Good morning, Portage County. A powerful tribute to valor is taking shape in Norton, where a $500,000 veterans memorial stands ready to tell stories of sacrifice through its striking silhouettes and meaningful monuments. As the Memorial Day dedication approaches, this labor of love isn't just about bronze and granite – it's about honoring the heroes who've called Northeast Ohio home.
Speaking of hometown heroes, Akron is remembering one of its own guardian angels. David Fielder may not have worn a cape, but his 23-year crusade as traffic engineer saved countless lives through innovations we still benefit from today. Meanwhile, Warren JFK's Nick Ryan is writing his own legacy on the hardwood, dropping a jaw-dropping 50 points in a performance that had the scoreboard operator doing double-takes.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎖️ Norton's $500,000 veterans memorial races toward Memorial Day grand opening. The ambitious project features a striking silhouette statue of a saluting soldier leading to a hexagonal display honoring six military branches. Along a zigzagging walkway, visitors will find monuments for POWs, Purple Heart recipients, and a boots-and-bayonet tribute. The city is offering sponsorship opportunities including engraved bricks and commemorative plaques to involve the community. The May 26 dedication will include performances, speeches from dignitaries, and a celebration of local military history.
🚦 A childhood accident sparked David Fielder's mission to make Akron safer. As the city's traffic engineer for 23 years, he transformed Akron's road safety standards and cut traffic fatalities by more than half. His innovations included adding left-turn arrows, installing reflective street signs, and personally investigating crash sites to improve dangerous locations. The Yale graduate's impact was so significant that Mayor Plusquellic declared his influence would be felt for decades. Fielder, who died at 96, left a legacy of safer streets and smarter traffic solutions that continue to protect Akron residents today.
🏀 High school senior explodes for 50 points in dominant victory. Warren JFK's Nick Ryan led his Eagles to a commanding 79-49 win over Mogadore, showcasing perfect free throw shooting with an 8-for-8 performance. The sharp-shooting senior drained four three-pointers as part of his spectacular scoring outburst. The victory improved Warren JFK's record to 9-4 for the season, with the team set to host Canton Central Catholic in their next matchup.
🏒 Hockey Scoreboard
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Roosevelt (17-8) | ||
@ Orange | W 7-3 |
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
The undefeated Crestwood Red Devils showed no mercy in a 91-56 demolition of Lakeside, improving to a perfect 14-0 on the season. Next up for the red-hot Devils: a date with West Branch, who might want to bring some fire extinguishers to cool down this scorching squad.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Crestwood (14-0) | ||
vs Lakeside | W 91-56 |
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
The Smithies showed no mercy in a 51-22 demolition of Garfield, improving to 15-2 on the season and making their case as the team nobody wants to face come tournament time. Meanwhile, Crestwood's defense brought the hammer down in a 63-22 rout of Springfield, leaving the Spartans searching for answers and their bus keys.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Crestwood (14-4) | ||
vs Springfield | W 63-22 | |
Garfield (6-9) | ||
@ Smithville | L 51-22 | |
Roosevelt (10-8) | ||
@ Tallmadge | L 40-31 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Spacious kitchen and cozy retreat: List price: $494,990. The Countryview at Brier Creek features an expansive kitchen with an island and walk-in pantry, a cozy café area, and a gathering room leading to a covered patio, plus a first-floor owner's suite with a generous walk-in closet.
Charming ranch with walkout basement: This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch on 2 acres in Palmyra Township, priced at $258,400, features a versatile walkout basement and freshly updated interiors, inviting you to personalize your new home.
Prime commercial property with potential: This prime commercial property in Shalersville, listed at $420,000, boasts 1.35 acres ideally located near busy SR 44 and SR 303. With mixed commercial/residential zoning and utilities available, it offers significant development potential.🙏 In Remembrance
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