Jayland Walker Back in the News

The Akron Police Department's internal investigation has determined that the eight officers involved in the shooting death of Jayland Walker did not violate police policies.

“I found that the facts and circumstances of this tragic shooting show that the officers had an objectively reasonable belief that Mr. Walker was armed and by his conduct presented an imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death to them and/or their fellow officers,” Chief Steve Mylett said in an executive summary of the investigation. Source.

Jayland Walker, who was shot by police in June 2022, was found to have fired a gun while fleeing, according to a state investigation. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, after presenting its findings to a special grand jury, revealed that the officers involved were not indicted for any criminal offenses. The Akron Police Department conducted its own internal investigation, concluding that the officers did not violate any policies or procedures in the incident. Chief Steve Mylett asked the OBCI to do the investigation.

The city, citing a pending federal lawsuit by Jayland Walker's family, declined to provide additional comments on the internal investigation. The eight officers involved in the incident, initially placed on administrative leave, have since been reassigned to desk duty and subsequently returned to regular duty.

Ohio House Bill 341

House Bill 341, introduced by Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, proposes changes to Ohio's marijuana law, known as Issue 2, approved by voters on November 7. The bill allows municipalities to restrict recreational marijuana use and impose additional taxes, contrary to Issue 2's initial provisions preventing local governments from banning use or home growth. The proposed legislation aims to empower local authorities to regulate cannabis within their jurisdictions.

The bill also alters the distribution of revenue generated from marijuana sales. While maintaining funds for social equity, municipalities with dispensaries, and administrative costs, it adds a second revenue stream for substance abuse and establishes a fund for law enforcement training. Approximately 19% of the revenue would be allocated to these five categories, with 3% reserved for administrative costs. The legislation is presented as a starting point for discussions, emphasizing the opportunity for citizens to express their views in the committee process.

As the debate on regulating marijuana continues among Republican leaders and Governor Mike DeWine, the bill's fate remains uncertain. Some lawmakers advocate for changes before Issue 2 takes effect on December 7, while others, like House Speaker Jason Stephens, express a need for careful consideration to ensure a robust regulatory system in Ohio's emerging marijuana industry. Although recreational marijuana use and growth will be legal after December 7, sales are not expected to begin until late summer or fall of the following year due to the licensing process. source

Hudson Holiday Walk December 3rd

This year's Hudson Holiday Walk is Sunday, Dec. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at the First & Main Green.

Highlights include a hot cocoa bar and sweet treats, letters to Santa, and make-and-take crafts. Entertainers will include a face painter, stilt walker and a balloon twister. Horse and carriage rides will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. on a first come, first served reservation basis. There also will be a live nativity at the First Congregational Church at 47 Aurora St.

In addition, donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted for NEOPAT to deliver to local military families in the area that are in need this holiday season. The local Girl Scouts Troops will be caroling at 2 p.m. by the Pergola and the Hudson High School Vocal Impact Group will perform between noon and 1 p.m.

One Gift Card For Downtown Akron

Give them ONE E-Gift Card they can use in MANY downtown locations! It's the Downtown Akron Dollars E-Gift Card. It works just like a regular gift card, except it's digital & goes on your smartphone. https://bit.ly/DowntownAkronEGiftCard .

The downtown locations you can use the E-Gift Card include

ART x LOVE

Akron Soul Train

ChillandIndulge

El Patrón Tequilería & Cuisine

HAIR GEEK Studios

Jilly's Music Room

Muggswigz (Downtown Akron)

NOMZ

Northside Marketplace

Ohio Shakespeare Festival

Street Craftery

Ohio Tea Lady Inc.

Unknown Akron

Diamond Deli

Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant

Joan Colbert Studios

With many more to come!

Hollie Strano Arrested

WKYC TV on-air meteorologist Hollie Strano was arrested and charged with an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) after crashing her car on Akron-Peninsula Road on Thanksgiving, the TV station and other media outlets reported.

She is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Cuyahoga Falls Mayor's Court, Cleveland Scene reported.

WKYC said Cuyahoga Falls police were alerted to a possible intoxicated driver around 7:30 p.m. Police found Strano driving an SUV and began following her as she allegedly reached 70 mph in a 35 mph zone heading toward the Akron border.

The station reports police said Strano had a blood alcohol level of 0.244%, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08%.

The crash happened in front of the Towpath Tennis Center in Akron, where a fire hydrant was also struck. The TV station reported that Strano declined medical treatment and was released to a third party. See video

The Holidays Can Be Tough

The winter season can be hard for many people.

Mental health concerns increase as do overdoses.

Know how to get help.

+ Call 988 for support or crisis intervention.

+ Carry Narcan.

Get a kit by mail at: scph.org/kit-request-form

Letter From Santa

Receive official correspondence from the desk of Santa Claus! Have a personalized letter from Mr. Kringle® delivered directly to your mailbox. Enjoy unforgettable Christmas memories postmarked for the most avid believers.

Choose from 9 endearing templates that can be customized to delight one very special recipient. Each letter is postmarked to perfection with authentic embellishments and delivered via USPS.

Schedule your Letter Now -> https://mrkringle.com/letter-from-santa/

Forget Letters, Have Breakfast With Santa

Experience Festive Fun at 'Breakfast with Santa': A Holiday Event for the Whole Family!

Saturday, December 9th and 16th | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 10th and 17th | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The event includes breakfast from the BREAKFAST BOX, entry to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt, Ice Bumper Car Ride and photo opportunities with Santa. Presale tickets are available for $15 and day-of tickets will be $18 (children two and under are free). Reserve now, space is limited!

https://www.akronohio.gov/departments/lock_3/featured_events.php

LeBron James Sets Another All-Time Record

In addition to already passing Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA's all-time scoring list, LeBron can now say he's played more NBA basketball than anyone in history as well.

We are all witnesses as LeBron continues to play at a high level in his 21st season at age 38. James will celebrate his 39th birthday at the end of December.

Do You Still Have Leaves After Your Pickup Date?

If you still have leaves after your ward's removal date has passed, there are ways you can request a pickup with 311!

Our helpful and friendly 311 staff will be able to assist and find the best way to ensure your leaves can be picked up!

Please note that requesting the crews come back to your address after the wards have finished does NOT guarantee your leaf removal before the winter season.

Yes, the Y Bridge is Safe

Someone saw what looked like a crack in the Y bridge, took a picture and social media exploded. The city of Akron explained, "The "crack" is a design the city calls a pin and hanger assembly. It is hard to see from the ground or in your car, but it creates an expansion joint in the bridge that moves with the change in weather.

So, it actually prevents that breakage that you might see otherwise. So, it is meant as a safety feature, so the bridge is working appropriately, it's behaving as it should and it is safe for folks to drive on

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