Events Calendar
Most Read Stories
Suitcase causes bomb scare at Akron bus terminal
Akron City Council OKs higher speed on I-77
Chapel Hill isn't rolling right along
Motorcyclist killed, wife injured in Stark County crash
Man says he was punched, robbed by 3 people in parking lot
New eateries expand menu of options
Patrick McManamon: Here's what the Browns should try the rest of the season
Louisville athlete commits to play for Boston College
Family found dead in Ohio home
Blogs:
Pets:
It Takes All Kinds
The Heldenfiles:
Tuesday Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
An interesting thought from a reader
Akron Zips:
Akron vs. Mount Union — Liveblog
Tribe Matters:
Indians announce spring dates
Cleveland Browns:
Mangini doesn't name a quarterback
Kent State Sports:
Flashes interested in another Cincinnati player
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Shaq: It’s All About Winning Championships
Buckeye Blogging:
Buckeyes Roll 100-60 / Season Outlook
Varsity Letters:
Report: Walsh baseball player commits
All Da King's Men:
More On The Fort Hood Jihadist
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Simply Incapable of Telling The Truth
Akron Law Café:
Health Care Financing Reform: (63) Commonwealth Fund Report on Primary Care
See Jane Style:
Muffle Your Muffler
Car Chase:
Clock Tender- Extending the Life of Collector Car Clocks
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Rumors: Akron Starbucks Closing
Ohio Travels with Betty:
Jack is looking for a trip to Southern Ohio the week of November 16.
Sound Check:
Aeromsith looking for new singer as Steven Tyler contemplates solo career
HRLite House:
Personal Rant – Why People Do Not Live in Northeast Ohio
Akron Gamer:
Video: 'Modern Warfare 2' hits the streets
Top Stories
Veterans describe rewards, sacrifices
They wore the uniform for their country in wartime. One was shot 22 times on a cold mountaintop half a world away from Akron.
Sentencing hearing in Twinsburg officer's killing to begin Thursday
After six months of delays, the sentencing hearing in the aggravated murder of Twinsburg police officer Joshua Miktarian will begin Thursday morning before a panel of three Summit County judges, court officials confirmed.
Patrick McManamon: Here's what the Browns should try the rest of the season
Here are 10 suggestions for the Browns as they head to the second half of the season: 1. Run the ball. The one thing the offense did kind of, sort of well the first half was run the ball. Jerome Harrison and Jamal Lewis each had 100-yard games. There have been some good runs. This could be one element the offense could build from, assuming they don't try to force the issue by mixing in too many passes. We all saw how that worked.
New eateries expand menu of options
Brave crop of restaurateurs bring affordable selections to Akron area
There are some brave souls out there who are opening their doors for us to come and dine despite the economic downturn.
Microsoft to upgrade portal to boost Bing
Associated Press
Microsoft is giving its MSN Web portal a long-overdue makeover and says it hopes the new site will funnel more people to Bing, the software maker's search engine.
Refinance before low rates rise again
Refinancing at $1,000 or less is fair expense
If you need to refinance your home mortgages, don't wait. It's not time to play chicken. Lock in the best deal now. Rates for 30-year loans went below 5 percent last week after rising for three consecutive weeks, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac of McLean, Va.
Work force evolves, falters since 1982
When jobless rate last surpassed 10 percent, workers were younger, less educated; today, more unemployed have college degree
WASHINGTON: Much has changed since the nation's jobless rate hit 10.1 percent in September 1982, including the composition of the nation's labor force.
Chevy Equinox is stylish, full of thoughtful touches
Four-cylinder Equinox gets 32 mpg on highway
It had been more than five years since I'd driven the Chevrolet Equinox, the brand's first attempt at a crossover SUV. At the time, it was being marketed as ''An American Revolution.''
Earnings grow at B&W parent
Houston-based McDermott International, Inc. (NYSE: MDR), parent of Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group in Barberton, reported third-quarter net income Monday of $118.1 million, or 50 cents per share, on revenue of $1.68 billion.
Web sites offer help in finding scholarships
Several Web sites offer useful insights about scholarships, the application process and tools to track down scholarship opportunities.
Business news briefs
Dow Jones average
rises 203 points
The Dow Jones industrials rose 203.52 points Monday, or 2 percent, to 10,226.94, its highest finish since Oct. 3, 2008.
Akron City Council OKs higher speed on I-77
Improved stretch starting at Vernon Odom Boulevard will go up to 65 mph
Zoom. Zoom. Motorists on Interstate 77 soon won't have to worry as much about their speed. Akron City Council today approved legislation urging the Ohio Department of Transportation to increase the speed on Interstate 77 between Vernon Odom Boulevard and Cleveland-Massillon Road from 55 mph to 65 mph.
Needy may get break from Akron on sewer costs
City plans to explore ways to subsidize bills for some residents who have fixed incomes
Akron will consider giving some low-income residents a break on sewer bills that are expected to double or triple to pay for improvements to the city's sewer system, Mayor Don Plusquellic said today.
Akron home prices rank best in college-town poll
City is No. 1 at $121,885 for a four-bedroom; Kent is 10th at $165,700
For the second year in a row, Akron ranks No. 1 in Coldwell Banker's annual College Home Price Comparison Index.
Zips fit well together for a victory
Football coaches often use the term ''a complete game'' in describing a victory fueled by productivity and efficiency on offense, defense and special teams.
Bob Dyer: Chapel Hill isn't rolling right along
Not long ago, after I wrote about a woman who uses a wheelchair, a reader accused me of fabricating the woman's need for a wheelchair because, in a photo accompanying the column, she was shown standing up.
YRC makes debt-exchange offer
Company says it will likely file for bankruptcy if offering fails
YRC Worldwide Inc. (Nasdaq: YRCW) announced a $536.8 million debt-exchange offer today that, if it works, will help the struggling trucking giant recover its financial footing.
Ridenour: Browns are back but nothing has changed so far
BEREA: On Monday, Browns tight end Michael Gaines opened the locker-room door for reporters with a greeting of ''Welcome to a new season.''
WWII veteran honored through hospice program
SILVER LAKE: The World War II veteran had just been honored for his service, so he did what he learned to do long ago, when he first wore a uniform for his country.
Don't expect Zips' exhibition game to be pretty
The score will be lopsided, the play will be sloppy at times and the lineup changes will be many. University of Akron basketball fans would be wise to remember the game Tuesday night at Rhodes Arena against Division III Mount Union is an exhibition that will not always be easy on the eyes.
Jewell Cardwell: Two remarkable people enter centennial spotlight
Area residents Edna Schill and Ralph Roy Rohrer enjoy good, long lives
Edna Schill, 100, and Ralph Rohrer, just days away from the century mark, are two engaging characters.
Delegating tasks pays dividends
It teaches new responsibilities to staff, frees up owner's time
You are an entrepreneur. You create the company vision, manage operations and handle details. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or small-business owner with a number of employees, plan to delegate responsibilities.
Help on taxes
The intricacies of federal and state tax filings for small businesses will be addressed at the Small Business Tax Workshop on Saturday.
Recent tax changes affect small businesses
Free workshop will offer tips, help entrepreneurs navigate process. Commercial activity tax's due date is extended for some companies
With so many businesses downsizing and few companies hiring, lots of unemployed folks are trying their hand at entrepreneurship.
Older adults can take steps to prevent abuse by their relatives and hucksters
Be cautious, document finances and be aware of scams
When a New York City jury recently convicted Anthony Marshall, 85, the only child of millionaire-socialite-philanthropist Brooke Astor, of 14 counts of fraudulently squeezing huge sums out of his late mother's $180 million estate, many observers thought it was simply an isolated case of financial patricide among the super rich.
Some shoppers to cut back this year, poll finds
Associated Press
One-third of adults said they would spend less this year than they did in 2008 on gifts, while 49 percent would spend about the same amount, according to a Consumer Reports poll on holiday shopping.
Fees eat up gift-card balances
Givers should know the rules before they buy. Charges include checking amount left
You buy someone a $100 general-purpose gift card. It's for their birthday, but it might be the bank that has reason to celebrate.
Ask SCORE a question
Send questions about issues that local entrepreneurs and small-business owners face to Rick Stupp, chairman of Akron's SCORE chapter, at columnaskscore@aol.com. Stupp can't respond to all questions, but answers to some will appear in future columns.
Jimmie Johnson crashes on third lap
Kurt Busch is winner at Texas after brother Kyle runs out of gas
FORT WORTH, TEXAS: Jimmie Johnson's drive to history took a hard hit against the wall and Kyle Busch ran out of gas trying to complete an unprecedented NASCAR trifecta.
Local history: Hobo union picks Akron for national convention
FORMER O.C. BARBER RESIDENCE IS SITE OF DEPRESSION EVENT
Akron's Millionaires Row was looking a little ragged. Once a boulevard of fabulous mansions, East Market Street had lost its allure by the early 20th century. The neighborhood no longer boasted such elite families as the Seiberlings, Schumachers, Buchtels and Bierces.
Humane Society telethon short of goal
Volunteers for the Humane Society of Greater Akron took a pure white cat to Canal Park for the Save the Animals Imagine the PAWSibilities telethon hoping to find the senior feline a home.
Bank helps more save their homes
Federal lender commits additional $200,000 for local rescue funds, counseling, mitigation
Federal lender commits additional $200,000 for local rescue funds, counseling, mitigation
Kosar would be wrong call as GM
BEREA: Bernie Kosar did not prove to be the Browns' knight in shining armor in 1986, '87 or '89. Heaven help the moribund team if owner Randy Lerner believes Kosar can save him now.
Wine offers a taste of KSU's centennial
Five varietals allow alumni around country to share experience. $2 from each bottle goes to scholarships
When Kent State officials were looking for a special way to mark the university's centennial, an alumnus had a suggestion: wine.
Pryor's play puts Buckeyes in control
OSU back in tie atop conference as defense handles Nittany Lions
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA.: Terrelle Pryor tiptoed his way around the Penn State defense, then smiled and danced all over the Beaver Stadium turf.
Bulldogs snap up fourth state title
Consecutive wins put Woodridge in record book
COLUMBUS: All the Woodridge boys cross-country team could do was wait. And wait. And wait.
High-tech industry eyes a key case in Supreme Court
Ruling may bar certain software inventions from patents, could invalidate existing ones
Associated Press
WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court on Monday will explore what types of inventions should be eligible for a patent in a pivotal case that could undermine such legal protections for software.
Goodyear developer forging ahead
Lichter works to rehab buildings, find tenants for vacant two
The ''Available'' signs have been up for a while at two of developer Stu Lichter's newer acquisitions, former Goodyear-owned buildings in Akron.
Home energy issues updated
Dominion East Ohio bill reveals changes
Here are a number of updates having to do with energy issues — both for natural gas and electricity. Bill change
Best Buy plans digital delivery service for videos
Associated Press
Best Buy Co. is trying to nudge consumers away from its stores' DVD aisles by making it easier for them to rent and buy movies over high-speed Internet connections.
Ultimate guitar in the handwork
Akron craftsman creates instrument for rocker Steve Miller
Business moves
The J.M. Smucker Co. announced the promotion of Mark R. Belgya to senior vice president and chief financial officer. He joined the company in 1985 and has held several positions in accounting and finance. Dennis J. Armstrong was promoted to senior vice president, Supply Chain Logistics and Operations Support. He has been with the company for 30 years and served in a variety of positions in manufacturing and supply chain operations.
COMPANIESThe Ramsburg Insurance Agenc...
COMPANIES
The Ramsburg Insurance AgencyThe agency with nine employees at offices in Uniontown and Mogadore is celebrating its 50th year.
GMP Friction Products
Retailers changing clothes
Famous lines disappear, show up in other stores, confusing loyal buyers
NEW YORK:
GDP components behave differently
Many factors to determine if growth sustainable
WASHINGTON: Can growth in the gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the nation's economy, be sustained? That depends on what caused the components of GDP — consumer spending and business investment — to move up or down, and whether the growth was heavily dependent on government programs that are going away.
Taking loan out of 401(k) not necessarily a bad idea
Households can save money on overall interest costs
A family the other day wondered about taking a loan out of the 401(k) — or maybe a hardship withdrawal.
Business calendar
Tuesday
Toastmasters Akron 151 — 6:30 to 8 p.m., St. Thomas Hospital, 444 N. Main St., Akron. Information: Paul, 330-794-2605.
Wadsworth Toastmasters Club — 7 p.m., Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St. Free. Information: Carol at 330-336-8000.
Stow-Falls Breakfast Optimists — 7 a.m., Silver Lake Country Club, 1325 Graham Rd., Silver Lake. Guests welcome, first meeting free. Information: Norm Kempel, 330-928-3010.
Northeast Ohio Business Alliance — 7:30 to 9 a.m., Real Estate Capital Partners, 8821 Freeway Dr., Macedonia. Information: edhopson@rcpfunding.com.
AmSpirit Business Connections — Greater Akron Referral Network Chapter — 7:30 a.m., Akron General Health and Wellness Center-West, 4125 Medina Rd., Bath Township. Free. Information: Tim Brenner, 330-472-8508.
Wadsworth Toastmasters — 6:45 p.m., Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St. Free. Information: Carol, 330-336-8000, or http://www.wadsworthtoastmasters.com.
Canton Advertising Federation — 11:30 a.m., Kent State Stark University Center, North Canton. Sean Sullivan, Midwest sales director for Facebook, will speak. $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Reservations: 330-452-5594, ext. 210.
CREW Greater Akron 5th Real Estate Forum — 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Portage Country Club, Akron. $30 members, $40 non-members. Reservations: ldurkin1@neo.rr.com.
Greater Cleveland Society of Association Executives — 11:30 a.m., Holiday Inn Strongsville, 15471 Royalton Rd., Strongsville. Tony Ellis, Special CAE, Director of Education, National Association of College Stores, will present ''Professional Development Essentials.'' $35 members, $45 non-members. Registration: http://www.gcsae.com or 330-273-5756.
International Association of Administrative Professionals — Medina County Chapter — 6 p.m., Medina County District Library, 210 S. Broadway St., Medina. Andrea Lawver of OfficeTeam will present ''Get the Recognition You Deserve.'' Free. Reservations: 330-887-6373 or 330-769-0501.
Wednesday
AmSpirit Business Connections — Akron Chapter — 8:30 a.m., NARI headquarters, 76 E. North St., Akron. Free. Information: Jeff Houck at 440-591-7787.
A.M. Akron Toastmasters Club — 8 a.m., Fairlawn Country Club, 200 N. Wheaton Rd., Akron. Breakfast, $6. Information: Jim Butler, 330-666-5630.
International Referral Network — Akron West Chapter — 11:45 a.m., Rosemont Country Club, 3177 Rosemont Blvd., Fairlawn. Reservations required: Bill Kirk, 330-237-1111.
CFA Society of Cleveland — Noon, Sammy's Metropolitan Ballroom, 21st floor, Huntington Building, East 9th St. and Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Jeff Matthews, author, blogger and hedge fund manager, will speak. Reservations: 216-696-8066.
American Association of Individual Investors — Cleveland Chapter — 6:15 p.m., Middleburg Heights Recreation Center, 16000 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights. Joe Rudy will present ''The Style Box: Investment Cliche or Useful Investing Perspective?'' $17 members, $19 non-members. Information: 440-934-1617.
NALS of Northeast Ohio — 6 p.m., Stinger's Restaurant, 7429 Wooster Pike, Medina. Alan Hallock, Medina property management expert, will speak on ''Landlord and Tenant.'' Information: http://www.medinalegalprofessionals.org.
Thursday
Bath-Richfield Kiwanis — 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, Grant Street and Broadview Road, Richfield. $8. Information: 330-819-0175.
Akron Executives' Association — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., TLC Catering, 3204 Ridgewood Rd., Copley Township. Reservations required: Nancy Mahoney, 330-247-2479.
Friday
Business Network International — Aurora Borealis Chapter — 7:30 a.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 342 S. Chillicothe Rd., Aurora. Information: Keith Smith, 216-595-7900, or http://www.bni-ohio.com
2009 Fast Break Breakfast Program — 7:30 to 9 a.m., Courtyard by Marriott, 4375 Metro Circle, N.W., North Canton. Dean Langfitt presents ''Principles of Change — Is Your Business Operating by Design or Default?'' $18. Registration: http://www.cantonchamber.org.
Nov. 16
Akron Society of Plastics Engineers — 5:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill, University of Akron. Larry Johnson of PolyOne Corp., Phil Cashen of PMC Smart Solutions, and Clyde Haavista of CleceX Inc. will speak on ''Recent Medical Applications for Plastics.'' $25 members, $50 member and guest, $20 retiree, $15 student. Reservations: Mark Holtman, 330-972-6008.
Calendar items may be sent two weeks in advance to the Akron Beacon Journal, Business News Department, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640.
House passes health-care legislation
Republican opposition nearly unanimous, 1 in favor. Narrow vote clears way for Senate to debate the issue
WASHINGTON: In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health-care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous.
Zips have flash of brilliance
It did not necessarily salvage the season for the University of Akron football team, but it did temper the disappointment.
Falls waits for unions to act on concessions
CUYAHOGA FALLS: With concessions in place for nonunion workers, Falls officials are waiting to see whether the city's unions will agree to similar cuts.
Dennis Willard: Lawmakers still fighting over casinos
COLUMBUS: Dan Gilbert and Penn National are now the house, and in gambling, the house always wins. Right?
