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Ur-ine A boat Miller takes trouble show for over as AD (Barberton) the century at Norton Page 3
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Resident compares Ryland to Gestapo accept a $1.25 million interest-free loan from the Ohio Public Works (OPW) for the Nash Heights Phase I sewer project. The discussion soon turned to the proposed charter amendment on the August ballot. Known as Issue 1, the amendment would essentially free residents of any assessments for sewer construction and tie-in fees and would cap monthly utility bills at $35. The amendment was initiated by Citizens 4 Norton, a grass-roots organization formed to oppose sewer expansion. City officials have said they will work to defeat HERALD PHOTO/Carl Boon
City Administrator Rick Ryland reacts to being compared to a Nazi by “using Gestapo tactics” by resident Bill Paluch regarding the city’s sewer project. Shortly after their heated exchange, Ryland left the meeting.
Carl Boon Herald Staff Writer The sewer issue once again dominated Norton City Council’s work session. Lasting nearly three hours, Monday’s meeting
degenerated at times into shouting matches between residents and Mayor Mike Zita and City Administrator Rick Ryland. Two hours into the meeting, Ryland walked out after being accused of “using Gestapo tactics” by
Shellhart Road resident Bill Paluch. Reacting angrily to the accusation, Ryland said he was not going to “listen to any more untruths and to being compared to the Gestapo.” Council had been discussing whether to
Issue 1, citing the severe financial consequences it would cause. They have formed a political action committee called People of Progress with Council President Don Nicolard ser ving as chairman. Nicolard said the group has raised close to $2,000 thus far and will use the funds for an anti-Issue 1 campaign. During the meeting, Nicolard and Zita itemized a long list of potential budget cuts if Issue 1 passes, including cutbacks to the police department, street department and community events. (See NORTON, Page 2)
Breaking News
City sues for back rent
The city has filed a lawsuit against Lake Entertainment Group, former operators of Lake Cinemas, seeking $98,000 in unpaid rent. The suit, dated May 21, was filed in the city's behalf by Roetzel & Andress of Akron. It charges Lake Entertainment, in c/o of Phil Canfora, Statutory Agent, with breach of a commercial lease and unjust enrichment. The suit states that Lake Entertainment failed to pay $98,000 in rent payments despite written demands from the city on January 14, 2013 and May 1, 2013. Background and furtherdetails will be published in next week’s Herald.
Stop, look and listen
Missing Norton man remains a mystery Carl Boon Herald Staff Writer
Angela Porter of Norton is a victim. Even if no crime was committed, the woman has been victimized, tortured really, by the sudden and unexplained disappearance of her fiance, Jeffrey J. Hathaway, May 15. By all accounts, it was a normal Wednesday. HERALD PHOTO/Carl Boon Hathaway, 45, and Angie, Angie Porter studies the as she is known to friends, police report she filed on the 34, visited her terminally-ill disappearance of her fiance, mother in Barberton in the Jeffrey J. Hathaway.
morning. Returning to the Norton home they shared with her two sons from a previous marriage, Hathaway dropped her off at 11:30, saying he was heading to his office. He was business manager for a tradesman union. At 2:30 p.m., however, Angie received a call from St. Augustine’s School. No one had picked up Angie’s boys, something Hathaway was supposed to do. Suddenly frantic, Angie tried Jeff’s cellphone. No answer. She dialed the union hall. The (See MISSING, Page 2)
HERALD PHOTO/Carl Boon
Red means stop and green means go. Norton Police officer Jason Sams helps teach street safety to several of the 120 youngsters enrolled in last week’s Safety Town, sponsored by the Norton Women’s Club.
Stevenson, Poda annouce candidacy Diana Stevenson, Clerk of the Barberton Municipal Court, has announced her candidacy for the seat she has held since January 2012. Stevenson was appointed to fill the term of Christine Croce who was elected Municipal Court Judge. The Barberton Municipal Court covers the communities of Barberton, Clinton, Copley Township, Coventry Township, Green, New Franklin and Norton. Jon Poda officially filed his petitions as a Democratic candidate for Clerk of Courts June 12.
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Summa stops heart attacks 26 minutes faster than the national standard. Emergency Services Network In an emergency, always dial 911. Based on average door-to-balloon times of 43 minutes at Summa Akron City Hospital and 64 minutes at Summa Barberton Hospital, as compared to the 90-minute American Heart Association standard.
summahealth.org/beheartsmart
Thomas Bak, Akron – 24 minutes