AKRON
Right-to-work fight
AKRON: City Council passed a resolution this week opposing a statewide push to get a ‘‘right to work’’ amendment on the November ballot.
“This is union busting,” Councilman Jeff Fusco said. “It is driven by the tea party and big money.”
The group pushing the constitutional amendment that would ban forced union membership or dues deductions has gathered about 100,000 signatures and would need 386,000 to put the proposal before voters in November. If supporters fall short, they will instead get the issue on the ballot in 2014, according to a recent Youngstown Vindicator article.
Indiana and Michigan both recently adopted so-called right-to-work laws.
George Johnson, president of the Akron chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), thanked city council for adopting the resolution. About a dozen union leaders and members attended Monday’s council meeting to show their support.
Summit County Council adopted a similar resolution this week.
History discussion
AKRON: The Cascades Lock Park Association is presenting a free discussion on the Underground Railroad at 7 tonight.
Ken Blackerby will talk about Myths of the Underground Railroad at the Mustill Store off West North Street near downtown Akron.
For more information, call 330-374-5625.
BARBERTON
Levy discussion
BARBERTON: Mayor Bill Judge will host a community meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Lake Anna Y to discuss the Barberton schools levy on the May 7 ballot.
Members of the school administration and Board of Education will answer questions regarding the 8.45-mill emergency levy and the district’s financial forecast.
CANTON
Aquatic event
CANTON: The McKinley Presidential Library and Museum will host an aquatic workshop April 27.
The program will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Bring a mug and a brown-bag lunch. Dress for the weather. Some activities will be outdoors.
Books are provided free by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife.
Registration deadline is Friday.
For more information, contact Lynette Reiner at 330-455-7043 or science@mckinleymuseum.org/
COLUMBUS
Air quality info
COLUMBUS: The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is offering a real-time look at air quality in Ohio.
The web-based map of Ohio ozone conditions is available at http://epa.ohio.gov/gis.aspx.
The EPA worked with the Ohio Geographic Information System office to develop the GIS application.
The pollutant ozone is a problem for children, the elderly and asthmatics.
FAIRLAWN
Raise approved
FAIRLAWN: A divided City Council voted 4-3 Monday to raise the hourly rate for Law Director Edward J. Riegler from $100 to $125.
The law director, who handles the city’s legal issues, also is paid a $15,000 retainer fee. This covers attending council and committee meetings. The hourly rate covers any responsibilities outside the retainer fee designations.
According to an analysis of Riegler’s billing in 2012, his pay will rise from nearly $102,000 to more than $131,000.
LAKE SCHOOLS
Fees discussed
LAKE TWP.: The Lake Board of Education voted 4-1 Monday to place a 7.95-mill operating levy on the November ballot.
Board member Jon Troyer objected, saying, “We don’t have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem.”
Board member Derrick Bailey asked that proposed student fees for the 2013-2014 school year be tabled pending further consideration. He said he questions charging students fees for required courses.
Superintendent Jeff Wendorf said the student fees were for consumable items, such as workbooks.
Several parents in the audience also questioned the student fees, and said it would hamper students from participating in sports, band or orchestra, which also will be charging pay-to-participate fees.
The board said it will take another look at the proposed student fees.
MEDINA COUNTY
Prison time added
MEDINA: A woman convicted of posing as a veterinarian in Summit County will spend an additional six months in prison because of two felony convictions in Medina County, Beacon Journal news partner WEWS reported.
Brandi Tomko was sentenced Monday in Medina County Common Pleas Court. A court official said she had admitted to receiving money from two stolen checks.
Last month, Tomko was sentenced to 18 months in prison following her conviction on eight charges, including fraud and identity theft, in connection with her work at C&D Animal Hospital in Akron.
NORTON
Cleanup day set
NORTON: This year’s “Cleanup Norton Day” is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon April. 27.
The goal of the annual spring event is to clean roadsides in the city.
Interested persons or groups are asked to meet at the Norton Administration Center to pick up supplies along with coffee, doughnuts and juice.
Hot dogs, chips and a drink will be served at 11 a.m.
Participants are asked to wear bright clothing.
Pre-registration and more information can be obtained by calling 330-825-7815, ext. 314.
STARK COUNTY
Job fair for vets
CANTON: The Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the Veterans Service Commission are cooperating to hold a job fair April 24.
Presentations will be made at 10 a.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 44, 1633 Cleveland Ave. NW.
Sheriff George Maier said he is seeking veterans to fill approximately 40 positions as deputies, corrections officers, dispatchers, clerks and maintenance workers.
Applicants should bring identification, a resume and DD-214 military discharge documentation.
Participants are asked to park in the gravel lot behind the building.
Veterans unable to attend the job fair may apply between 8 a.m and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the sheriff’s office, 4500 Atlantic Blvd. NE.
For more information, call the Veterans Service Commission at 330-451-7457.
Health fair
CANTON: Mercy Medical Center and the Stark County District Library are teaming up to offer a Community Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Main Library, 715 Market Ave. N.
Several departments from Mercy Medical Center and additional health-care providers will provide free screenings, including blood pressure checks, lung function, cholesterol and vision.
Information will be available on smoking cessation, stroke, surgery and other health issues. For more information, call 330-452-0665.