Akron begins work on sewer overflow report
The clock is running on a key report that will help determine the extent and cost of Akron's remedy for its sewer problems.
Veterans hall inducts 2 from area
Two local veterans have been inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
Bob Dyer: Take comfort in knowing Browns could be bigger losers
Misery, like everything else, is relative. Yes, it's Nov. 8 and the Cleveland Browns have a grand total of one win.
Pat's Beside the Point: Another wacky, crazy Browns week
This weekend it's all Browns, all the time. With apologies — because this isn't exactly the most exciting time to be reading about the Browns.
Heading to Howe House
Refurbished building also to become visitor center, community meeting spot
The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition will move into its new downtown Akron digs next week. Dan Rice, president and chief executive of the grass-roots group, said the four staffers probably will move Tuesday or Wednesday into the refurbished Howe House at West Exchange and Water streets next to the canal.
Insider to coach Tribe pitchers
Front office assistant who played for 7 teams is ready for challenge
The Indians didn't have to look far to hire a pitching coach. Tim Belcher has been working for the team the past eight years as special assistant to baseball operations. In that role, he has done advance scouting, instructed pitchers in spring training and filled in as pitching coach at several minor-league levels.
Stocks end losing streak; Dow rises above 10,000
Highest weekly close since early October
MarketWatch
NEW YORK: Stocks snapped a two-week losing streak Friday as a surge in General Electric nudged the Dow Jones industrial average back above 10,000, marking its first weekly close above that level since the early days of the credit crisis.
Oprah considers moving TV show to cable
New York Times
Oprah Winfrey is nearing a decision on whether to continue her daily television talk show on broadcast channels or move it to the forthcoming cable channel she co-owns with Discovery Communications, executives from her production company and CBS Corp., which owns the rights to the show, said.
KSU event promotes enterprise
Entrepreneurship Extravaganza brings students, public together for workshops and discussions
The Kent State University ballroom filled with about 300 current and future business owners eager to try their hand at launching an enterprise.
Take cool look at hot stocks
Amazon, Skechers, Bucyrus shine in Oct., but are they good buys?
Bloomberg News
The stock market's waters were languid in October, but some fish were jumping.
JumpStart Inc. to host summit
An all-day event — ''Transforming the Landscape of Business In America: A Minority Business Early Stage Capital Summit'' — will be held Dec. 3 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Cleveland.
Tips to help become more Google savvy
There are tricks you can learn to speed up your Google searches. To search for something on a specific Web site, type site:example.com and then your search terms. For instance, a Google search for the Goodyear blimp would look like this: site:goodyear.com goodyear blimp. The search results Google returns will all be from that Web site. This is often a better method for finding information on a particular Web site than using the site's own search function.
Keep your dollars in region
Need a greeting card, decorative candle or new car? Look no further. A wide array of products is manufactured right here in Northeast Ohio
Jacob Sapirstein was a young Polish immigrant when he arrived in Cleveland in 1905 and launched a business selling German-made postcards to local drug stores and novelty shops.
PNC begins conversion
Youngstown Vindicator
PNC Financial Services Group becomes part of the Youngstown area this weekend as its orange and blue signs are unveiled at 19 former National City Bank branches.
Business news briefs
Chrysler offers
early retirement
Chrysler Group LLC is again offering all of its U.S. hourly workers represented by the United Auto Workers union early retirement and buyout incentives to leave the company.
Jobless rate climbs to 26-year high
Law provides 14 weeks of additional benefits
WASHINGTON: The national unemployment rate has surpassed 10 percent for the first time since 1983 — and is likely to go higher.
Stakes are high for Buckeyes, Nittany Lions
Annual grudge match breaks tie for second place in conference
STATE COLLEGE, PA.: Welcome home, Terrelle Pryor. No. 15 Ohio State and its talented dual-threat quarterback visit No. 11 Penn State today in a high-stakes Big Ten game. For Pryor, it will be his first game at Beaver Stadium since the western Pennsylvania native spurned Penn State last year to end one of the most publicized recruiting races in recent memory.
LeBron dominates by leading all scorers
James contributes 33 points. Cleveland shows strength on both sides of the court
NEW YORK: LeBron James said the only thing occupying his thoughts Friday was winning at Madison Square Garden.
Hornets keep spirit in defeat
Hospitalized player motivates, but team unable to come back
WARREN: Kory Wiita couldn't physically attend Highland's first-round Division II playoff game against Warren Howland.
LeBron leads all scorers as Cavs top Knicks 100-91
NEW YORK: LeBron James said the only thing occupying his thoughts Friday was winning at Madison Square Garden.
Patrick McManamon: Look beyond wins and losses in Akron/Kent game
There are times when a win-loss record does not tell an entire story. Kent State Athletic Director Laing Kennedy, for instance, has a very solid and logical way to judge a coach beyond W's and L's.
Get ready for detour, delays on Route 8
BOSTON HEIGHTS.: Most highway construction projects are winding down now, but not the massive one at the state Route 8-Interstate 80 interchange.
Accountants win in school races
Two challengers in two local school board races — both accountants — not only unseated an incumbent, but they also led all candidates on their respective ballots in Tuesday's election.
Indians insider to coach pitchers
The Indians didn't have to look far to hire a pitching coach. Tim Belcher has been working for the team the past eight years as special assistant to baseball operations. In that role, he has done advance scouting, instructed pitchers in spring training and filled in as pitching coach at several minor-league levels.
Green to widen Arlington
GREEN: The city plans to begin work on its next major road project by early next year. Mayor Dick Norton said the Arlington Road project is almost ready to take off.
Support the region: Wide array of products manufactured in Northeast Ohio
Jacob Sapirstein was a young Polish immigrant when he arrived in Cleveland in 1905 and launched a business selling German-made postcards to local drug stores and novelty shops.
Jewell Cardwell: Applebee's salutes the military
Heartfelt thanks to Applebee's restaurants for not only stepping up to the plate for Veterans Day, but also for putting out free plates of food, as it were, for veterans and active duty military that day.
Sweden's in the house
Cleveland Institute shows everyday objects of beauty designed by 17 Swedish women
Ikea introduced the American masses to contemporary Swedish design. 17 Swedish Designers seeks to take our appreciation to the next level.
Area students' charitable effort flows around world
NORTHFIELD: The colorful plastic ''crazy'' straws being sold after Mass on the sidewalk outside St. Barnabas Church this weekend are helping save lives in some of the world's poorest countries.
Youngsters at helm trying to grab Wagon Wheel
They are still teenagers and were in high school just six months ago. Yet they will be central figures in the circle-the-calendar game between the University of Akron and Kent State today at InfoCision Stadium as the quest for the Wagon Wheel trophy continues for the 39th time.
Fort Hood suspect reportedly shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’
13 dead, 30 hurt in shooting spree; Army psychiatrist suspected in attack wounded
FORT HOOD, TEXAS: Soldiers who witnessed the shooting rampage at Fort Hood that left 13 people dead reported that the gunman shouted ‘‘Allahu Akbar!’’ before opening fire, the base commander said today.
A drop in unemployment gives Dow 200-point boost
Associated Press
NEW YORK: A drop in unemployment claims and an upbeat forecast from Cisco Systems Inc. gave investors a jolt of confidence before today's key report on nationwide unemployment.
Arby's hopes to lure customers with $1 menu
Associated Press
Dollar drinks, sandwiches and desserts will join more Arby's menus as the struggling fast-food chain jumps on the deep-discount bandwagon aimed at customers who aren't buying higher-priced meals.
How to shop on the Web for life insurance
Q: I am 57 years old and want to purchase a $150,000 to $200,000 term life insurance policy benefiting my wife. Where should I go to search for affordable policies? Also, how many years should I look to lock in for such a policy?
Regional economy in spotlight
People outside Ohio see brighter picture
Considering all the bad economic news hovering over the nation and Ohio, it's not hard to disagree when Thomas Mulready refers to ''this perception of a permanent fog over the economy of Northeast Ohio.''
Cable giant's profit dips 11%
Competition, growing joblessness hurting business
Time Warner Cable Inc., the second-largest U.S. cable-television operator, posted an 11 percent drop in profit as intensifying competition and increasing unemployment hurt its efforts to win subscribers.
Positive outlook at Jo-Ann Stores
Hudson crafts and fabrics retailer Jo-Ann Stores is expecting a good third quarter and a better 2010. Sales for the third quarter ending Oct. 31 rose 6 percent to $509.1 million from $480.1 million a year ago.
Business news briefs - Nov. 6
Penn State quite happy with Clark
Youngstown native excels as QB after Pryor snubs Nittany Lions
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA.: Lost in the hoopla over Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor's trip home to Pennsylvania this weekend is the story of how Penn State found its own signal-caller in the Buckeyes' backyard.
No foul, no win as time runs out
With only four seconds left, LeBron unable to take shot
CLEVELAND: After almost 48 minutes of basketball, it came down to just 4.3 seconds and the Cavaliers trailing the Chicago Bulls 86-85.
Deadly shooting spree at Army base in Texas
12 killed, 31 wounded in Fort Hood rampage
In an act of violence that sent shock waves through the American military establishment and raised questions about base security, an Army psychiatrist armed with two handguns opened fire Thursday afternoon on the grounds of Fort Hood, authorities said.
Walsh takes volleyball semifinal
STOW: So many players made plays in that fifth and deciding game Thursday evening, when the season was on the line for the Walsh Jesuit Warriors.
Prosecutors to seek death penalty in murder-for-hire plot
Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty against a former Copley Township woman accused of plotting with friends to have her mother killed.
Brunner wants to be first Ohio woman in Senate
Jennifer Brunner is Ohio's first female secretary of state. Now she wants to be the first woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.
Little Tikes staying in Hudson
Little Tikes is no longer toying with the idea of leaving Hudson and is staying put. Three years ago, its parent company MGA Entertainment bought the toy maker from Rubbermaid. Company officials have been talking to local and state officials since then about whether they would keep the headquarters in Hudson off Barlow Road or move. Several other states were luring the company with incentives.
Dyer Streets: Driver's licenses looking fishy
On far too many occasions, the old lament — ''You can't fight city hall'' — holds true. But when all else fails, at least you can laugh at the powers that be.
UA instructor provides insight into mind of accused Cleveland serial killer
Students eat up intuitive guesswork in ex-cop's class
Mary Myers has no trouble finding 40 students to fill her class at the University of Akron. After all, most courses don't focus on dead women in barrels, sexual deviancy and even bed wetting.
Rain slowing corn harvests in Ohio
Some 15 years ago, the harvest season was so wet, area Ohio State University Extension offices were trying to help farmers put heavy-duty Caterpillar treads on their combines in order to rescue swamped crops, recalled Medina County extension agent Mike Miller.
Army: 12 dead, 31 hurt in attacks at Fort Hood
FORT HOOD, Texas: A military mental health doctor facing deployment overseas opened fire at the Fort Hood Army post on Thursday, setting off on a rampage that killed 11 other people and left 31 wounded. Authorities killed the gunman, and the violence was believed to be the worst mass shooting in history at a U.S. military base.
Machete wielder gets 15 years in prison for attack
Jay Sheridan Andrews was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for assaulting his former roommate with a machete in June at a home they shared on East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue.
Brother's film tribute to fallen soldier showing at museum
Dustin Grella has a perspective on the sacrifices American service members have made at war that most Americans will never know.
Humane Society to broadcast first live telethon
In many ways, the staff and volunteers for the Humane Society of Greater Akron are like parents. They use the same tactics mothers and fathers employ when they tuck their children into bed each night.
Investors follow Fed with slight gain
From Beacon Journal wire services
NEW YORK: Stocks lost the bulk of their gains in Wednesday's closing minutes as financial and energy shares declined and investors digested the outlook for equities after the Federal Reserve's latest policy statement.
Charles Schwab to offer 8 exchange-traded funds
Bloomberg News
Charles Schwab Corp., the largest independent brokerage by client assets, will offer eight exchange-traded funds with commission-free online trading for its customers and mostly lower expense ratios than its competitors.
Acme renovations ready
Special sales to herald both stores' new looks from $4.5 million redo
Acme has freshened up its look at two stores with the completion of major renovations. The Akron-based grocery chain spent $2.5 million in Ellet on Wedgewood Avenue and $2 million at its North Canton store on North Main Street.
Cleveland Clinic to break ground on Twinsburg surgery facility today
Cleveland Clinic to break ground on Twinsburg surgery facility today
It's official: The Cleveland Clinic is coming to Summit County with specialty services and round-the-clock care.
Local startup will be on PBS
FMI Technologies, a medical imaging startup in the Akron Global Business Accelerator, will be featured in a new local PBS program (Channel 45/49 WNEO/WEAO) called NEOtropolis. It will air Friday at 9 p.m.
How to synchronize iPhone, computer
Q: My wife's iPhone synchronizes to iTunes on our home computer (a Windows PC). All the calendar items she has, however, have been entered directly on the phone. She's afraid of the phone crashing and losing all her information. Is there a software program out there that can transfer this information?
Chrysler to overhaul faltering Dodge cars
Associated Press
AUBURN HILLS, MICH.: Chrysler plans to revamp its struggling Dodge car brand under a new turnaround plan and says the company's cash has grown by nearly $2 billion since it left bankruptcy protection in June.
Fed makes vow to hold low rate
Officials warning economic activity will remain weak
By Jeannine Aversa
Associated Press
WASHINGTON: The Federal Reserve pledged Wednesday to keep a key interest rate at a record low for an ''extended period,'' signaling that the weak economy remains dependent on government help to grow.
Business news briefs - Nov. 5
Mall events
Zoos
County settles McCullaugh lawsuit
An insurance company representing Summit County will pay $862,500 to settle a civil lawsuit involving the death of an inmate at the county jail.
High voter interest, nice weather lead to Summit ballot shortage
Early Tuesday, the election appeared to be running smoothly in Summit County. Turnout was higher than expected, but election officials weren't concerned.
Gibson toes the line offensively
INDEPENDENCE: After struggling last season, it looks as if Daniel Gibson has returned to the rookie form that made him a fan favorite.
Sheriff to cut 45 deputies if concessions not made
Summit County plans to lay off 45 deputies next month unless unions agree to major concessions in salaries and benefits, Sheriff Drew Alexander said Wednesday.
Jamal Lewis will leave Browns on own terms
BEREA: Jamal Lewis hasn't changed his mind. The 30-year-old running back hasn't wavered from his plan to retire after this season, which he revealed after Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Bears in Chicago.
AirTran adds service to Milwaukee from Akron-Canton
Displaced Cheeseheads and others wanting to head west, rejoice: after the new year, you'll be able to fly directly from the former tire capital of the world to the former beer capital of the world.
Considine celebrates 30 years as Children's CEO
Akron Children's Hospital is celebrating the 30-year anniversary of its popular president and chief executive, William ''Bill'' Considine.
This stone's still rolling
Bob Dylan ever on road, playing 100 shows a year. Never Ending Tour to stop at Canton Civic
Bob Dylan is arguably the hardest-working icon in show business. If the 68-year-old singer/songwriter isn't the hardest working, he is at least one of the most consistently working.
Baylor wins fourth seat on Akron school board
Ginger Baylor, a 54-year-old assistant lecturer at the University of Akron, won the fourth and final seat on the Akron school board in Tuesday's election.
End of labor: Departing nurse gives birth to hospital's last baby
Woman losing job at Wadsworth-Rittman facility has maternity unit's final child
When Silvia Reed left Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital with her new baby in her arms, bittersweet tears streamed down her face.
University Park Alliance earns national award
Beacon Journal staff report
The University Park Alliance, a 9-year-old collaboration to revitalize a 50-block area around the University of Akron, has won a national award for its partnership.
Car sales, good will positive for Ford
Quality, reliability count. Q&A explains rationale
DETROIT: Ford has been riding a wave of positive public sentiment since it avoided bankruptcy and did not take federal bailout money — unlike General Motors and Chrysler.
Some radios better at receiving AM signals
Q: We have tried to determine which radios have the strongest AM receivers, but without buying them and bringing them home to try, we haven't figured out a way to determine reception strength or quality. Is there a specification that would help us determine a radio's ability to receive an AM signal? Is there something we can add to a radio to improve its AM reception? It gets aggravating listening to a ballgame with poor reception.
Legal seminars at Knight Center
The Ohio State Bar Association's continuing legal education department will offer seminars in November and December at the John S. Knight Center in Akron, including:
Diebold reports revenue dip
ATM maker loses $7.1 million or 11 cents a share in third quarter
Diebold Inc. couldn't pull enough money out of its ATMs and other related products and services for the third quarter to keep it from a loss.
Ad agencies offer open houses Friday
Beacon Journal staff report
Advertising and marketing students and professionals are invited to tour several West Akron agencies Friday.
GM, Ford say sales up in October
1st increase in three years brightens auto industry
General Motors and Ford both said on Tuesday that sales rose in October, their first combined increase in three years.
Walmart clash ends
Both workers, company happy to resolve litigation
A lawsuit settlement in a Walmart case involving alleged unpaid wages made both worker groups and the company happy.
Business news briefs
Dow slips, broader
indexes rise slightly
The Dow Jones industrial average slipped 17.53 points Tuesday to 9,771.91 while broader indexes rose modestly.
Voters in Summit reject engineer issue
This is the third defeat for proposal since 1996
Summit County voters aren't ready to do away with an elected county engineer. A proposal to amend the county charter and allow the county executive to appoint the position beginning in 2013 lost Tuesday.
