COLUMBUS
Housing assistance
COLUMBUS: The Ohio Development Services Agency has approved grants to four organizations that will help serve the housing needs of more than 2,600 Ohioans living with AIDS or HIV-related diseases.
The grants, totaling almost $1.3 million, included two for the Akron-Canton area.
Community AIDS Network will receive $200,000 to operate the Community AIDS Housing and Support Project in Portage and Summit counties. The funding will support the operation of Micah House and Harmony Place, which serve 110 individuals living with AIDS or HIV, and provide short-term rental assistance and housing assistance to 90 people.
Community Services of Stark County Inc. will receive $20,000 to provide rental, mortgage and utility assistance and case management services to 40 people in Carroll, Harrison, Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas or Wayne counties.
CANAL FULTON
Levy for library
CANAL FULTON: The Canal Fulton Public Library will seek a 1-mill additional tax levy on the May 7 ballot to raise $235,308 a year.
Since 2009, revenue from the state’s Public Library Fund has decreased 22 percent, board President Bob Richmond said. The library’s share of the fund has fallen from $605,665 in 2008 to an estimated $472,343 this year.
The library has cut costs by reducing service hours and staff hours and benefits, its board said in a written statement. Also, the materials budget was cut by $61,627.
COVENTRY TOWNSHIP
Store robbed
AKRON: The Summit County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two men who robbed a video store Wednesday night in Coventry Township.
Workers at Family Video, 3710 Manchester Road, say two men walked into the store near closing time, around 11:35 p.m., and demanded cash.
One of the robbers had a gun, authorities say.
The men wore dark clothing and brightly colored scarves wrapped around their heads and faces. They fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Anyone with information is asked to call 330-643-2181.
KENT STATE
Civil War film debut
KENT: A collaborative documentary film effort between students of Kent State and the University of Akron, The Sojer Boys of Portage County, will premiere at 1 p.m. Saturday in 110 Franklin Hall on the main Kent campus.
The 90-minute film, which KSU professor of journalism and mass communication Fred Endres produced for PBS, follows seven young Portage County soldiers through the Civil War. It is based on their letters and diaries.
The premiere precedes the documentary’s broadcast at 10 p.m. Sunday. It will be shown locally on WNEO/WEAO (Channels 45/49).
Endres describes himself as a longtime student of the Civil War and someone who is fascinated by the conflict’s short- and long-term effects on the United States.
SUMMIT COUNTY
Record set
AKRON: United Way of Summit County has been recognized for breaking the Guinness World Record for the “largest cornhole tournament.”
The event was held Sept. 12 at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron to help celebrate the kickoff of the annual United Way campaign. A total of 268 people participated in the tournament, surpassing the previous record of 250 participants.
United Way officials said they hope this year’s campaign also will be a record breaker. It’s goal is $11.6 million.
To learn about United Way programs and services, or to volunteer or make donations, call 330-762-7601, visit www.uwsummit.org or go to the offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron.
New ‘Help Desk’
AKRON: Summit County Probate Court Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer will launch a free “Help Desk Program” today for residents who have questions and need assistance on probate issues.
The desk, staffed by two attorneys, will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday on the first floor of the courthouse. The attorneys can provide guidance on issues such as name changes, simple estate transfers and notary services.
The attorneys cannot assist with making wills, complicated estates, adoption proceedings or contested matters. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.
To schedule an appointment or for more details, call 330-643-2323.
STATE NEWS
Re-elections eyed
COLUMBUS: Republicans in the statewide offices of auditor, treasurer, attorney general and secretary of state said Thursday they hope to remain on the job after 2014.
Auditor Dave Yost, Treasurer Josh Mandel, Attorney General Mike DeWine and Secretary of State Jon Husted say they will seek re-election next year.
The leaders made their comments during a legislative preview session for journalists.
Republican Gov. John Kasich already has confirmed he intends to keep his position.
— Associated Press
Abuse hot line
COLUMBUS: Ohio residents who suspect child abuse or neglect can now make an anonymous report using a central toll-free telephone number.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced Thursday the launch of the number — 855-O-H-CHILD, or 855-642-4453.
It connects callers to an automated telephone directory that will link them directly to a child welfare or law enforcement office in their county.
The number was introduced successfully in northwest Ohio in September and now is available to all 88 Ohio counties.
— Associated Press
Bullying suit tossed
CLEVELAND: A federal judge tossed out a lawsuit filed by the parents of a bullied Ohio teen who killed herself in 2008.
The girl’s parents said in the lawsuit that their 16-year-old daughter was severely bullied and that the school didn’t protect her.
U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent on Thursday dismissed the lawsuit filed against the Mentor school district and several school employees.
The judge said the threats the girl had talked about took place outside of school and that she was not enrolled in Mentor schools when she committed suicide.
— Associated Press