AKRON

Man gets six months
in nonsupport case
AKRON: An Elyria man was sentenced Tuesday to six months in prison for nonsupport of his two children.

In 2002, Barry Porter, 39, was ordered to pay $339.88 a month for support of his 11- and 12-year-olds, said Sherri Bevan Walsh.

In 2007, after failing to meet his obligation — which had accumulated to $40,160, — he was charged with criminal nonsupport. He pleaded guilty and was put on probation, but did not make even a partial payment since March 2007.

''Mr. Porter's case proves that some parents simply refuse to live up to their responsibility and take care of their children,'' even when they are given every chance to do the right thing, said Bevan Walsh in a statement.

Resident wounded
again by gunfire
AKRON: An Akron man is recovering from gunshot wounds for the second time in the past year.

Donte Farmer, 22, is in serious condition at Akron General Medical Center, according to police.

No suspects in the shooting have been identified.

Farmer was shot at about midnight Wednesday in the 1200 block of Manchester Road. Police say Farmer was struck multiple times while at a home and has possible internal injuries.

Farmer was shot last May outside a residence in the 700 block of Euclid Avenue, according to police. He was treated at Akron General Medical Center for nonlife-threatening injuries.

Wendy's robbed
by two armed men
AKRON: A Wendy's restaurant at 2060 Mogadore Road was robbed Wednesday night.

Police said workers were robbed of an unspecified amount of cash at about 9 p.m. by two men carrying handguns. No injuries were reported.

The men were last seen in a silver Pontiac Grand Am with Ohio plates. One had his right arm wrapped in a cloth, police said.

One hurt, damage
is $75,000 in fire
AKRON: One person was injured in an apartment fire Wednesday night at 1495 Alphada Ave., Akron, that caused damage put at $75,000.

The injured person's identity and condition were not released by Akron firefighters.

The person suffered burns and smoke inhalation, according to the report.

The building is owned by James O'Brien.

The fire was reported after 10 p.m. It started in the kitchen before extending to the entire building.

Kent couple suing
over property sale

AKRON: Two former property owners have appealed the sale price for their rooming houses on Spicer Street.

Don and Patrice Mangan of Kent sued in the Ninth District Court of Appeals over the $308,500 they received from the University of Akron for the homes at 338 and 346 Spicer St.

The university acquired the properties via eminent domain in Summit County Probate Court in March.

The couple received the appraised amount for their modest, side-by-side rooming houses and a nearby six-stall rear garage.

Adults reportedly paid about $250 a month for furnished bedrooms and shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities in the homes.

The Mangans' properties are among those that the university is acquiring through negotiated sales or eminent domain to make way for a multiplex stadium and residence hall southeast of campus.

The couple's attorney, John Sivinski, did not return a call seeking comment about the pending case.
JACKSON TWP.

Sunday celebration
is a laughing matter
JACKSON TWP.: World Laughter Day will be celebrated Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Jackson North Park, located at Fulton Road and Wales Avenue.

The event is free and open to the public.

Activities include laughing exercises, solar observing, drumming circle, fun things from ''Andy's Parties,'' food tasting from ''Raisin Rack,'' laughter bingo, face painting, children's crafts and an appearance by Philbee the Clown.

Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable items to donate to the Salvation Army.

For more information, call 330-499-3174.
LAKEWOOD

2 former policemen
indicted for fraud
LAKEWOOD: Two former city police officers, including one who now lives in Medina County, have been indicted on federal mortgage-fraud related charges stemming from the purchase of 13 rental properties.

Richard Alvarez, 38, of Medina, and Marcus Adkins, 32, of Lorain, are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.

Both resigned from the Lakewood Police Department last year for personal reasons.

According to federal prosecutors, Alvarez and Adkins were partners in an enterprise that bought 13 properties — 11 in Cleveland, one in Garfield Heights and one in Toledo — in 2005 and 2006. All 12 properties in Cuyahoga County have since gone into foreclosure.

The indictment alleges that they bought the properties at market value but inflated the purchase price on mortgage applications, claiming the money was for repairs. Title companies would then distribute money to the two men or to their company, Copper Properties Inc., the indictment said.

The two men also are accused of misrepresenting the source of down payments, claiming there were false second mortgages made on the properties and created false leases.

Neither Alvarez nor Adkins could be reached for comment.
— Plain Dealer
SUMMIT COUNTY

Democrats planning
fashion show, tea
AKRON: The Federated Democratic Women of Summit County will hold its eighth annual Eleanor Roosevelt Tea at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Tangier restaurant.

The event will include Democratic elected officials and candidates in a fashion show. Cost is $20 a person.

For details, call Edna Borders at 330-253-1063 or Madeline Bozzelli at 330-923-4946.
Children Services
seeks public input

AKRON: Summit County Children Services will host a community forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday to get input on its multiyear strategic plan.

The meeting will be held at Lake Anna YMCA Community Center, 500 W. Hopocan Blvd., Barberton.

Refreshments will be served. Additional forums will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m.:

• Tuesday. Fairlawn-Bath Library, 3101 Smith Road.

• May 8. East Akron Community House, 550 S. Arlington St.

• May 14. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road.

• May 19. Maple Valley Branch Library, 1187 Copley Road.

For more information, call 330-379-2055.

TALLMADGE SCHOOLS

Officials will meet
to answer questions
TALLMADGE: School board members and administration officials will meet with the public from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday at the McCombs Education Center, 486 East Ave.

The ''After School Hours'' session will be an informal dialog about general concerns.

Issues regarding individual staff members or students must be addressed through the usual protocol.

The sessions are held on the first Monday of the month.

WADSWORTH

Public hearings set
on zoning proposals
WADSWORTH: The planning commission has scheduled three public hearings for its May 12 session in City Hall.

A 7:05 p.m. hearing will discuss the zoning of nine acres on Akron Road annexed from Wadsworth Township.

At 7:15 p.m., a proposal to construct four buildings totaling 15,200 square feet for medical offices on the north side of Akron Road near Hartman Road will be discussed.

The third hearing at 7:35 p.m. centers on the rezoning of 4.8 acres from residential to commercial at Johnson and Silvercreek roads in the southeast section of the city.

Developer Joe Bierne has informed the city that the stores there will serve 1,000 homes and might include day-care, dry-cleaning and pizza businesses.

— Beau Dusz