Patrick McManamon: Cavs' vision finally becomes clear
Aggressive Shaq too much for Wizards
CLEVELAND: The Cavaliers' search for their offensive identity might have delivered some answers Tuesday night.
Casinos win Ohio
Voters overwhelmingly approve urban gambling, livestock board, veteran bonus
COLUMBUS: Voters approved three statewide issues Tuesday, including a controversial proposal to build four casinos in Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati.
Polls in Summit run out of ballots as voters turn out
In Tallmadge, voters wait 2 hours at church
Polling places in at least five Summit County communities — Green, Norton, Springfield, Tallmadge and Twinsburg — ran out of ballots Tuesday evening as voter turnout was much higher than expected.
Recall efforts would face big hurdle
Proposed charter change wins easily in Akron. Mayor happy
Just as Akron residents overwhelmingly rejected the recall of Mayor Don Plusquellic, they voted Tuesday to make future recalls more difficult.
Akron to offer free flu vaccine
Health department plans H1N1 clinics for priority groups
Beacon Journal staff report
The Akron Health Department is holding two free H1N1 influenza vaccine clinics this week and another next week for people at high risk of complications from the flu.
Green, Springfield pass levies
Voters in Green on Tuesday handily approved a renewal levy on the last chance before it expires. Voters passed the 5.8-mill, five-year emergency renewal levy by a greater than 2-to-1 margin.
State issues pass
COLUMBUS: Two of three statewide issues passed easily Tuesday, with the third — to allow casinos in Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati — well ahead in the polls.
Akron council gets new faces
The Akron City Council has five new members. While the new members were celebrating at parties or at home Tuesday night, they did so knowing difficult times await when they assume their seats in January. The council is facing a continuing budget crisis, difficult contract negotiations with three unions and a federally required sewer project expected to triple customers' rates.
Mansfield leads Akron board race
Lisa Mansfield led a field of eight candidates on Tuesday to remake the Akron school board. ''I am excited to get on with the job,'' Mansfield said Tuesday night at a celebration party at Mariachi Coco's in the Merriman Valley. ''This has been exhausting.''
Wizards' big lead goes poof as Cavs win
CLEVELAND: The Cavaliers shook off an early 18-point deficit to beat the Washington Wizards 102-90 Tuesday night at Quicken Loans Arena.
Patrick McManamon: Cavs' vision finally becomes clear
CLEVELAND: The Cavaliers' search for their offensive identity might have delivered some answers Tuesday night.
More free H1N1 vaccine clinics Friday
The Akron Health Department is holding two free H1N1 influenza vaccine clinics this week and another next week for people at high risk of complications from the flu.
Legal battle could follow Browns' ouster of Kokinis
BEREA: The ominous silence over Monday's ouster of Browns General Manager George Kokinis could signal a legal battle over money still due Kokinis.
Falls investment adviser accused of Ponzi scheme
A prominent Cuyahoga Falls investment adviser is accused of bilking friends and clients of more than $18 million. Enrique F. Villalba also appears to be the focus of FBI agents looking into his investment practices.
Crocheting for charity expands to Coventry
Students and teachers at Coventry's Erwine Middle School are in the loop, learning to crochet hats for low-income children.
Patrick McManamon: Another episode of the Browns world turning
By not addressing the ouster of General Manager George Kokinis, the Browns and coach Eric Mangini come off as cowardly when they could have shown some leadership.
How hard is it to make perfect quick bread loaf?
Food writer prefers the stirred method
How difficult can it be to bake a loaf of banana bread? I would ask myself this question every time another reader sent in a sorry tale of banana bread gone wrong.
Brew quenches thirst for luxury
Sam Adams Utopias to return at $150 a bottle, gives beer lovers an 'inspired' taste experience
Sam Adams Utopias isn't your normal beer. First, there's the hefty price tag. It's $150 per bottle — granted it's an attractive ceramic, kettle-shaped decanter.
Bob Dyer: New words in the works for bench
The city of Akron has finally assembled a committee to choose a new inscription for its memorial bench at the Ohio Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Clinton.
Man attempts suicide ahead of sentencing
Authorities say 57-year-old recently convicted in machete attack tried to slash his neck at jail
An Akron man awaiting sentencing in the assault of his former roommate with a machete attempted to commit suicide at the Summit County Jail this weekend and is being held in the jail's mental-health unit, authorities said.
Ohio attorney general to open Akron office
Bureau will handle consumer complaints to fight various scams
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray has opened a consumer complaint bureau in Akron. Summit County ranks fourth in the state in the number of complaints received this year, trailing only Cuyahoga, Franklin and Hamilton counties, Cordray said Monday. He was in Akron to help kick off Summit County Financial Wellness Week.
11 Summit projects receive federal funds
Summit County will use $565,243 in federal Community Development Block Grant money next year to fund projects ranging from tracking homeless trends to creating a doggie day care to replacing a sanitary sewer.
Bridgestone to stop making race tires for Formula One
Goodyear, Michelin say they have no plans to step in. Akron location will not be affected
Now that Bridgestone Corp. says it will stop making tires for Formula One racing, what other tire maker wants to step in?
Trucking company shares plunge
YRC announces debt exchange offer that may reduce stakes
Associated Press
NEW YORK: YRC Worldwide Inc. (Nasdaq: YRCW) shares plunged 64 percent Monday after the struggling trucker said it is launching a debt exchange offer that could drastically reduce current shareholders' stakes in the company.
Sites offer help to home sellers, buyers
Here are Web sites with a range of information for home sellers and buyers:
U.S. auto future at stake
Chrysler's new owner, Fiat, is introducing European style
DETROIT: Coming to your local Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealer: Tractor-trailers full of cars and trucks with lower sticker prices.
Ford reports $997 million in quarterly net income
UAW said to reject latest contract offer
Ford said Monday it posted net income of $997 million in the third quarter and its first operating profit since early 2008. The company added that it expects to be ''solidly profitable'' in 2011.
Diebold names Ohio native as financial chief
Diebold Inc. has hired an Ohio native as its new chief financial officer. Bradley C. Richardson, a top executive at Modine Manufacturing Co. in Racine, Wis., was named executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Green-based ATM maker.
Business news briefs - Nov. 3
Lee and Utley avert Yankee celebration
Former Indians pitcher shines again. Second baseman hits two home runs
PHILADELPHIA: Put those parade plans on hold, New York. The Phillies are coming back. Chase Utley hit two home runs to raise his World Series total to a record-tying five, backing Cliff Lee once again as Philadelphia staved off elimination with an 8-6 victory Monday night and set up a Game 6 for the first time since 2003.
Kokinis out as Browns' general manager
Team denies security officers escorted executive. Departure doesn't bode well for Mangini's future
BEREA: Browns General Manager George Kokinis was ousted Monday, but the team confirmed only that he is no longer ‘‘actively involved with the organization.’’
Summit County Council approves furloughs
Nonunion workers can lose up to 20 days' pay. Clerk of Courts Horrigan vows not to use it
Summit County leaders have a new cost-saving tool as they trim next year's budget: unpaid furloughs. The County Council today approved the so-called ''Cost Savings Days'' plan, allowing elected officials to impose up to 15-day furloughs for nonunion workers making less than $40,000 a year, and up to 20 days for employees making more than that salary.
Flashes getting closer to bowl game
Win against rival UA Saturday will be key
KENT: It's a bit of an odd season this year for the Kent State football team. ''All you guys are here and it's November,'' Kent State coach Doug Martin said, half-jokingly, to the seven media members who joined him for his news conference today at Dix Stadium.
Wizards clinging to idea of rivalry with Cavs
Cleveland's domination in 2006-08 postseasons might indicate otherwise
INDEPENDENCE: The Cavaliers-Washington Wizards rivalry has become one-sided in two ways. The Cavs are winning when it counts, in the playoffs, and the Wizards are despising every minute of it.
Canal Fulton wholesaler recalls 5,000 pounds of meat
Customer claims to have found wire in sausage
Canal Fulton Provision has recalled 5,000 pounds of ground meat and sausage after a customer claimed to have found a piece of wire inside sausage.
Browns oust Kokinis
Browns general manager George Kokinis was ousted today, but the team confirmed only that he is no longer "actively involved with the organization." Kokinis' departure appeared to come under contentious circumstances, but it is unclear whether he resigned or was forced out. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that the Browns were trying to work out a settlement with Kokinis in which he would resign, but that Kokinis had refused.
Wheel of fortune spins out Zips
A dropped, wind-blown pass might represent team’s frustration during losing streak
It was a play that might stand the test of time as the one symbol of futility and frustration for the 2009 University of Akron football team.
Akron Children's Hospital looks to expand main campus
Acquisition of Neurology & Neuroscience building part of plan to buy more neighboring downtown properties
Akron Children's Hospital is getting ready for another growth spurt. The pediatric hospital recently acquired the Neurology & Neuroscience Associates' building on West Exchange Street as it looks to expand its main campus.
Timken workers approve contract
Deal offers two-tier wage, benefit system
The new contract approved by more than 1,300 of the Timken Co.'s Canton-area Steelworkers should help the company remain competitive while also addressing workers' current needs, the company and union said today.
Canal Fulton wholesaler recalls 5,000 pounds of ground meat, sausage
Canal Fulton Provision has recalled 5,000 pounds of ground meat and sausage after a customer claimed to have found a piece of wire inside sausage.
Hattie Larlham boosting presence in Summit County
Hattie Larlham plans to boost its presence in northern Summit County next year by opening a second ''doggie day-care center'' and moving some administrative offices to Twinsburg Township.
Sprint Nextel to unveil a cheaper Palm Pixi
Associated Press
Sprint Nextel plans to sell Palm's Pixi, a lighter and cheaper version of the Palm Pre, beginning Nov. 15.
Liquid crystal niche grows
Pocket of LCD industry in Kent has unique twist, treating curved surfaces like goggles to reduce glare
Although liquid crystal display technology was invented at Kent State University, 99.9 percent of the products using it — from computers to televisions — are made overseas.
Ask SCORE a question
Send questions about issues that local entrepreneurs and small-business owners face to Gary Sutherland, chairman of Akron's SCORE chapter, at columnaskscore@aol.com. Sutherland can't respond to all questions, but answers to some will appear in future columns.
Workers should check withholding amount
Some taxpayers might owe IRS because of stimulus
That little extra bit of money in the form of a larger paycheck tied to the government's stimulus plan could end up taking a bite out of your federal income tax refund or even leave you owing taxes, observers say.
What if your rep is misusing your money?
Action can be taken if Social Security benefits are not handled properly. Report alleged fraud
Q: If I receive Social Security disability, do I have to have a payee? How can I file a report, if they purposely misuse my money? — R.S., Mogadore.
Tips to keep your retail customers coming back
Merchandise, promotions, displays and pricing are key
As a retailer, your judgment in choosing appropriate merchandise adds value to your business. Your store should be a place where customers want to shop because you provide a reliable source of what they desire.
U-Haul reflects where jobs, opportunities are
It costs more to move where people want to go and where life is better
It has been said that people vote with their feet. They pick up and go to where the jobs and opportunities are.
TAX BITE?
Here is an example of how a single taxpayer with two jobs could end up with a smaller refund or even owe taxes as a result of a provision of the government's stimulus plan.
Woodridge makes postseason history
With an 8-2 record, Bulldogs earn school's first state football berth
They knew it was going to happen but on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, it became official. That's the day the Woodridge Bulldogs made history by becoming the first football team at the school to qualify for the state playoffs.
Rodriguez delivers go-ahead double
Yankees get three runs off Lidge in top of ninth
PHILADELPHIA: Alex Rodriguez waited all game long for this hit. Heck, he waited his whole life. Rodriguez delivered the biggest hit of his career, a go-ahead, two-out double in the ninth inning off Brad Lidge and the New York Yankees took advantage of Johnny Damon's daring dash to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-4 on Sunday night for a 3-1 lead in the World Series.
Local history: O'Neil's quirky garage makes parking a thrill
O'Neil's quirky garage sends shoppers sliding in many directions
The O'Neil's parking deck was a significant structure with a few delightful quirks. The shape was almost indescribable — a triangle here, a rectangle there, a square over yonder.
Remembering Perkins Woods bears
Akron's Nellie and Grouch were the first ever seen by Bert Szabo, who became a naturalist. More missing keepsakes to ID
History never sleeps. Here are some interesting updates from the world of This Place, This Time:
Fumbling, bumbling Browns
Lerner watches as Bears rout Browns
CHICAGO: Growing more frustrated with his underachieving football team and perhaps coach Eric Mangini, Browns owner Randy Lerner watched Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Chicago Bears from a Soldier Field tunnel.
Firefighter injured in Kent
KENT:A firefighter suffered a minor injury while fighting a house fire from a Halloween party that carried into Sunday morning in the 600 block of East Crain Avenue, authorities said.
Patrick McManamon: Browns' latest embarrassing loss brings barely answered questions
CHICAGO:The only certainty from the Browns' embarrassment against the Bears: Randy Lerner said no when asked whether he'd consider changing the coach in the bye week.
Summit reduces food stamp error rate, earns bonus
Summit County Job and Family Services has received $288,000 in extra state money this year — a bonus for dramatically reducing errors when handing out food stamps.
Akron General accuses rival doctors of steering patients
In letters recently sent to hundreds of area doctors, Akron General Health System is accusing physician investors in a rival hospital of pushing patients to their own facility.
Jewell Cardwell: Deafness can't silence the beauty
Stevie Wonder will never see Akron's Tiana Willis. And the 14-year-old deaf girl will never hear the blind man's incredibly beautiful music.
West returns in Cavs victory
In guard's first game, he plays 24 minutes and scores 13 points
CLEVELAND: Delonte West hadn't played a second of basketball in the preseason, let alone in the young regular season.
Buckeyes roll all over the Aggies
Ohio State's defense throttles competition in Columbus mismatch
COLUMBUS: New Mexico State didn't offer much of what No. 17 Ohio State will see the next three weeks. It just filled up an open date on the schedule.
St. V-M team wins regional crown
Irish advance to state. CVCA's Blair victorious in individual race event
BOARDMAN: The St. Vincent-St. Mary girls cross-country team can't say anything bad about Irish coach Dan Lancianese.
Boomers facing harsh realities
Older applicants finding it hard to get positions in their chosen career
Marta, 59, had hoped to be retired by now. But during a ''downsizing'' two years ago, she lost her job as a mental-health counselor. Since then, all she's found are ''demoralizing'' temporary jobs, leaving her with little savings or income.
FedEx unit always on the move
Exclusive-use, expedited air, truck services facility's forte
The sign on the large brick building on Boettler Road in Green makes it clear this is a FedEx operation. But it's the rest of the name — ''Custom Critical'' — that hints something out of the ordinary is going on here.
Next word in cars: plastic
New Jersey company researches the concept for 30 years, saying such motors offer significant weight, cost savings
When the Boeing 787 airliner goes into commercial service next year, travelers will be transported on wings and fuselages made of advanced composite plastics.
What's FAIR to banks, customers?
Overdraft protection policies can be costly; bill seeks limits
Facebook banks on games
Social networking site and partner developers see $1 billion industry
Facebook Inc. is tapping virtual farmers, mafia dons and online pets to generate cash from the social-networking Web site's 300 million users.
Business calendar
Tuesday
Toastmasters Akron 151 — 6:30 to 8 p.m., St. Thomas Hospital, 444 N. Main St., Akron. Information: Paul, 330-794-2605.
Wadsworth Toastmasters Club — 7 p.m., Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St. Free. Information: Carol at 330-336-8000.
Stow-Falls Breakfast Optimists — 7 a.m., Silver Lake Country Club, 1325 Graham Road, Silver Lake. Guests welcome, first meeting free. Information: Norm Kempel, 330-928-3010.
Northeast Ohio Business Alliance — 7:30 to 9 a.m., Real Estate Capital Partners, 8821 Freeway Drive, Macedonia. Information: edhopson@rcpfunding.com.
AmSpirit Business Connections — Greater Akron Referral Network Chapter — 7:30 a.m., Akron General Health and Wellness Center-West, 4125 Medina Road, Bath Township. Free. Information: Tim Brenner, 330-472-8508.
Wadsworth Toastmasters — 7 p.m., Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St. Free. Information: Carol, 330-336-8000, or http://www.wadsworthtoastmasters.com.
American Association of Individual Investors — Akron — 6:30 p.m., Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. George Dagnino will present Profiting in Bull or Bear Markets. Free. Information: e-mail aaii-neo@googlegroups.com.
Fairlawn Toastmasters— 7 p.m., Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center, 3486 S. Smith Road, Fairlawn. Topic: Gaining Confidence in Public Speaking. Information: Carl Quatraro, 330-666-8987.
Wednesday
AmSpirit Business Connections — Akron Chapter — 8:30 a.m., NARI headquarters, 76 E. North St., Akron. Free. Information: Jeff Houck at 440-591-7787.
A.M. Akron Toastmasters Club — 8 a.m., Fairlawn Country Club, 200 N. Wheaton Road, Akron. Breakfast, $6. Information: Jim Butler, 330-666-5630.
International Referral Network — Akron West Chapter — 11:45 a.m., Rosemont Country Club, 3177 Rosemont Blvd., Fairlawn. Reservations required: Bill Kirk, 330-237-1111.
