Home Rehab Is Hot In Middlebury: New Funding For Well CDC
Written by Jeanne Destro
The City of Akron and the Knight Foundation are teaming up to fund further expansion of The Well Community Development Corporation's "Restoring Housing" Program.
The City will give them $4 million dollars in federal COVID relief and Block Grant funds, and the Knight Foundation is matching that amount.
In the past 5 years, the Well CDC has been able to purchase and rehab 84 homes in the Middlebury neighborhood. This additional funding will allow them to complete another 58, and maybe more, homes over the next 3 years.
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan says it is important to revitalize city neighborhoods, and that this project is a great example of how CDC's throughout the city are getting the job done.
"When we have vibrant, diverse neighborhoods like Middlebury, we need a housing stock that reflects that vibrancy. The work that the Well is doing to provide affordable, quality housing will help this area thrive, and I'm proud to support the Restoring Housing initiative."
In a press release from the City of Akron, The Well's Executive Director, Zak Kohl said “We believe developing a healthy housing pipeline starting with rehabbing the current housing stock will give residents the power to choose the type of housing that fits their current context and future aspirations. We are grateful that the City of Akron, The Knight Foundation, Western Reserve Community Fund, and PNC Bank have also committed to invest in restoring housing in Middlebury.”
Knight Foundation Program Manager Kyle Kutuchief adds, “As part of a larger strategy to strengthen the Middlebury Neighborhood, we’re proud to partner with the City of Akron to accelerate The Well’s ability to acquire, rehabilitate and rent homes.”
In front: Ward 10 Councilwoman Sharon Connor, Back row from left to right: Knight Foundation Program Manager Kyle Kutuchief, The Well CDC Business Manager and Middlebury resident Makita Gulley, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, Executive Director of The Well CDC, Zac Kohl (Photo Credit: City of Akron)
This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-7-14-23: Sustainable Silicone Featured
Written by Jeanne Destro
Wouldn't it be great if you could endlessly recycle an enormously useful resource, do it for less money than it takes to make it brand new, keep tons of waste out of landfills, and reduce air pollution all at the same time?
Well, yes. Yes it would be.
That's why we're talking to a Chemistry Professor at Bowling Green State University, who is pretty sure he's got that all figured out, with a new, patent-pending, room temperature recycling process.
From medical implants, to the clear stuff we use to seal cracks around our kitchen sinks; silicone is pretty much everywhere.Other common uses include lubricants, hydraulic fluids, O-Rings, heat-resistant seals, flexible molds, makeup, and even food additives.
So, being able to recycle it efficiently and inexpensively would be a real bonus for all kinds of industries, and a welcome relief for communities trying to manage ever-expanding landfills.
Listen now, as we explore the topic with Bowling Green State University AssociateProfessor of Chemistry and Photochemical Sciences , Dr. Joseph Furgal.
Dr. Joseph Furgal, Bowling Green State University
Film Study Professor, Joe Fortunato, joins Ray every Friday for Film School. This week,they go back to 1978 to talk about, as Joe Calls it, 'One of the most beloved comedies probably of all time', Animal House.
Golf Pro, Dan Dauk, joins the Ray Horner Morning Show every Friday with tips and info for golfers. This week Dan talked about tree hazards, hitting high and hitting low.
Golf Pro, Dan Dauk, joins Ray every Friday to talk about local golf courses. This weekend is the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club. Dan reviewed the Firestone Country Club.
Akron Public Schools Selects New Superintendent
Written by Steffany MurdockAkron Public Schools has a new superintendent. Dr. C. Michael Robinson brings years of experience to the district. He joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to discuss what drew him to Akron and what is to come.
The bees are back! A new observational beehive has returned to the McKinley Museum in Canton after their old hive of bees was poisoned.
The Canton Repository reports that last August the Museum’s beehive was taken out by an unknown culprit who poisoned the hive with a chemical pesticide. Canton police and the Ohio Department of Agriculture investigated the poisoning but there weren't many leads, with security cameras at the wrong angle to capture the crime.
But now thanks to financial support from the community, who raised $3,752 on giving Tuesday last November a brand new beehive has been installed. The museum extended their thanks to those who gave money saying, “Your donations allowed us to continue our conservation efforts and educational outreach for the endangered honeybee.”
