 63-28 | |
 Roosevelt Rough Riders | ||
| vs Ravenna | W 63-25 | |
 Windham Bombers | ||
| @ McDonald | L 64-25 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Welcome to 142 Oakwood St. in Ravenna, where you can enjoy a nicely updated home on a double lot for the list price of $160,000. Featuring three bedrooms, one bath, new flooring, an updated kitchen, and a fully fenced backyard, this property also boasts a covered front porch and a spacious storage shed, making it an excellent option for both relaxation and entertainment.
Custom home with private suite
Custom homes are on the rise, with a starting price of $294,700 for the thoughtfully designed Harrison floor plan tailored to your needs. This home features a walk-in pantry conveniently located near the entrance and an owner suite separated from other bedrooms for added privacy—perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying your own space.
Wayne Homes offers custom homes for a list price of $344,650, crafted on your own land in most counties across Ohio as well as parts of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. With over 40 years of experience, they guide homeowners through every step of the building process, from site preparation to selecting floor plans and features, ensuring a personalized and high-quality living space.
🙏 In Remembrance
| ||
|
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
-1 Corinthians 13:13