CFA Society of Cleveland — Noon, Sammy's Metropolitan Ballroom, 21st floor, Huntington Building, East Ninth and Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Dr. George Dagnino, editor of the Peter Dag Portfolio Strategy and Management Advisory, will speak. Reservations: 216-696-8066.
Thursday
Bath-Richfield Kiwanis — 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, Grant Street and Broadview Road, Richfield. $8. Information: 330-819-0175.
Akron Executives' Association — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., TLC Catering, 3204 Ridgewood Road, Copley Township. Reservations required: Nancy Mahoney, 330-247-2479.
CFA Career Day: Cleveland Networking Reception — 5:45-7:15 p.m., Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center, 127 Public Square, Cleveland. Information: e-mail careerevents@cfainstitute.org.
Friday
Business Network International — Aurora Borealis Chapter — 7:30 a.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 342 S. Chillicothe Road, Aurora. Information: Keith Smith, 216-595-7900, or http://www.bni-ohio.com
Calendar items may be sent two weeks in advance to the Akron Beacon Journal, Business News Department, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640.
More people are chasing fewer openings for jobs
Associated Press
Just landing an interview these days is tough.
Hedge funds lack SEC regulation
Investment partnerships are privately held, have limited size and profile
NEW YORK: The recent arrest of a billionaire in an insider trading case drew new attention to hedge funds — investment firms that, for many, evoke an exclusive world where the super rich use exotic investing techniques to grow yet richer.
COMMENTS ON OVERDRAFT POLICIES
Here are responses from area banks and credit unions on their overdraft policies:
Power plant wants to keep it clean
$200 million project under way for FirstEnergy's R.E. Burger to kick dirty coal habit by switching to greener wood pellets
Two engineers from Akron-based FirstEnergy Generation Corp. spent 10 days in Europe last summer. No London. No Paris. No Rome. No Athens. No Riviera. No Alps.
Stow, Munroe Falls fight drilling
Concerns about water supply, property value behind battles. Senate bill seeks rule changes
A bill pending in Columbus would change the rules for future oil and gas wells in Ohio. The measure introduced by Sen. Tim Grendell, R-Chester Township, would give local communities more control over drilling.
Flashes lasso the Broncos
Freshmen Keith and Goode make passing plays look effortless
KENT: Kent State quarterback Spencer Keith and receiver Tyshon Goode had career days Saturday at Dix Stadium.
Woodridge to defend title
Bulldogs will go to state seeking 4th championship
BOARDMAN: The Woodridge boys team has a chance to do something special. Not that the Bulldogs haven't already, but the next step can be the biggest yet.
Zips beaten again, for a losing season
A foregone conclusion for many fans became a reality Saturday afternoon for the University of Akron football team. The painful truth for UA faithful is that the Zips will not have a winning record in 2009.
Gunslingers don't necessarily make great quarterbacks
BEREA: Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be gunslingers. But if they do, remember it takes more than a rocket arm and a childhood Punt, Pass and Kick trophy to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
Dennis Willard: Casino issue plays musical chairs in Ohio
COLUMBUS: When it comes to the 2009 edition of the casino issue, I don't know which side is right or wrong, and I can't tell who is lying and who is telling the truth.
Summit County to clamp down on outdated jail security system
Security doors at the Summit County Jail sometimes open and close by themselves. It's not a paranormal experience.
Powerful Panthers run away with PAC-7 title
Outright title, playoffs motivate Manchester
NEW FRANKLIN: Manchester finished up its 2009 season undefeated in the PAC-7. That isn't good news for its Friday night opponent CVCA.
New portable Nintendo is meant for groups
Associated Press
TOKYO: The newest version of Nintendo's popular handhold game console, with its large screen that's easier on the eyes and bigger stylus similar to an ordinary pen, has led to an assumption it is intended to lure older gamers.
Ways to save money on inkjet cartridges
Reduce what you spend on inkjet cartridges with this advice: • Use Ecofont: The free font set uses less ink by essentially leaving small holes in printed letters and can save 15 percent on ink used. Download it at http://www.ecofont.nl.
Ailing YRC working to stay afloat
Roadway parent reports smaller quarterly loss; cost-cutting measures continue
From staff and wire reports
YRC Worldwide said Friday it lost money in the third quarter, but the financially fragile trucking company is still working with lenders to stay out of bankruptcy.
Stocks tumble on bleak spending signals
Dow dips 250 points. Worries about consumer barometers fan investors' heavy selling
NEW YORK: Grim signals about consumer spending ripped through the markets Friday, sending stocks tumbling as investors raced for haven.
Gas prices inch up to peak for year
Supplies are plentiful. Oil price increases are behind hikes at pump
Retail gasoline prices moved higher Friday to a peak for the year. At the same time, natural gas prices also were moving up again and have now climbed 16 percent in the past two months — just in time for furnace season to kick in.
Bridal store closing in Falls
Wishes and Whims Bridal in Cuyahoga Falls is going out of business and holding a sale to eliminate its inventory. The owners are retiring and said they plan to close no later than Nov. 14.
Business news briefs
Meggitt reports
markets stabilizing
Great Britain-based Meggitt plc, parent of Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems in Akron, reported Friday it is seeing stabilization in its global aerospace, sensor and defense system markets.
Dominion profits climb beyond forecast figures
Bloomberg News
Dominion Resources Inc., the owner of Virginia's largest utility and parent of Dominion East Ohio gas, said Friday third-quarter profit rose 17 percent on increased volumes and lower costs.
Dividends make stocks worth look
AT&T, World Wrestling Entertainment are among five companies with investment merit
Dividends are as old-fashioned as corsets, if you listen to most investors. How wrong they are.
Blueberry farm found to violate child labor laws
Associated Press
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.: Grocery retailers Wal-Mart, Kroger and Meijer said Friday they are suspending business with a large southwestern Michigan blueberry grower after investigators found children as young as 6 working in the grower's fields.
SUGGEST MANUFACTURERS
The Beacon Journal's Business section is reporting on products made by area companies. To propose a company, contact business writer Paula Schleis at 330-996-3741 or send an e-mail to: pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com.
Calling center may lose 300 jobs and close
Teleperformance says it needs new client to keep work force
The Akron call center of Teleperformance USA will shut down and more than 300 people will lose their jobs on Dec. 31 unless the company can find a new client.
Annunciation focuses on helping others
Annunciation looks forward to new family
Jim and Sandy Arbour found a community of people living out their Christian faith when they visited Annunciation parish about five years ago.
A gift from the heart
Church friends help make 300 for Akron Children's neonatal intensive-care unit
Akron to study sewage problems
Results will determine the cost of project. Council could vote on rate increases by late this year
The price tag for Akron's massive sewer project won't be known until next summer. This cost will help determine how much the city will need to raise sewer rates.
Shorn locks to aid cancer patient
Akron woman plays it forward and donates 16-inch ponytail that will be used in hairpiece
Young and old alike all have the ability to improve the world. And it's not always about money. Folks who regularly donate blood are saving lives.
Local news briefs - Oct. 31
Griffins capture City title
Coleman's 73-yard TD gives Buchtel edge; coach calls it 'best rivalry in state'
Buchtel did it. The Griffins got the long hoped-for City Series championship they had been waiting to bring back to the west side with a hard-fought 14-8 win against rival Garfield in front of a nice crowd of about 5,000 at InfoCision Stadium on Friday night.
LeBron, Williams lead Cavs to a win
First victory of season has good performances from starters and bench
MINNEAPOLIS: LeBron James apparently had no intention of allowing the Cavaliers to begin the season 0-3. And as if his resolve wasn't enough, point guard Mo Williams felt the same.
Coordinator doubts fans will protest
BEREA: Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan doesn't believe fans will embrace a protest planned by two longtime season ticket holders for the Monday night game Nov. 16 against the visiting Baltimore Ravens.
Local companies thrive
If you want a toy manufactured in the United States, there's a good chance it will have ties to Northeast Ohio. Local entrepreneur Thomas Murdough is responsible for two of the biggest names in children's toys — Little Tikes and Step2 — being in Akron's backyard.
Akron call center may shut down
The Akron call center of Teleperformance USA will shut down and more than 300 people will lose their jobs on Dec. 31 unless the company can find a new client.
After years of neglect, Holiday House in Hudson lovingly restored
It may have been fate that attracted Roger and Ann Engle to their 176-year-old home. The Engles have long loved century homes and had been looking for a house that hadn't been modernized too extensively — or, as Roger Engle put it, ''that wasn't completely wrecked.''
Black plants spice up garden
Welcome to the dark side. This is where the other plants grow, the ones that defy the cheery kaleidoscope of nature. They're black plants, some with names that underscore their eerie appearance — names like Dracula orchid and bat flower, voodoo lily and mourning widow.
Annunciation parish has long history of social service
Jim and Sandy Arbour found a community of people living out their Christian faith when they visited Annunciation parish about five years ago. ''It was a very positive experience, seeing people working hard to meet the needs of others,'' said Jim Arbour, 61. ''The parishioners were just a warm group of loving and caring people.''
Akron School Board to get makeover
Seven-member body will have four new members
Voters will remake the seven-member Akron School Board when they vote in Tuesday's general election. Half of the eight candidates on the ballot will win a seat and the fifth-place finisher will have a strong argument to be appointed to the board in January to fill a seat to be vacated by Kirt Conrad.
WKDD morning host Matt Patrick to step down
After 30 years as host of the morning show at radio station WKDD (98.1-FM), Matt Patrick is stepping down, effective Dec. 18.
Dow Jones goes up almost 200 points
NEW YORK: Staging the stock market's biggest one-day comeback in more than three months, the Dow Jones industrial average climbed 199.89 points Thursday.
Chrysler plans to include more car TV stations
Bloomberg News
Chrysler Group LLC, the automaker run by Italy's Fiat SpA, plans to boost the number of television stations available in its vehicles to as many as 20 from 3.
How to stop unneeded Windows process
Q: After turning on my PC, I have more than 70 ''processes'' running in the background that appear to use lots of memory. I wonder if they slow the system down.
Students study bridge building
Competition on at Quaker Square
Economy up in third quarter
GDP posts first gain in more than year on increased government spending, tax cuts
WASHINGTON: Fueled by government stimulus, the economy grew last quarter for the first time in more than a year. The question now is, can the recovery last?
Business news briefs
Business news briefs Summa planning
health policy event
Summa Health System is hosting a free Health Policy Summit from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday at the Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Branch Auditorium, 60 S. High St., Akron.
Teixeira, Matsui revitalize Yankees
Burnett stays focused to even it up as teams head to Philadelphia
NEW YORK: Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui shook the New York Yankees from their lumber slumber and sent the World Series to Philadelphia all tied up.
Morgan heals, looks ahead
Hopes are high for Michigan State with forward's return
ROSEMONT, ILL.: Raymar Morgan's smile faded. He paused, stared into the distance and shook his head. When he reflected on this past season Thursday at the Big Ten basketball media day, he still couldn't believe what happened.
Talented Cavaliers looking confused
Both defense, offense lacking; team searching for cohesion after losses
TORONTO: No one has to tell Mike Brown that his team is struggling — on offense and defense. After two games, the Cavaliers have looked good in spurts but overall lacked cohesion.
Man found guilty of assault with machete
After three hours of deliberations, a Summit County jury returned a split verdict late Thursday in the trial of an Akron man accused of attempting to murder his former roommate with a machete at the home they shared on East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue.
St. John the Baptist prepares to close
Tony Petrasek has spent his entire life attending Sunday Mass at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church. On his first Sunday there, he arrived cradled in his mother's arms. On his last Sunday there, he arrived carrying a load of care.
Portman brings Senate campaign to Akron audience
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman thinks his experience in Washington and business background make him the best candidate to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. George Voinovich.
Clerk's title office may move to Green
The Summit County Clerk of Courts title office probably will move from Coventry Township after about 20 years there.
Timken has third-quarter loss
Timken Co. (NYSE: TKR) reported a third-quarter loss Thursday but said it was forecasting less of a loss for the full financial year than it previously expected.
Mayor's car could use a maid
Take a peek inside mayor’s city-owned 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
It's not exactly the presidential limousine. Heck, the mayor's press secretary owns cars that are more exotic. But in recent weeks, the city-owned 2006 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic has been getting more publicity than the entire NASCAR field.
Morgan: Football ends for most seniors tonight, so make it special
It's Week 10 of high school football. It's the final week of the regular season and many teams are gearing up for the start of the playoffs next weekend. But there are many teams that will be ending the season tonight.
Teen brings morbid nightmare to life in Stow
STOW: Inside a refrigerator in Dave Shonk's garage are a bunch of scary, fake heads. In another area is a phony autopsy table with a cut-open mannequin. Around the corner are four dummies in body bags hanging by nooses.
Owner Randy Lerner's e-mail response to Browns fans' plan to protest Nov. 16
Browns owner Randy Lerner's comments (via e-mail) on the planned protest before the Nov. 16 home game against the Baltimore Ravens:
Mall events
Zoos
Chrysler's 5-year plan
Fiat technologies, many that cut fuel consumption, to be key for U.S. carmaker
Details of what Italian automaker Fiat will say next week about its plans for Chrysler are unknown, but it's already clear Fiat is more sincere about sharing its technology and engineering capability than Mercedes-Benz ever was during DaimlerChrysler's brief and blighted existence.
How to move iTunes between computers
The newest version of Apple's iTunes multimedia program lets you wirelessly transfer music and videos from one computer to another.
UPS, FedEx at odds over unionizing proposal
At meeting, shipping giants disagree on whether labor bill would give one side a monopoly
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: FedEx Corp. and UPS Inc. officials argued face to face for the first time about whether a labor bill pending in Congress would create a UPS monopoly or an even playing field for all package delivery companies.
New home sales drop first time in months
Stock market also falls on economic forecast
Associated Press
NEW YORK: Signs of a weaker housing market and a gloomier outlook on the economy gave investors more reasons to dump stocks.
Greater Akron guide is online
The Greater Akron Economic Development Guide offers opportunities for local businesses to gain exposure through print and online advertising avenues.
Midwest health-care ventures to set record
Beacon Journal staff report
Health-care startups in Midwest states reported $593 million in total investments across 140 companies through the first three quarters of 2009, according to a report by the Cleveland-based BioEnterprise group.
Business news briefs - Oct. 29
St. V-M cross country team shows depth and spirit entering regional
St. V-M team shows depth and spirit entering regional
Lee dazzles Yankees, wins Series opener
Utley hits two homers off Sabathia to power Phillies to big victory
NEW YORK: Look out for Cliff Lee, Chase Utley and this New Red Machine. Lee outdueled CC Sabathia, Utley homered twice and the Philadelphia Phillies kept rolling through October, beating the New York Yankees 6-1 on a misty Wednesday night in the World Series opener.
Drink in spooky sights, sounds
Maze at winery, Haunted Schoolhouse among local Halloween offerings
Maize Valley's Bill Bakan escorted a reporter through the Carnage in the Corn in Marlboro Township. Even during the day, it was creepy. The maze, filled with tricks to scare and surprise visitors, twisted and turned around stalks and massive trees.
Maize Valley has fall events
Maize Valley Farm Market & Winery has many activities. The following is a list of what is happening at the 100-acre site at 6193 Edison St. NE (state Route 619), about three miles east of Hartville in Marlboro Township, Stark County.
53 in Falls risk losing jobs
City urges union members to take $1.3 million in wage, other concessions
CUYAHOGA FALLS: As many as 53 employees could lose their jobs if the city's unions do not approve Mayor Don Robart's proposed concessions.
Man accused of attempted murder testifies about wanting 'tough guy'
Defendant says machete attack was self-defense
Jay Stanford Andrews, the Akron man accused of attempting to murder his roommate with a machete, testified that their relationship began at the county jail because he had become lonely and knew he would eventually need a strong companion to protect him from neighborhood thugs.
Akron slims down Santa, tree festivities
Akron isn't canceling Christmas — completely. The city has released details of what will be included in its scaled-back holiday activities this year.
Goodyear shares skid
Goodyear reported its first profitable quarter since 2008 and promptly saw share prices drop the most in 22 years.
Hendrickson will shed 189 jobs in Canton
The trucking industry continues to be hit hard by the economy. The Hendrickson International Trailer Suspension Systems said Wednesday it will shut down its Canton plant by the end of the year, eliminating 189 jobs.
Akron-area union leaders join forces
The people leading many Akron-area union locals have started to organize. Those helping run many of the area's prominent labor organizations on Wednesday held the second of what they hope will be regular quarterly networking get-togethers.
Fans organizing a Brown-out
They jammed NFL fax machines and took fans' signatures to the league meetings when owner Art Modell moved the Browns to Baltimore after the 1995 season. Now wondering whether all that passion and pain were worth it, two longtime Browns season-ticket holders have decided it's time to protest again.
Ex-sewer official says rate hikes to be painful
Akron and its sewer customers are going to have a difficult time affording the sewer improvements mandated under a tentative agreement between the city and the U.S. Justice Department, especially with no federal funds available.
Bob Dyer: AutoZone cuts check for mural
Because the people directly involved aren't talking, we still don't know exactly who was responsible for the blunder in which painters working for AutoZone slapped bands of gray, white and orange paint over top of an enormous mural painted by Akron schoolchildren.
UA basketball notebook: Zips men picked to win the MAC again
A young University of Akron basketball team was the surprise of the Mid-American Conference in 2009 by winning the postseason tournament.