Soda Jerk: Alleged Shoplifter Clocks Clerk with Pepsi
Written by Jeanne Destro
Assault by Pepsi.
That's what happened to a clerk at Dollar General, at 588 East Exchange Street Tuesday night, when a man allegedly tried to shoplift a 12 pack of Diet Pepsi.
Akron Police say when she followed him; the man allegedly hit her in the face repeatedly with a can of Pepsi, and dragged her into the parking lot.
Later, police found the suspect, 64 year old David Marsh, who is now behind bars, charged with Robbery and Felonious Assault.
Matt Kaulig of The Kaulig Companies Championship
Written by Steffany MurdockThe Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club kicks off today, July 13th, and continues through July 16th. Ray Horner talked with Matt Kaulig, the Executive Chairman of the Kaulig Companies. They discussed keeping the chamionship at Firestone, Kaulig Companies, and more!
Spotlight: New Akron Public Schools Superintendent
Written by Jeanne Destro
Akron Public Schools new Superintendent, C. Michael Robinson, Jr. took the stage for the first time yesterday in Akron, introducing himself to the public during a press conference hosted by the Akron School Board.
Robinson, who will guide the district which has been without a permanent Superintendent since Christine Fowler-Mack resigned in February, says he is looking forward to meeting with students, teachers, and community members within his first 100 days on the job.
Robinson will officially start his new position, which pays $240,000 per year, on August 1. He will be taking over from Interim Superintendent, Mary Outley, who has been in that role since February.
Robinson most recently served as the chief academic officer for East Baton Rouge Parish Schools in Louisiana. He holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, and has experience teaching at all educational levels from elementary school, through college.
To find out more; watch the press conference video posted below. Please note; to hear Robinson's remarks immediately, skip ahead to 3:00 minutes into the presentation.
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Federal Marshals have arrested a suspect in connection with last weekend's mass shooting in Cleveland that left 9 people wounded.
25 year old Jaylon Jennings was arrested shortly before 4pm yesterday in Lorain and is charged with 9 counts of felonious assault.
News 5 reports that at yesterday’s press conference Bobby George, owner of the Barley House in Cleveland indicated that it was his offer of a $50,000 reward for information on the crime that led to the tip that eventually led to Jenning’s arrest.
Authorities said that a motive for the shooting has not been established, with News5 reporting that Jennings was out on bond, in connection with another shooting that occurred last year.
Early Voting Begins for August 8th Special Election
Written by Katie Lee
Tuesday was the start of early voting for Ohio’s special election on August 8th. On the ballot is Issue 1, which if passed would raise the threshold for amending the state constitution from a simple majority of 50 percent plus one, to 60%.
Early voting is available at the Summit County Board of Elections from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, with hours extending in August.
For the full schedule of early voting click here.
Ren Camacho Joins the Kent State University Board of Trustees
Written by Steffany MurdockOhio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Ren Camacho to the Kent State University Board of Trustees. Camacho currently serves as president and CEO of the Akron-Canton Airport. He will serve on the board through May 16, 2032 & succeeds Stephen Perry. Ren Camacho joined the Ray Horner Morning Show on Wednesday to talk about his expertise and how the appointment came about.
Barley House Owner Offers $50,000 to Find Cleveland Gunman
Written by Katie Lee
The owner of the Barley House in Cleveland is offering a $50,000 dollar reward to anyone with information on the shooting that left 9 people wounded this past weekend.
A gunman opened fire on a crowd on W. 6th Street around 2:30am on Sunday right down the street from multiple bars and restaurants including the Barley House and Lost, a lounge and nightclub, both of which are owned by Bobby George.
George is hoping a cash incentive will help solve the crime, telling News 5, “There’s a saying that says if you show me the incentive, then I’ll show you the outcome.”
George also adds that he’s not offering the reward in the interest of business saying instead that, “ It’s about my people. I don’t care about the money. I care that something could have happened to the people that I love most in this world.”
Crime stoppers were initially offering $5,000 for information. Now there’s another $50 thousand added to that in hopes of catching the culprit. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 216-25-CRIME.