Some say this is a real haunted house
Curator, visitors believe spirits roaming freely at historic Perkins home
From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night. Good Lord deliver us. — Old Scottish prayer.
Indians flavor of World Series opener hard for some to swallow
Tribe GM calls it 'bittersweet,' new manager gives credit to staff, says trades were just business
CLEVELAND: The Indians didn't prepare to play in the World Series this week. They hired a new manager. And while the rest of the country gears up for a sexy Series matchup between the defending-champion Philadelphia Phillies and the storied New York Yankees, heartbroken Indians fans — who have endured 61 years of futility since claiming their last baseball championship — are lamenting what might have been.
Heldenfels: Pure artistry shines through in Michael Jackson film
With negative aspects of his life left out, legend's talent takes center stage in 'This Is It'
Purity is not a word I often associate with Michael Jackson. But it came to mind more than once Tuesday night as I watched the documentary This Is It.
Police say worker took photos of women at medical facility
BRIMFIELD TWP.: Brimfield Township police, sensing something was making a motorist too nervous, uncovered what they say are hundreds of images of women and girls in various degrees of undress.
Government to reconsider truckers' longer hours
Associated Press
The Obama administration has agreed to reconsider a rule that allows long-haul truckers to drive for up to 11 hours in a row, bowing to safety advocates who say longer hours could lead to more accidents.
Groups offer career event
Two certified financial planning organizations will host a career and networking event in Cleveland on Nov. 5.
Chrysler products big, small for Fiat
Line includes Alfa Romeo SUV and subcompact 500
Four months after Fiat won control of Chrysler and its billions of dollars in loans from Washington with a promise to bring small-car expertise to Detroit, the Italian automaker could be poised to offer something a bit bigger to power-hungry American drivers: an Alfa Romeo SUV.
Money isn't only way to motivate workers
Q: Morale is down because business is down, we've had to trim staff several times and customers seem crankier than usual. I have no budget for any material incentives. Any ideas for motivating my staff?
Bank's earnings fall
FirstMerit sees signs local economy may be stabilizing
While FirstMerit Corp's earnings fell in the third quarter, the Akron company's top executives say they see signs of a stabilizing local economy.
Most stocks fall on mixed reports
Associated Press
NEW YORK: Stocks mostly fell Tuesday as mixed reports on home prices and consumer confidence gave investors little incentive to step into the market.
Honda stays hopeful
Associated Press
TOKYO: Honda raised its full year profit forecast Tuesday despite quarterly earnings diving more than half, with ''green'' car incentives in Japan and growth in China expected to further boost vehicle sales.
Business news briefs - Oct. 28
Swine flu shots are hot ticket
Hudson clinic draws restless children, weary pregnant women as early vaccines are limited to groups with greatest risk
HUDSON: For pregnant women and parents in Summit County on Tuesday, pink wristbands and laminated number cards were the hottest tickets in town.
Trustee's removal from UA is placed on hold
Split Republicans debate whether to hold hearing on fate of Morrison Jr.
COLUMBUS: The Ohio Senate postponed efforts to remove Jack Morrison Jr. from the University of Akron board of trustees Tuesday as a divided Republican caucus continues to debate the issue of due process and whether to hold a hearing on the matter.
Communities in area hurt by economy, census shows
Survey reports decline in local median family or household incomes
Tough economic times are taking a toll on household incomes and home values in the area's most affluent communities, according to a new census report.
Women's group helps community
Talk about making a herculean difference in the life of this community. WITAN (Women in Touch with Akron's Needs), an exceptional women's group with charity in their hearts, donated more than 10,000 volunteer hours to the community last year.
Patrick McManamon: Cavs need time to click as team
CLEVELAND: Sometimes it's wise to pay attention to a coach. Especially in the NBA, where coaches do not play the games of coaches in other leagues that don't use a round ball.
Cavs' fast start not enough
CLEVELAND: After starting the game with a bare-knuckled right hook squarely to the jaw of the Boston Celtics, the Cavaliers needed a strong third quarter to have a chance to win Tuesday night's season opener at Quicken Loans Arena.
World Series close to home for North graduate
BROWN TWP.: Jack DiLauro knows he will always belong as part of the fraternity. But for most of the year, he's simply lost the connection.
Firefighter apologizes to Akron mayor
An Akron firefighter met with Mayor Don Plusquellic on Tuesday afternoon and apologized for his role in a recent incident in which police stopped and questioned the mayor.
FirstEnergy earnings fall
The deep recession and mild weather took a major toll on FirstEnergy Corp.'s third-quarter finances. FirstEnergy on Tuesday reported earnings of $230 million, or 77 cents a share, on revenue of $3.4 billion.
Better witches giving away whole bars, not fun size
Old nut-cake recipe is still a spooky favorite
It's time to stick your head in that bag of candy and inhale the sweet scent of Halloween. What is it about Halloween that makes candy smell so much better than any other time of the year?
North High grad recalls winning 1969 World Series with Mets
BROWN TWP.: Jack DiLauro knows he will always belong as part of the fraternity. But for most of the year he's simply lost the connection.
Patrick McManamon: The frustration grows
Solutions to the Browns problems are as evasive as opposing players, but this much is obvious: the fans are sickened by what they see and have become apathetic. It seems the only chance to salvage the relationship is for the Browns to go in a different direction with the coaching position.
73 more employees of county take buyout
Job and Family Services has most sign up at 19
Seventy-three Summit County workers signed up for a second buyout program designed to reduce county spending, officials said Monday.
Akron's school finances better
State's new funding method will provide more than Treasurer Pierson had estimated
A gloomy financial outlook described by Akron Public Schools Treasurer Jack Pierson two weeks ago brightened a little in the last week as the district got its first payment from the state's new ''evidence-based'' funding formula.
Wadsworth KeyBank opens
Beacon Journal staff report
KeyBank opened its newest branch in Wadsworth on Monday.
Stunt the busybody without being rude
Q: How do you deal with an office busybody? One of my co-workers simply must know everything about everyone. She constantly tries to get information about what we are doing or where we are going.
Business fair comes to KSU
Kent State University's annual Entrepreneurship Extravaganza will be Nov. 5-6. The school's Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation will host workshops, panel discussions and speakers for three different tracks: Prepare to Launch, Launch and Acceleration.
Michelin's truck tire revenue drops 11%
Michelin, the world's second-largest tire maker, said third-quarter revenue fell 11 percent, led by a decline in sales to truck makers.
Complex web kills Detroit
Car czar Rattner too easily blames auto woes on a few highly paid execs at GM and Chrysler
President Obama's former car czar might be among the more unpopular guys in Detroit, but he shouldn't be — because Steven Rattner's right.
Rising dollar hits oil prices, stocks fall
Sharp swings in currency, commodities cause Dow to decline
Associated Press
NEW YORK: A strengthening dollar and worries about an overheated market pounded stocks on Monday.
Diebold Inc. negotiates new credit agreement
Bloomberg News
Diebold Inc., a maker of automated bank-teller machines, said it arranged a two-part credit facility of $400 million and 75 million euros ($122 million).
Business news briefs - Oct. 27
Bob Dyer: Gimmick a solid waste of resources
Although they don't seem to have a full understanding of irony, the good folks at ''SASWMA,'' as they're known in the biz, have their hearts in the right place.
Kent State holds debate on casinos
Ex-congressman streeses jobs, funding; opponent cites costs
A debate over the fate of casino gambling in Ohio attracted about 100 people to a forum on Issue 3 at Kent State University's Student Center Monday evening.
Mangini to stick with Anderson
BEREA: The ''Brady'' chants started in the second quarter, just after Browns rookie receiver Brian Robiskie turned inside and quarterback Derek Anderson threw outside, much to the delight of Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, who intercepted the pass.
Clinics for H1N1 vaccines this week
Area residents at higher risk for H1N1 influenza can get access to an extremely limited number of free vaccines at several public clinics this week.
Prison term for fish-store crime
An Akron man, described by prosecutors as a ''career criminal'' with a lengthy record even as a juvenile, was sentenced Monday to 16 months in prison for breaking into a tropical fish store earlier this year.
Cavs deny animosity toward Celtics
INDEPENDENCE: Leon Powe said he is begging to get on the floor tonight against the Boston Celtics, his old team.
Sheldon Ocker: Tribe fans should give Acta chance to prove himself
CLEVELAND: Who did you expect, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, Ron Gardenhire? They all have jobs, and if they didn't, they would command top dollar in the marketplace. Would that disqualify them to manage the Indians? Who knows? It doesn't matter, because that's not reality. What's real is Manny Acta, the Tribe's new skipper.
UA to sell bit of history at Quaker Square tag sale
Are you in the market for a moose head? Fourteen-foot totem pole? Twenty or 30 wing chairs or a couple of dozen beds?
16-month sentence for man who broke into tropical fish store
An Akron man described by prosecutors as ''a career criminal,'' with a lengthy record even as a juvenile, was sentenced today to 16 months in prison for breaking into a tropical fish store earlier this year.
Surprise gift at funeral home
More stories of long-gone keepsakes reach 'This Place, This Time'
We must have struck a chord. Our recent articles about lost-and-found keepsakes have generated a lot of comments. Here are some interesting updates from the world of This Place, This Time:
Tips for evaluating health-plan options
New plans can vary widely by employer
More workers will probably be offered a health insurance option that offers a lower premium but could mean higher out-of-pocket costs when open enrollment begins for 2010 coverage.
Pros tap into social media
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter vital tools for building personal, business relationships; choose one to serve as 'hub'
Building a business and a career takes connections. Face-to-face contact is important, of course, when it comes to networking.
Consumer-directed health plans grow
Premiums drop but deductibles are higher, so customers must compare benefit options carefully
Workers might need to study closely their health coverage options this fall. More employers might include a new type of plan that can chop premium payments by nearly 20 percent and give consumers a tax break.
Books due this week from high-profile writers
Associated Press
Two business books are scheduled for release this week from high-profile writers.
Studying reduces your risk
Market research gathers business information that helps you make decisions and may save you money
Market research is a systematic and objective way of finding out who your potential and actual customers are and their needs, desires and behavior. It can identify who wants to buy a product or service, who can afford it and who actually spends the money.
Yankees advance to World Series
Sabathia expected to face Lee in Game 1 Wednesday
NEW YORK: Alex Rodriguez, welcome to the World Series. The New York Yankees are back in baseball's big event. The sport's top spenders finally cashed in with their first pennant in six years Sunday night, beating the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series behind the savvy pitching of that old October pro, Andy Pettitte.
Browns pack it in
Far from competitive, they leave Green Bay laughing
CLEVELAND: What does it say about the state of the Browns when a Green Bay Packers' scout team linebacker can get to the quarterback faster on a blitz than the Browns' starting safety?
Patrick McManamon: Time for Browns to admit mistake with Mangini
Might not be fair, but Mangini's time is up
CLEVELAND: The Browns have reached the time for a difficult decision regarding the future of Eric Mangini: There shouldn't be one.
Indians pick Acta
Acta becomes coach in major leagues in '02
CLEVELAND: Manny Acta spent a majority of the second half of the baseball season paying close attention to the television, watching and then often re-watching games involving teams that he had a hunch would soon be looking for a manager.
Flu threat helps DiaMed thrive
Canton-based medical supply company expects 70 percent sales increase
An ailing economy, high unemployment and the threat of swine flu are a bad combination for most businesses.
Local history: A rain of rocks
Mysterious pelting of Akron family creates a big sensation in 1878
Browns pack it in
CLEVELAND: What does it say about the state of the Browns when a Green Bay Packers' scout team linebacker can get to the quarterback faster on a blitz than the Browns' starting safety?
Daughter, 20, arrested in mother's stabbing
Akron police, investigating the weekend death of a 58-year-old woman, have arrested the victim's 20-year-old daughter and two others.
McMANAMON: Time for Browns to admit mistake with Mangini
CLEVELAND: The Browns have reached the time for a difficult decision regarding the future of Eric Mangini: There shouldn't be one.
Bro-Chet Society makes headway during games
Some men watch the Cleveland Browns play and dream of better days while spinning yarns of past glories. Not the seven men I interfaced with Sunday.
Jewell Cardwell: 'Stache growers to cultivate whiskers for kids
Bravo to Keathley Advertising of Akron. Not only for its charity but also for its creativity. The advertising and public relations agency in the next few weeks will be doing all it can to bring the mustache back in style. It's started an Akron chapter of Mustaches for Kids to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, according to a Keathley spokesman. ''The chapter Web site is http://www.m4kakron.org and is the first in Ohio.
Acta does his homework to land Indians job
CLEVELAND: Manny Acta spent a majority of the second half of the baseball season paying close attention to the television, watching and then often re-watching games involving teams that he had a hunch would soon be looking for a manager.
More students willing to help pay for college
90% surveyed said they should cover some of cost
Listen up, parents, would-be parents and grandparents who want to help: The best time to start saving for a child's college education is as soon as Mommy is pregnant. The best way to do it is as a family, with the children contributing what they can.
''The health-care industry in Northea...
''The health-care industry in Northeast Ohio continues to quietly grow — in jobs, number of firms and economic output — even during the downturn. The sector's growth is directly impacting the region's manufacturing sector, as many of those firms are becoming suppliers to the medical device industry.
Timing is essential with Social Security
Answering questions brings up tough issues, research often difficult
Many Americans take Social Security early, at age 62, because they really need it. They're in poor health or unemployed, or both. Others take benefits early because they're worried they'll lose out on what's rightfully theirs if benefits are reduced. But few people try to figure out the best age to take Social Security — and that's a serious mistake.
''Older workers conducting a job se...
''Older workers conducting a job search in today's economic climate often find that their past strategies are inadequate, given the intense competition for fewer available job openings. Some older workers also face additional barriers, including lack of certifications or degrees, isolation, outdated skills and a lack of understanding of how to look for work.
''The downturn in the economy has b...
''The downturn in the economy has been tough on a lot of people. Companies are looking to do more with less.
One-time break on withdrawals saves seniors a lot
Required redemptions during a horrible market can cut into savings
Hundreds of thousands of retirees have more money in their accounts thanks to a one-time waiver of a government-required withdrawal that kicks in after age 70.
Business notebook
COMPANIES
WhiteSpace CreativeThe Akron marketing firm was presented with the 2009 Cascade Capital Business Growth Award by the Cascade Capital Corp. and Smart Business Akron/Canton magazine. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award was presented to Keeven White, president of WhiteSpace Creative, for leading a dynamic, growing organization and inspiring others through innovative business practices.
Wayne Homes
Clean-energy technology might establish fortunes
Obama budget holding $150 billion for research
SAN FRANCISCO: Our economy sure could use the Next Big Thing. Something on the scale of railroads, automobiles or the Internet — the kind of breakthrough that emerges every so often and builds industries, generates jobs and mints fortunes.
Diversity computes for Dell
Company's founder, CEO looks to go beyond PCs, expand into services, smart-phone market
When Salesforce.com Inc. Chief Executive Officer Marc Benioff wanted ideas about how to run his business during the technology recession of 2001, he turned to his friend Michael Dell.
Business calendar
Tuesday
Toastmasters Akron 151 — 6:30 to 8 p.m., St. Thomas Hospital, 444 N. Main St., Akron. Information: Paul, 330-794-2605.
Wadsworth Toastmasters Club — 7 p.m., Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St. Free. Information: Carol at 330-336-8000.
Stow-Falls Breakfast Optimists — 7 a.m., Silver Lake Country Club, 1325 Graham Road, Silver Lake. Guests welcome, first meeting free. Information: Norm Kempel, 330-928-3010.
Northeast Ohio Business Alliance — 7:30 to 9 a.m., Real Estate Capital Partners, 8821 Freeway Drive, Macedonia. Information: edhopson@rcpfunding.com.
AmSpirit Business Connections — Greater Akron Referral Network Chapter — 7:30 a.m., Akron General Health and Wellness Center-West, 4125 Medina Road, Bath Township. Free. Information: Tim Brenner, 330-472-8508.
Wadsworth Toastmasters — 7 p.m., Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St. Free. Information: Carol, 330-336-8000, or http://www.wadsworthtoastmasters.com.
National Association of Credit Management — Greater Cleveland — 6-9 p.m., NACM Greater Cleveland Office, 24600 Detroit Road, Suite 100, Westlake. Will offer a 10-week course on Business Credit Principles. $379 for NACM members, and $419 for non-members. Information: http://www.nacm.org.
Web Marketing Seminar and Workshop — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Indiana Wesleyan University-Cleveland Campus, 4100 Rockside Road, Independence. Attendees can register for the seminar, intensive workshop, or seminar and workshop together. $199 for seminar, $149 for workshop, or $299 for both. Registration: Collyn Floyd, 800-310-0317 or http://www.seoseminars.org.
Wednesday
AmSpirit Business Connections — Akron Chapter — 8:30 a.m., NARI headquarters, 76 E. North St., Akron. Free. Information: Jeff Houck at 440-591-7787.
A.M. Akron Toastmasters Club — 8 a.m., Fairlawn Country Club, 200 N. Wheaton Road, Akron. Breakfast, $6. Information: Jim Butler, 330-666-5630.
International Referral Network — Akron West Chapter — 11:45 a.m., Rosemont Country Club, 3177 Rosemont Blvd., Fairlawn. Reservations required: Bill Kirk, 330-237-1111.
CFA Society of Cleveland — Noon, Sammy's Metropolitan Ballroom, 21st floor, Huntington Building, East Ninth and Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Wayne Nordberg, chairman and chief investment officer at Hollow Brook Associates LLC, will speak. Reservations: 216-696-8066.
American Advertising Federation — Akron Chapter — Noon to 1 p.m., Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill, University of Akron. Matt Harlowe from All Points Branding will present ''All I Know About Marketing I Learned Chasing Women.'' $25 members; $15 student members; $35 others. Information: http://www.akronadfed.net.
Thursday
Bath-Richfield Kiwanis — 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, Grant Street and Broadview Road, Richfield. $8. Information: 330-819-0175.
Akron Executives' Association — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., TLC Catering, 3204 Ridgewood Road, Copley Township. Reservations required: Nancy Mahoney, 330-247-2479.
Springfield Township Area Chamber of Commerce — Small Biz Boot Camp — 6-9 p.m., Akron Turner Club, 547 Munroe Falls Road, Tallmadge. Information: http://www.springfieldareachamber.org.
Friday
Business Network International — Aurora Borealis Chapter — 7:30 a.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 342 S. Chillicothe Road, Aurora. Information: Keith Smith, 216-595-7900, or http://www.bni-ohio.com
Calendar items may be sent two weeks in advance to the Akron Beacon Journal, Business News Department, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640.
Young people resistant, but flocking to Twitter
Many think it's uncool, since their elders like it, and just don't see point
They think it's pointless, narcissistic. Some don't even know what it is. Even so, more young adults and teens — normally at the cutting edge of technology — are finally coming around to Twitter, using it for class or work, monitoring the minutiae of celebrities' lives.
Twitter sells rights to Google, Microsoft
SAN FRANCISCO: Twitter Inc. is selling the rights to mine its communications hotbed to both Internet search leader Google Inc. and Microsoft Corp. in dueling deals that underscore the growing importance of being able to show what's on people's minds at any given moment.
Fairlawn woman's poetry helps her cope with disease
Words soothe others who have Parkinson's, too
Betty Jo Blauner's body trembled while she read her poems aloud. As she did, tears streamed down the face of her husband, Michael.
Support drops but casino issue still ahead in poll
Telephone survey also shows voters favor plan to fight the state's budget shortfall by delaying an income tax cut
COLUMBUS: Despite an increasingly contentious campaign in the past month, the lead for the casino issue on next week's statewide ballot has dropped only from 21 to 18 percentage points, a new poll for Ohio's major newspapers shows.
Buckeyes hole up Golden Gophers
Improved Pryor throws two touchdown passes, runs for another score
COLUMBUS: This ''new'' Terrelle Pryor was vastly better than the old one. Pryor threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score to lead No. 18 Ohio State to a 38-7 win over Minnesota on Saturday.
Business calendar
Tuesday
Toastmasters Akron 151 — 6:30 to 8 p.m., St. Thomas Hospital, 444 N. Main St., Akron. Information: Paul, 330-794-2605.
Wadsworth Toastmasters Club — 7 p.m., Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St. Free. Information: Carol at 330-336-8000.
Stow-Falls Breakfast Optimists — 7 a.m., Silver Lake Country Club, 1325 Graham Road, Silver Lake. Guests welcome, first meeting free. Information: Norm Kempel, 330-928-3010.
Northeast Ohio Business Alliance — 7:30 to 9 a.m., Real Estate Capital Partners, 8821 Freeway Drive, Macedonia. Information: edhopson@rcpfunding.com.
AmSpirit Business Connections — Greater Akron Referral Network Chapter — 7:30 a.m., Akron General Health and Wellness Center-West, 4125 Medina Road, Bath Township. Free. Information: Tim Brenner, 330-472-8508.
Wadsworth Toastmasters — 7 p.m., Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St. Free. Information: Carol, 330-336-8000, or http://www.wadsworthtoastmasters.com.
National Association of Credit Management — Greater Cleveland — 6-9 p.m., NACM Greater Cleveland Office, 24600 Detroit Road, Suite 100, Westlake. Will offer a 10-week course on Business Credit Principles. $379 for NACM members, and $419 for non-members. Information: http://www.nacm.org.
Web Marketing Seminar and Workshop — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Indiana Wesleyan University-Cleveland Campus, 4100 Rockside Road, Independence. Attendees can register for the seminar, intensive workshop, or seminar and workshop together. $199 for seminar, $149 for workshop, or $299 for both. Registration: Collyn Floyd, 800-310-0317 or http://www.seoseminars.org.
Wednesday
AmSpirit Business Connections — Akron Chapter — 8:30 a.m., NARI headquarters, 76 E. North St., Akron. Free. Information: Jeff Houck at 440-591-7787.
A.M. Akron Toastmasters Club — 8 a.m., Fairlawn Country Club, 200 N. Wheaton Road, Akron. Breakfast, $6. Information: Jim Butler, 330-666-5630.
International Referral Network — Akron West Chapter — 11:45 a.m., Rosemont Country Club, 3177 Rosemont Blvd., Fairlawn. Reservations required: Bill Kirk, 330-237-1111.
CFA Society of Cleveland — Noon, Sammy's Metropolitan Ballroom, 21st floor, Huntington Building, East Ninth and Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Wayne Nordberg, chairman and chief investment officer at Hollow Brook Associates LLC, will speak. Reservations: 216-696-8066.
American Advertising Federation — Akron Chapter — Noon to 1 p.m., Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill, University of Akron. Matt Harlowe from All Points Branding will present ''All I Know About Marketing I Learned Chasing Women.'' $25 members; $15 student members; $35 others. Information: http://www.akronadfed.net.
Thursday
Bath-Richfield Kiwanis — 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, Grant Street and Broadview Road, Richfield. $8. Information: 330-819-0175.
Akron Executives' Association — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., TLC Catering, 3204 Ridgewood Road, Copley Township. Reservations required: Nancy Mahoney, 330-247-2479.
Springfield Township Area Chamber of Commerce — Small Biz Boot Camp — 6-9 p.m., Akron Turner Club, 547 Munroe Falls Road, Tallmadge. Information: http://www.springfieldareachamber.org.
Friday
Business Network International — Aurora Borealis Chapter — 7:30 a.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 342 S. Chillicothe Road, Aurora. Information: Keith Smith, 216-595-7900, or http://www.bni-ohio.com
Calendar items may be sent two weeks in advance to the Akron Beacon Journal, Business News Department, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640.
Young people resistant, but flocking to Twitter
Many think it's uncool, since their elders like it, and just don't see point
CHICAGO: They think it's pointless, narcissistic. Some don't even know what it is. Even so, more young adults and teens — normally at the cutting edge of technology — are finally coming around to Twitter, using it for class or work, monitoring the minutiae of celebrities' lives.
Twitter sells rights to Google, Microsoft
SAN FRANCISCO: Twitter Inc. is selling the rights to mine its communications hotbed to both Internet search leader Google Inc. and Microsoft Corp. in dueling deals that underscore the growing importance of being able to show what's on people's minds at any given moment.
Fairlawn woman's poetry helps her cope with disease
Words soothe others who have Parkinson's, too
Betty Jo Blauner's body trembled while she read her poems aloud. As she did, tears streamed down the face of her husband, Michael.
Buckeyes hole up Golden Gophers
Improved Pryor throws two touchdown passes, runs for another score
COLUMBUS: This ''new'' Terrelle Pryor was vastly better than the old one. Pryor threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score to lead No. 18 Ohio State to a 38-7 win over Minnesota on Saturday.
More students willing to help pay for college
90% surveyed said they should cover some of cost
Listen up, parents, would-be parents and grandparents who want to help: The best time to start saving for a child's college education is as soon as Mommy is pregnant. The best way to do it is as a family, with the children contributing what they can.
''The health-care industry in Northea...
''The health-care industry in Northeast Ohio continues to quietly grow — in jobs, number of firms and economic output — even during the downturn. The sector's growth is directly impacting the region's manufacturing sector, as many of those firms are becoming suppliers to the medical device industry.
Timing is essential with Social Security
Answering questions brings up tough issues, research often difficult
Many Americans take Social Security early, at age 62, because they really need it. They're in poor health or unemployed, or both. Others take benefits early because they're worried they'll lose out on what's rightfully theirs if benefits are reduced. But few people try to figure out the best age to take Social Security — and that's a serious mistake.
''Older workers conducting a job se...
''Older workers conducting a job search in today's economic climate often find that their past strategies are inadequate, given the intense competition for fewer available job openings. Some older workers also face additional barriers, including lack of certifications or degrees, isolation, outdated skills and a lack of understanding of how to look for work.
''The downturn in the economy has b...
''The downturn in the economy has been tough on a lot of people. Companies are looking to do more with less.
One-time break on withdrawals saves seniors a lot
Required redemptions during a horrible market can cut into savings
Hundreds of thousands of retirees have more money in their accounts thanks to a one-time waiver of a government-required withdrawal that kicks in after age 70.
Business notebook
COMPANIES
WhiteSpace CreativeThe Akron marketing firm was presented with the 2009 Cascade Capital Business Growth Award by the Cascade Capital Corp. and Smart Business Akron/Canton magazine. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award was presented to Keeven White, president of WhiteSpace Creative, for leading a dynamic, growing organization and inspiring others through innovative business practices.
Wayne Homes
Clean-energy technology might establish fortunes
Obama budget holding $150 billion for research
SAN FRANCISCO: Our economy sure could use the Next Big Thing. Something on the scale of railroads, automobiles or the Internet — the kind of breakthrough that emerges every so often and builds industries, generates jobs and mints fortunes.
Diversity computes for Dell
Company's founder, CEO looks to go beyond PCs, expand into services, smart-phone market
When Salesforce.com Inc. Chief Executive Officer Marc Benioff wanted ideas about how to run his business during the technology recession of 2001, he turned to his friend Michael Dell.
Support drops but casino issue still ahead in poll
Telephone survey also shows voters favor plan to fight the state's budget shortfall by delaying an income tax cut
COLUMBUS: Despite an increasingly contentious campaign in the past month, the lead for the casino issue on next week's statewide ballot has dropped only from 21 to 18 percentage points, a new poll for Ohio's major newspapers shows.
Incumbent wants voters to choose engineer
Less than a year after being elected Summit County engineer, B. Alan Brubaker finds himself in an odd position: defending the existence of the office itself.
GOP aims for Akron council
Republican candidates for Akron City Council are hoping the city's budget crisis will help them gain a foothold on the all-Democratic council.
University's gospel choir helps 'Make a Difference'
The New Season Gospel Choir showed up Saturday at the little brick church on Johnston Street near the University of Akron bearing rakes and rags instead of songbooks.
Cavs preview: LeBron, Shaq testing chemistry
INDEPENDENCE: One is still ascending in his professional basketball career, and the other is in the twilight of his.
LeBron means le cash for Cavs
On the court, LeBron James is money. And off, he means even more money for the Cavaliers. Since James entered the NBA, the value of the Cavs' franchise jumped 85 percent to $477 million last year — the largest percentage increase in the league, according to Forbes.com.
Mangini getting blitzed by critics
BEREA: It's time to throw a flag for piling on. Specifically for piling on Browns coach Eric Mangini, who's rivaling the father of ''balloon boy'' as America's favorite nonpolitical target.
Pat's Beside the Point: Kosar eager to help Browns
The front office of the Browns made a very subtle change a couple weeks ago when it invited one of its own to help.
Patrick McManamon: Get excited about Cavs, but use caution
There are so many reasons to be excited about the Cavaliers as they prepare to open the 2009-10 season Tuesday night against the Boston Celtics.
WILLARD: State Issue 2 creates odd alliances
COLUMBUS:In February, representatives from the Ohio Farm Bureau and the United States Humane Society quietly met in Columbus.
Programs make a computer backup copy faster
When personal computing was young, making a backup copy of your files was a real chore. But today, you can plug in an external hard disk to your computer and the backup is done automatically.
BBB gets residents ready for 2010 census
After years of warning consumers not to give out personal information to anyone who shows up at their doorstep, the Better Business Bureau figured it should get an early start preparing residents for the arrival of U.S. census collectors.
Bridgestone plans to close two aging plants
Tire maker says Australian and New Zealand factories aren't competitive
Bloomberg News
Bridgestone Corp. said it will close plants in Adelaide, Australia, and Christchurch, New Zealand, because of lower cost competitiveness.
Law firm reshuffle pares 44 workers
The long-established law firm of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, with offices in Bath Township, Canton, Cleveland and Florida, is reorganizing and has let go 16 attorneys and 28 support staff.
Tech is unable to boost market
Stocks end week lower as Microsoft, Amazon post favorable earnings
NEW YORK: With quarterly reporting season in full swing, the information-technology sector has beat others topping analysts' sales forecasts, though even well-regarded results from Microsoft and Amazon couldn't lift the broader market Friday.
Panel to discuss business ethics
The Corporate University, Kent State University at Stark, will host ''Ethics in Business Panel Discussion: Hiring and Firing'' from 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the University Center, 6000 Frank Ave. NW in Jackson Township.
You can buy it here
Sales of these consumer products can aid the local economy
Think manufacturing is dead in Northeast Ohio? Tell that to the 279,918 people employed by goods-producing companies in the 16-county region last year.
12 small stocks survive screen, worth a look
Amedisys, Amerigroup, Esterline and Powell among gems in rough
I have nothing against large companies, but my heart belongs to ''small-cap'' value stocks. As I see it, the chances of finding a gem in the rough are greater with small stocks. They are less followed by analysts and investors, so the opportunities haven't been exhaustively picked over.
Sunshine State set to use solar energy
Florida nearly ready to power homes, businesses
Associated Press
ARCADIA, FLA.: A sandy path leads to where the future of Florida's renewable energy plans begin: Acres of open land filled with solar panels that will soon power thousands of homes and business.
Business news briefs - Oct. 24
Utility prepares to plead its case
FirstEnergy officials say they'll be open to ideas at hearing Wednesday after feeling the backlash over light-bulb program
FirstEnergy will go to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio next week to plead its case for distribution of nearly 4 million energy-efficient light bulbs to the electric utility's customers.
Highland runs past Copley 39-21
COPLEY TWP.: The rainy weather didn't affect Highland coach Tom Lombardo's game plan against Copley on Friday.
Wright survives interstate accident
BEREA: With a fastened seat belt and the aid of a trucker who stopped to pull him from the back window of his totaled car, Browns cornerback Eric Wright escaped major injury when his car flipped and rolled several times early Friday, police reported.
Brown to experiment with Cavs rotation
INDEPENDENCE: Coach Mike Brown isn't expecting the Cavaliers to come rampaging out of the gate to start this NBA season.
Taser maker urges police to avoid targeting suspects in chest
The makers of Taser guns are recommending officers avoid striking suspects in the chest, a change in policy that is causing some to renew complaints over the weapon's safety.
Habitat for Humanity's first volunteer spreads message in Akron
Habitat for Humanity's first volunteer was in Akron on Friday, spreading ''the Theology of the Hammer.
Triple-A's Lovullo looking to step up to Indians manager
CLEVELAND: Torey Lovullo is on General Manager Mark Shapiro's short list to be the Indians' next manager, but why have him go through the interview process?
Law firm reshuffle pares 44 workers
The long-established law firm of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, with offices in Bath Township, Canton, Cleveland and Florida, is reorganizing and has let go 16 attorneys and 28 support staff.
Jewell Cardwell: Survivor of genocide offers hope
Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU.
UA to face overhauled Syracuse after last year's upset
Sports talk radio and Internet postings in central New York this week have been full of chatter about the need for the Syracuse football team to avenge an upset loss to the University of Akron last season.
Meditation center teaches Buddhist path to enlightenment
CUYAHOGA FALLS: There is a place in the Riverfront Square district where everyone is encouraged to slow down and cultivate compassion and intelligence.
Respect the rake
Find the right tool and use proper technique to turn over an old leaf
You could be called the lawn Luddites. You're the holdouts who shun leaf blowers and lawn vacuums, the hardy types who find satisfaction in the scrape of tines on grass.
Hudson man pleads guilty to murder of mother and brother
A Hudson man pleaded guilty this afternoon to two counts of murder, aggravated arson and other offenses in the April beating death of his mother and brother at their home in Hudson.
Children Services union agrees to 3 percent raises
350 workers without a contract most of year
Beacon Journal staff report
Union workers at Summit County Children Services have approved a three-year contract that includes a 3 percent pay raise this year and 2 percent raises the following years.
AT&T quarter results surprise analysts
Sales of iPhone are big factor as company adds 2 million wireless telephone customers.
Bloomberg News
AT&T Inc., the biggest U.S. phone company, reported third-quarter profit Thursday that beat analysts' estimates as the iPhone helped attract a record number of new customers.
Chamber talk on economy
What do the experts think about the economy? Two speakers will address the topic at the Greater Akron Chamber's Economic Outlook 2010 meeting on Nov. 12.
Learn more about money-market funds
A money-market fund typically offers a better interest rate compared to standard interest-paying savings and checking accounts.
Akron company wins mercury research grant
Beacon Journal staff report
E3 Materials LLC in Akron is getting a $149,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
PNC shares go up 13% on earnings
Net interest margin increases significantly
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. shares rose 13 percent in New York trading Thursday after third-quarter earnings more than doubled on the December acquisition of National City Corp. and more profitable lending.
Business news briefs
Dow average rises;
oil prices falling
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 131.95 points Thursday, or 1.3 percent, to 10,081.31. The index is 11 points below its highest close of the year, which it reached on Monday.
Los Angeles forces Game 6 in New York
Dramatic late-game comeback stops Yankees from clinching the pennant
ANAHEIM, CALIF.: Just when all looked lost, the Los Angeles Angels took a cue from an old friend. With their Rally Monkey doing his best work in years, the Angels sent the AL Championship Series back to New York.
Union leader impugns mayor's car use
The Akron fire union president is questioning whether Mayor Don Plusquellic should have driven his city-owned car to a birthday party Saturday night if he planned to drink.
10 Browns still out with flu
BEREA: Ten Browns players remained home with the flu Thursday, but coach Eric Mangini seemed optimistic that the worst has passed.
Dyer Streets: Crosswalks make strides near campus
Even the Roo should fear East Exchange Street. When it comes to pedestrians and traffic, the University of Akron has enjoyed an exceptional run of good luck. You don't have to be a professional risk assessor to realize the high probability of tragedy when hundreds of students per hour are jaywalking across a street that attracts 24,100 vehicles a day.
Browns block out the bad
BEREA: A quarterback learning how to shake off interceptions and dropped passes must deal with a new receiving corps. For the 1-5 Browns, it has been a woeful combination.
Myers reports quarterly downturn
Myers Industries Inc. reported a net loss Thursday for its third quarter, due in large part to special expenses and the down economy. Sales also tumbled, the Akron plastics and rubber maker and specialty tools distributor said.
JumpStart wins national award
For the second time this year, JumpStart Inc. has been spotlighted on the national stage. This time, the Northeast Ohio business development organization was honored for its work helping early-stage companies find investors.
Giant Eagle at Chapel Hill to grow
Demolition crews have finished tearing down a portion of the Plaza at Chapel Hill strip mall to make way for an expansion of the Giant Eagle grocery store.
Area offers swine flu vaccinations
Health districts schedule clinics in both Hudson and Barberton
The Summit County Health District is holding an H1N1 influenza vaccine clinic from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hudson Community Chapel, 750 W. Streetsboro St.
Instructor takes right steps with Irish dance school
Teresa Buck is following her passion and helping to keep an ethnic tradition alive. Buck, a former three-time competitor in the Irish Dance World Championships, has opened her own studio to teach a new generation of Irish dancers.
LeBron advising struggling Ohio State quarterback
COLUMBUS: Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is helping Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor learn how to handle everything that comes with being a celebrity athlete.
Off-the-wall high school nicknames put smile on face
Beacon Journal sports writer What's in a nickname? I have one that close friends have been calling me for years, Boona.
Tour bus delivers prescription aid
Help Is Here Express dispenses information during stop in Canton
Ron Knox set out from his Canton home Wednesday morning with high hopes to catch the bus. This was not an ordinary bus.
Zoos
Mall events
Democrats go after antitrust exemption
Lawmakers work on legislation to change insurance industry standards
WASHINGTON: Democrats launched a drive at both ends of the Capitol on Wednesday to strip the insurance industry of its decades-old exemption from federal antitrust laws, part of an increasingly bare-knuckled struggle over landmark health-care legislation sought by President Barack Obama.
Local agencies are beginning to offer shots
Clinics could start next week. 1st deliveries described as small
Public health agencies in the region are rolling out their plans this week to vaccinate children and other high-risk people against H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu.
Stocks rally early, slide in final hour over Wells Fargo
Associated Press
NEW YORK: Traders unraveled a rally in stocks late Wednesday as a downbeat assessment of a bank touched off fears that the market is getting overheated.
FedEx Ground facing lawsuits
NEW YORK: The Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey and Montana say they plan to sue FedEx Ground, claiming the unit's classification of workers as independent contractors rather than employees violates state labor laws.
Windows 7 shines
Reviewer says newly released operating system is stable, smart and solves worst issues caused by its predecessor
Microsoft goes for a ''do-over'' today. The software giant is releasing a new operating system that it hopes will make people forget about all of the problems with Windows Vista.
KeyCorp bank posts wider loss
Lender down $397 million in third quarter as it raises reserves; loan charge-offs keep rising
KeyCorp, Ohio's second-largest bank, reported a bigger-than-expected loss Wednesday as the lender charged off more commercial real estate loans and set aside $733 million to cover loan losses.
Hudson library plans tax forum
The intricacies of federal and state tax filings for small businesses will be addressed at the Small Business Tax Workshop Nov. 14.
Make sure laptop, router use same settings
Q: When I take my laptop out of town, I have trouble connecting to my home network when I return. The laptop detects the Linksys router at home and shows five bars of signal strength, but it can't connect to the router and the automatic ''repair this wireless connection'' option doesn't work.
Regional data show signs of recovery
Cleveland Fed finds pockets of growth in fragile economy
From staff and wire reports
Improvements in housing and manufacturing are driving the early stages of an economic recovery, according to a Federal Reserve survey released Wednesday.
Charity partners sought to give away footwear
Beacon Journal staff report
Local nonprofits are being sought to help give away children's shoes.
Business news briefs
Doctor will lead
Medina Hospital
The Cleveland Clinic's Medina Hospital said it appointed longtime staff doctor and leader Thomas Tulisiak as vice president of medical operations.
Celtics crush Cavs in preseason finale
COLUMBUS: It doesn't count for the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics until Tuesday, but with a packed house at Ohio State University's Value City Arena and some intense play on the court, Wednesday's preseason game could have easily been mistaken for the real deal.
Two House Republicans side with Dems to raise state income tax
COLUMBUS: State representatives Ross McGregor and Matt Dolan were the odd men out. The two Republicans broke party ranks Wednesday and joined Ohio House Democrats in raising the state income tax rate by 4.2 percent to fill a projected $850 million hole in the two-year state budget.
Retired art educator named teacher of year
A recently retired Cuyahoga Falls art teacher has been named the 2009 Summit County Teacher of the Year. Max Schueneman taught for 34 years in Cuyahoga Falls City Schools and retired last school year. In addition to teaching art, he led the school safety patrol, created scenery for the holiday programs, and produced the Lincoln School Highlights video every year.
Flu bug takes bite out of Browns
BEREA: Browns offensive lineman Rex Hadnot thought nothing of hanging out with his good buddy and defensive lineman Corey Williams on the team's off day Tuesday and spending the past week sitting next to linebacker Kamerion Wimbley in the locker room.
Bob Dyer: Yard signs as common as leaves
We have entered that glorious season when citizens all across this great land stand up and exercise their constitutional right to ruin the aesthetics of their own neighborhood.
Mayor says rogue firefighters want police to target him
Akron firefighters have offered police officers $1,000 on several occasions to target Mayor Don Plusquellic, the fire chief and two deputy fire chiefs, Plusquellic said Wednesday.
Seiberling, author to be feted at special DNC event
Fourteen months after his death, U.S. Rep. John F. Seiberling will share the spotlight Thursday night with history professor Daniel Nelson of Bath Township and his new book at a reception in Washington, D.C.
Circus life is a big blast
Human cannonball for Ringling Bros. really hits heights from town to town
Lots of kids dream of running away and joining the circus. Tina Miser did it. Miser is half of the human cannonball duo with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, the celebrated circus that is performing its Zing Zang Zoom spectacular through Monday at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena.
Girl kicks right in with Firestone football team
There are so many people who are proud of Firestone junior Alana Gaither for what she has accomplished in the classroom and on the football field.
Trail volunteers install Cuyahoga Valley bridge
Walkway to span Brandywine Creek in northern Summit
Volunteers from the Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council and National Park Service staffers are installing a new $190,000 trail bridge in the Cuyahoga Valley.
Gridiron greats
Go beyond the usual recipes for tailgating
Think about tailgating and certain foods will come to mind — burgers and brats, tortilla chips with nacho cheese sauce — but how about potatoes au gratin, meatloaf or pear crisp?
Weeklong beer festival is coming to Cleveland
The first Cleveland Beer Week, a weeklong celebration of craft beer, will conclude Saturday with the BREWzilla beer festival featuring one of the industry's leading ambassadors.
Get organized to improve climate at work
So you have some great ideas to improve things at work, but you can't get anyone to listen? Try these strategies:
Summit County jobless rate dips slightly
Decrease caused by people stopping search for work
Summit County's unemployment rate fell below 10 percent in September to 9.6 percent, according to a state report released Tuesday.
Lockheed's profit climbs on plane sales
Defense contractor warns trend might not continue next year
WASHINGTON: Lockheed Martin Corp. said Tuesday its third-quarter earnings rose amid a flurry of sales of military aircraft, including the C-130J transport plane and Joint Strike Fighter, and delivery of one commercial satellite.
Minority-business mentoring program done
The Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator (PMBA), a consortium of Akron Urban League, Akron SCORE and Kent State University, has completed the mentoring program for its first group of minority-owned businesses.
Diversity fair in Cleveland
The second National Black MBA Mideast Regional Conference will be Thursday through Saturday at the InterContinental Hotel and Conference Center at 9801 Carnegie Ave. in Cleveland.
Dow Jones drops 50 points on disappointing home starts
Bleak report signals less future construction activity
NEW YORK: A disappointing report on housing starts made investors nervous about the economy Tuesday and sent stocks lower even as profits at many companies exceed expectations.
Temp supplier broadens workload
Adecco buys MPS Group for its specialized staffing
Adecco SA, the world's largest supplier of temporary workers, agreed Tuesday to buy MPS Group Inc. for about $1.3 billion in cash. The acquisition will allow Adecco to place legal, computer, finance and health-care specialists in the U.S., Canada and Britain.
Business news briefs - Oct. 21
Browns' Jackson out for season
When coach Eric Mangini took over and began analyzing film of the Browns, he said inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson was in the frame at the end of almost every play.
Akron Children's Hospital may take over CSB clinic
Akron Children's Hospital is studying a proposal to take over the Summit County Children Services' Thomas W. Blazey Diagnostic Center.
Jewell Cardwell: Cleaning service offers prize to cancer patients
JoAnn's Professional Touch is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month by providing a year of free cleaning to a recently diagnosed breast cancer patient who is still receiving treatment.
Smucker expands campus
Orrville company plans new building for more workers after coffee business brews growth
The J.M. Smucker Co. (NYSE: SJM) is breaking ground for a new building this week to accommodate its large growth from its new coffee business.
Summit jobless rate dips slightly
Summit County's unemployment rate fell below 10 percent in September to 9.6 percent, according to a state report released Tuesday.
Weeklong beer festival is coming to Cleveland
The first Cleveland Beer Week, a weeklong celebration of craft beer, will conclude Saturday with the BREWzilla beer festival featuring one of the industry's leading ambassadors.
Lisa Abraham: Raisin 'funeral' pie for comforting
Raisin pie is tradition in Amish communities
My mother has always referred to raisin pie as funeral pie. I never really understood this colloquialism. What about raisin pie was so right for a funeral?
Developer hopes to save old Tallmadge school
Original building uncovered during demolition could hold its ground
TALLMADGE: Developer Joseph R. Scaccio wants to try to save one of the oldest public buildings in Tallmadge.
Patrick McManamon: The Pittsburgh gap has gotten no smaller
Another game, another loss to Pittsburgh. It would be nice to think after one of these games that the Browns are getting closer to Pittsburgh. But they're not.
Great gridiron grub
Go beyond traditional football fare to enhance your tailgating pleasure
Think about tailgating and certain foods will come to mind — burgers and brats, tortilla chips with nacho cheese sauce — but how about potatoes au gratin, meatloaf or pear crisp?
Akron sewer rates could surge
City reaches tentative deal with U.S. EPA on water pollution
Akron residents likely will see a double-digit sewer rate hike by the beginning of next year. ''We don't know if it will start with a 2 or a 3,'' Public Service Director Rick Merolla said Monday.
Browns trade rumor targets Williams
BEREA: Barring a last-minute offer that the Browns can't refuse, backup quarterback Brady Quinn and receiver/returner Joshua Cribbs should remain Browns after today's 4 p.m. trading deadline.
Bond rating for Akron downgraded by Moody's
Decision might hike city's cost of borrowing
As Akron continues to struggle with a budget crisis, the city has received another blow — a lower bond rating.
Summit puts brakes on texting
County bans sending of messages while driving; violators to be fined $150
Texting while driving is now against the law in Summit County. The county council on Monday approved the texting ban that calls for a $150 fine for anyone caught violating the law — whether it involves texting on a cell phone or even a laptop computer.
Ohio commerce director to speak
A Greater Akron Chamber program on the Ohio Department of Commerce will feature the director of the agency, Kimberly Zurz.
Solid reports on earnings spark year's market highs
Caterpillar, Coca-Cola report earnings today
NEW YORK: Investors are seeing the kind of earnings numbers that make them feel confident about stocks. The stock market stepped to highs for the year Monday after a handful of earnings reports bolstered hopes that the economy is coming back sooner than many analysts had thought.
Two tips computer users need to know
Here are answers to two common personal computer questions: • If you're trying to change your PC settings back to the way they were on, say, Aug. 9, using Windows System Restore, and you get a failure message, one of several things could be happening.
50 lose jobs as Damon's Grill closes in Stow
Damon's Grill at 4200 Steels Point Drive in Stow closed Monday. The restaurant, which opened in 2002, has been ''under performing'' for the past two years, according to Denise Reinert-McKeown, of G&R Management Services, the company that runs the Columbus-based Damon's International.
Verizon takes on iPhone in Android ads
Carrier's new phone, to be released in November, sports features that AT&T's popular model lacks
Associated Press
NEW YORK: An aggressive television ad campaign from Verizon Wireless is adding to the support building for a software package from Google Inc. that is shaping up to be the most formidable challenge yet to Apple Inc.'s iPhone.
Honda plans quicker updates
Top U.S. executive says newer models to bolster automaker against competition
NOVI, MICH.: Ask car company executives how they plan to turn a profit in the future, and they'll rattle off plans to sell efficient and well-equipped small and midsize cars for premium prices.
Huntington bank has new president
Beacon Journal staff report
Huntington National Bank has appointed a new Akron-Canton region president.
Business news briefs - Oct. 20
Flashes' 2009 upgrade is especially pleasing
Various kick teams making a difference in win-loss record and team morale
It's all finally coming together. That's how the Kent State coaches and players feel after Saturday's 28-6 road victory over winless Eastern Michigan.
2009 upgrade pleasing for Flashes
It's all finally coming together. That's how the Kent State coaches and players feel after Saturday's 28-6 road victory over winless Eastern Michigan.
Cavaliers fine tune in last 2 warmups
Initial starting lineup probably won't include troubled Delonte West
INDEPENDENCE: Ask Cavaliers coach Mike Brown what needs to improve in the final two preseason games and a laundry list of issues comes rolling off his tongue.
Bob Dyer: Candidates in need of schooling
When the Beacon Journal invited the area's political candidates to submit their profiles for posting on Ohio.com, some fascinating responses rolled in.
Summit Port Authority approves Humane Society building deal
The Summit County Port Authority agreed today to sell a port-owned building in Twinsburg Township to the Humane Society of Greater Akron for $3.4 million.
Zips lose two more players for season
The depth chart continues to change for the University of Akron football team — for the wrong reason. It's not like players are being promoted or moved based on ability or productivity. Rather, it is because of necessity due to injury.
Partners look to heal patients, local economy with wound conference
Imagine living with a painful skin ulcer that hasn't been able to heal for years. For diabetic patients and others facing serious unhealed wounds, the result can be poor quality of life, loss of work time and even amputation.
Schulman loses $7.9 million in quarter
Plastics products company reports 2009 revenue fell $320.6 million or 35 percent. Auto business up
Fairlawn-based A. Schulman Inc. today reported a loss of $7.9 million, or 30 cents a share, for its fourth quarter that ended Aug. 31.
Fundraising maven Madeline Bozzelli to receive Polsky Award
When the phone rang, Madeline Bozzelli assumed it was someone asking for help with yet another fundraiser. But this time, Bozzelli — an Akron area charity-event maven — won't be the organizer of the event; she'll be the guest of honor.
Summit County corrects jail overcrowding
When Summit County opened its new jail nearly 20 years ago, there was an immediate problem: overcrowding. Within five years, an addition was built.
Hotel and conference center on drawing board for Kent
Kent State University might invest up to $3 million to become a preferred equity partner in a hotel and conference center.
Girl's preserved notes re-create Akron trip
Fourth-grader took bus ride to historic spots
History always repeats. Here are some interesting updates from the world of This Place, This Time:What a day!
Technology jump-starts future fuels
U.S. pours billions into hunt for best alternatives to gasoline; ethanol, hydrogen, electric in running
There is a race to change the way Americans fuel their vehicles. Some alternative fuel technologies are further along than others — ethanol, for instance, is already available as a gasoline-blend at many pumps — but breakthroughs are afoot, especially with the federal government pouring billions of dollars into advancing biofuel and electric battery technology.
Realtor offers pointers on selling a home
Fall and winter sales are challenge but here's what will help in slower months
The chilly Northeast Ohio fall and winter months are not typically thought of as the prime time to sell a home.
Ask SCORE a question
Send questions about issues that local entrepreneurs and small-business owners face to Rick Stupp, chairman of Akron's SCORE chapter, at columnaskscore@aol.com. Stupp can't respond to all questions, but answers to some will appear in future columns.
Smile, you're on iPod video
Newest version is sleek, stylish device with a camera. It also gives listener ability to pause and rewind radio
Chances are very good that, if you care about portable digital music at all, you've already got an iPod. Apple's ubiquitous media player dominates the business thoroughly.
Creating groups helps businesses achieve goals
Essential ingredients necessary for 'high performance teams' include trust, enjoyment, vision
As a manager, executive or business owner, your top priority today is exceeding company goals. You can't do it yourself. The solution is to create what might be called ''high performance teams'' to work for you.
Unemployment doesn't deter time shares
Vacationers are still using time shares, despite high unemployment rates and tighter credit markets, according to industry research.
Sellers' checklist
Things to think about and act upon when ''staging,'' or preparing, your home to sell:
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FUELS
BIOFUELS • Now: Biofuels include everything from bio-diesel, a fuel popular in Europe that's made from fats and oils extracted from biological materials, to ethanol, a clear, odorless alcohol made from distilling sugars and starches from crops.
Patrick McManamon: Browns find unique ways to lose games
Steelers have big plays from start to finish
PITTSBURGH: The Browns need to revive Roseann Roseannadanna. Because in this season, with this team and this group . . . it's always something.
Local history: Nellie and Grouch draw visitors to Perkins Woods for 35 years
They're forerunners to today's Akron zoo
Giant bears prowled for food along the craggy hillside in Perkins Woods Park. With sharp claws and glistening fangs, the hungry beasts caught a scent, rushed downhill and pounced on hapless prey.
McMANAMON: Browns find unique ways to lose
PITTSBURGH:The Browns need to revive Roseann Roseannadanna. Because in this season, with this team and this group. . .it's always something.
Jewell Cardwell: Rwandan survivor to bring message of hope to Stark audience
She could have found justification in hating, especially those she looked upon as friends who were party to the unimaginable 1994 massacre in her African homeland.
Browns looking forward to Steelers matchup
Defensive coordinator says 'Bring it on;' underdogs hope to shake off woeful history
BEREA: Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan stood at the podium in the Browns' media room Friday looking like he was ready to stomp on a Terrible Towel.
Emergency rooms busy
Doctor explains when to bring in kids with flulike symptoms, and when to stay home
Record numbers of kids are crowding the emergency room at Akron Children's Hospital with mostly mild cases of H1N1 influenza.
To read previous Beacon Journal articles...
To read previous Beacon Journal articles on the proposed change to Akron's charter language regarding recalls, go to this story on Ohio.com.
Fairlawn is pushing to simplify its zoning
Officials want to make it easier for businesses to operate in the city
Fairlawn officials want to simplify the city's zoning codes for commercial properties. Officials say the changes, some already approved by the City Council, would save time and minimize the need to rezone a district for a specific business property.
Fairlawn wants to simplify zoning
Fairlawn officials want to simplify the city's zoning codes for commercial properties. Officials say the changes, some already approved by the City Council, would save time and minimize the need to rezone a district for a specific business property.
Dennis Willard: Pro and con arguments about casinos neglect to mention addiction
COLUMBUS: Like the surgeon general's warning on tobacco products, four times since 1990 anti-casino groups have placed supplementary material on the ballot explaining the negative effects of gambling — on compulsive gamblers, their spouses and children, and their community.
Purdue upsets Buckeyes 26-18
WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.: Joey Elliott and Purdue shocked mistake-prone Ohio State. Elliott threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns, and the Boilermakers snapped a five-game losing streak by beating No. 7 Ohio State 26-18 Saturday to effectively end what national-title chances remained for the Buckeyes.
Gilbert gambling on casinos
CLEVELAND: He's the majority owner of the most successful professional sports franchise in Ohio now.
Readers call in for free financial advice
Credit counselors and financial planners fielded 63 calls from Beacon Journal readers on Saturday as part of a free financial call-in.
Akron voters to decide whether to change recall language
Akron voters soon will decide if they want to make it harder to recall an elected official.
Browns try to shake history in game against Steelers
BEREA: Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan stood at the podium in the Browns' media room Friday looking like he was ready to stomp on a Terrible Towel.
Books explain the basics of bankruptcy
Declaring bankruptcy is not an easy choice. But for those in dire straits, it can prove a viable option that allows financial recovery.
Career expo on Wednesday
A program to help the unemployed is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Twinsburg Hilton Garden Inn at Interstate 480 and state Route 82 in Twinsburg. The hotel's address is 8971 Wilcox Drive.
Analysts may have it right for once
Contrarian columnist agrees with consensus on three top-rated stocks
The more Wall Street analysts like a stock, the less interested I am, as a rule. Unlike birds, analysts frequently head in the wrong direction when they follow each other.
Stocks slip on Bank of America, GE results
Dow falls below 10,000; oil helps offset declines
NEW YORK: Stocks ended a strong week with a flash of selling after Bank of America and General Electric signaled that businesses and consumers are still struggling to pay off their debts.
Ohio's unemployment rate falls to 10.1%
More residents dropped out of labor force in September, agency reports say
From staff and wire reports
Ohio's unemployment rate dropped to 10.1 percent in September, largely because fewer residents sought jobs, the state reported Friday.
Jockey International employees celebrate brief birthday party
75 years after introducing famous tighty-whiteys, company sees colorful future for men's underwear
KENOSHA, WIS.: They gathered, they looked at the camera, and they said, ''Briefs!'' What else would you say when the occasion is a group photo of the 350 employees of Jockey International Inc., marking the 75th anniversary of the invention of men's briefs?
Business news briefs
Holcomb's to close
stores by December
A 137-year-old school supplies retailer based in Cleveland is closing its remaining stores in four states.
2009 federal deficit soars to $1.42 trillion
Some economists fear another crisis is looming
WASHINGTON: What is $1.42 trillion? It's more than the total national debt for the first 200 years of the Republic, more than the entire economy of India, almost as much as Canada's, and more than $4,700 for every man, woman and child in the United States.
Summit takes a shot at flu
Beacon Journal staff report
The Summit County Health District was busy Friday morning administering its first shipment of H1N1 vaccine to the county's emergency medical crews.
Cribbs says he loves Cleveland
BEREA: Browns coach Eric Mangini says he has no interest in trading Joshua Cribbs, and the Pro Bowl return man says he has not made such a demand.
Goodwill to open Falls store
A new Goodwill store will open Saturday just down the street from a location the organization had to vacate earlier this year.
Cancer center's Humor Library shows laughter is best medicine
Talk about making the best out of a bad situation. Akron's Steve and Diana Griffin are far from alone in their effort to do that.
Spotlight on weeklong Hindu celebration
KENT: Catherine Cartwright-Jones is giving away ''blessings'' to help women feel beautiful as they celebrate Diwali.
Dreamy ideas for better sleep
Bed and mattress makers offer innovative products to cool, comfort and lull consumers into slumber
If you haven't shopped for a mattress in a while, you're in for an awakening. Bed and mattress makers have come up with all kinds of innovations that promise more comfort and better sleep — or at least some fun bells and whistles.
Weary Zips shuffle to Buffalo in search for a win
Coach J.D. Brookhart is optimistic that a three-game road venture will not be as daunting as it seems for his struggling University of Akron football team.
GOP chairman urges caution on health care
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele spoke extensively about health care, the condition of the party and his vision for the GOP's future Thursday.
Social Security won't increase 2010 payments
Lower energy costs to blame for no cost-of-living adjustment. Obama wants to send seniors $250
WASHINGTON: Social Security recipients won't get a cost-of-living increase next year for the first time in more than a third of a century, and that could boost President Barack Obama's plan to send seniors another round of $250 payments before the congressional elections.
Bob Dyer: Children's mural lost to renovation
Auto-parts store paints over happy scene that Miller South students created in 2007
So much for posterity. In the summer of 2007, about 30 students from Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts devoted four Saturdays to painting a huge mural on the side of a store in Akron's Wallhaven neighborhood.
Timken reaches deal with union
Beacon Journal staff report
Canton bearings and steelmaker Timken Co. and the United Steelworkers reached agreement on a new four-year contract, the company said on its Web site Thursday.
Summit allocates H1N1 vaccines
Health agencies holding clinics to provide doses to eligible EMS workers
First responders to medical emergencies are getting the first doses of H1N1 influenza vaccine available this week in Summit County.
Stocks post modest gains after late rally
Associated Press
NEW YORK: A late-day surge left stocks with modest advances Thursday as a jump in the price of oil lifted energy companies and offset weakness in bank shares.
Business solutions: Windows 7 is stabler, faster than Vista
With Windows 7 scheduled for release Oct. 22, the question many will be asking is: ''Should I upgrade?'' The answer depends.
State to end franchise tax for all but a few
Beacon Journal staff report
The Ohio Department of Taxation has announced the 107-year-old corporation franchise tax will end ''for the vast majority of Ohio corporations.''
PUCO alters utility rules
Rules on how Ohio electric companies can fulfill the state's new electricity law's energy efficiency requirements have been passed by a state commission.
The Counselors
The following volunteered their time for Beacon Journal readers during a free financial call-in session Wednesday night:
Akron resolves sewer lawsuit: Customers might see rates double or triple
Akron's sewer customers can expect higher rates over the next two decades now that the city has resolved a lawsuit with the federal EPA.
Tight finances focus of queries
Volunteer financial experts help answer consumers' questions during call-in
Calls fielded by credit counselors and financial planners on Wednesday night were a mix of questions about investments, how to handle debt and savings issues. The majority of the subjects covered were about how to handle tight finances.
EMS workers to get swine flu vaccine
First responders to medical emergencies are getting the first doses of H1N1 influenza vaccine available this week in Summit County.
Harrison and Lewis give Browns solid running game
BEREA: Jerome Harrison and Jamal Lewis might not make anyone forget Kevin Mack and Earnest Byner, but at least they've matched them in one regard.
Williams walks fine line on hitting quarterbacks
BEREA: Browns defensive end Corey Williams was still smarting from the $7,500 he was docked for roughing Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards last Sunday.
10,993 foreclosures in Ohio last month
The number of households caught up in the foreclosure crisis rose more than 5 percent from summer to fall as a federal effort to assist struggling borrowers was overwhelmed by a flood of defaults among people who lost their jobs.
PUCO to hear arguments in light-bulb controversy
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio will hear oral arguments on FirstEnergy's controversial compact fluorescent light-bulb program later this month.
Coventry school a high-tech bus stop for a day
Research biologist driving to get students on board with science
Coventry High School students peered into the microscopic world of a living Daphnia — a creature related to crayfish, about 1 to 2 millimeters wide — this morning aboard a funky 1970s city bus parked in the rain outside their school.
Summit County councilman declines pay cut
Summit County Councilman Tim Crawford, a vocal critic of county spending, won't take a voluntary pay cut this year like his fellow council members.
Zips face tall order to match last season
UA basketball team brings back all but one player, adds talented freshman
Coach Keith Dambrot wants his 2009-10 University of Akron basketball team to appreciate the recent past, but not be impressed by it.
Zoo
Lockheed Martin gets $133 million for more blimps
Systems using small dirigibles to be built in Akron for U.S. Army, will aid troops in Iraq, Afghanistan
Akron's going to give birth to eight more blimps in upcoming months — more than $130 million worth of them, including related equipment.
Pepsi offers iPhone app that helps men 'score'
Marketing campaign for energy drink Amp gets criticism, attention
PepsiCo Inc. is being criticized for an iPhone application that promises to help men ''score'' with two dozen stereotypes of women by giving users pickup lines and a scoreboard to keep track of conquests.
N.Y. terror suspect had contact with al-Qaida official, sources say
U.S. intelligence won't discuss nature of interaction, but believe intermediary involved
NEW YORK: The airport shuttle driver accused of plotting a bombing in New York had contacts with al-Qaida that went nearly all the way to the top, to an Osama bin Laden confidant believed to be the terrorist group's leader in Afghanistan, U.S. intelligence officials told the Associated Press.
Ohio kids keep steady in math test
Results in 2009 indicate average above nation's for standardized exam
Ohio's fourth- and eighth-graders scored about the same on a rigorous national achievement test in mathematics as they did when the test was last given, in 2007, according to results released on Wednesday.
JPMorgan Chase earns $3.59 billion
Investment banking offsets rising loan losses
NEW YORK: JPMorgan Chase & Co. reported strong third-quarter earnings Wednesday as its thriving investment banking business more than offset rising loan losses that the bank warned would continue for the foreseeable future.
Explanation of Medicare
A free program explaining Medicare options and plan selections will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at Family and Community Services Inc., 705 Oakwood St., Ravenna.
Dow climbs above 10,000
Milestone caps 53 percent comeback since March, but red flags are waving on some technical charts
NEW YORK: When the Dow Jones industrial average first passed 10,000, traders tossed commemorative caps and uncorked champagne. This time around, the feeling was more like relief.
Modem will work with proper software
Q: I switched my Dell PC from Windows Vista to Windows XP in order to go from a dial-up Internet connection to a faster broadband connection from AT&T.
Deal maker Wasserstein is dead at 61
From Beacon Journal wire services
Bruce Wasserstein, whose more than 30 years of deal making earned him wealth, the envy of his peers and ultimately the top job at Lazard Ltd. in New York, has died. He was 61.
Walmart to sell prepaid mobile phone service
No-contract plans costing $30 and $45 a month will boost wireless competition
Wal-Mart Stores said Wednesday it will offer two no-contract, mobile telephone plans for $30 and $45 a month, opening new competition for U.S. wireless providers before the holidays.
Business news briefs
Dominion unit to pay $50,000 penalty
Dominion East Ohio Energy will pay a $50,000 penalty as part of an order issued Wednesday by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
New York proposes GPS limits
Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y.: New York state wants to crack down on truckers who rely on satellite devices to direct them onto faster but prohibited routes and end up crashing into overpasses that are too low for their rigs.
Cavs look sickly in 109-104 exhibition loss to Wizards
CLEVELAND: LeBron James sat at home nursing flulike symptoms Wednesday night, unable to play in a 109-104 exhibition loss to the Washington Wizards.
Quinn laughs off trade rumor
BEREA: Brady Quinn laughed off the hubbub over his decision to sell his Avon Lake home, repeatedly thanking reporters Wednesday for the ''free advertising.''
Summit elections board chairman tells Brunner he won't quit
Summit County elections board chairman Jack Morrison Jr. is refusing Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's request that he resign because of his convictions on ethics charges.
Kicker Dawson back in locker room for first time since injury
Kicker Dawson back in locker room for first time since injury BEREA: Most NFL kickers tend to just blend in with the crowd, drawing little attention to themselves in a football locker room.
Northeast Ohio doesn't comply with clean-air rule
Northeast Ohio fails to comply with tighter federal daily limits for microscopic soot from coal-burning power plants, diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles, and factories.
Players' commitment lifts Woodridge to new heights
The vibe surrounding the Woodridge High School football team this year is different than in seasons past. Woodridge enters Week 8 of the regular season with a 6-1 overall record and is a serious contender for a spot in the state playoffs.
Freshman unexpectedly enters spotlight as Zips quarterback
Patrick Nicely has become the second University of Akron quarterback of the future in 2009 to abruptly become the quarterback of the present.
Senior's enthusiasm, talent set up Firestone for success
Her name is unique, Gretchen Von Koenig, and she is the reigning City Series Volleyball Player of the Year from Firestone.
Akron haunts rated among best in U.S.
Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory ranked No. 3 by AOL
When it comes to scaring the wits out of countless willing ''victims,'' Akron's Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory have been deemed among the nation's best.
Lockheed Martin lands high-tech blimp contract
Firm gets $133 million to build 8 more military aerostat systems at Akron campus
Akron's going to give birth to eight more blimps in upcoming months — more than $130 million worth of them, including related equipment.
Metallica sees the light
Iconic metal band hits Cleveland Thursday night with new album, renewed sound
Metallica is back. Back from where? Back from the depths of suckiness that was its previous album, St. Anger. Back from the interesting, but mystique killing look-behind-the-curtain documentary Some Kind of Monster, which gave fans a glimpse of four rich dudes with lots of expensive toys and unresolved issues, paying a ''performance enhancement coach'' 40K a month to tell them they should be nicer to each other.
It's a family business
Orthopedic doctor follows footsteps of father and brother as first-year resident at St. Thomas and Akron City hospitals
Medicine is in Dr. Chris Myer's bones. His love of orthopedics took root in eighth grade, when he watched his father, Dr. Tim Myer, perform a knee scope for a school report.
Bidders buy up memories at Falls middle school
$150,000 bid for property could be rejected by school board
The builder who purchased the Tallmadge Middle School earlier this year put in the highest bid Tuesday for Sill Middle School in Cuyahoga Falls.
Jewell Cardwell: Kids sought for special train rides
Gown sale benefits Memorials of Angels
This year's Polar Express holiday train ride will be even more magical for a certain segment of the population who must feel that life's happy-times train has eluded them.
Akron debt cap urged
Ex-councilman Tarle begins petition drive to amend city charter
Former Akron Councilman Ernie Tarle is starting a petition drive for a charter amendment that would prohibit Akron from having debt above $775 million without voter approval.
UAW, Ford get tentative accord
Autoworkers still must OK new contract concessions
The United Auto Workers reached a tentative accord with Ford that would give the automaker contract concessions similar to those the union accepted at the company's U.S. competitors.
Insurer hires hospital executive
A high-ranking Akron Children's Hospital administrator recently left to take a similar role at Medical Mutual of Ohio.
ITS holds dedication ceremony
CEO says leaving Akron hard, but more land in Tallmadge
TALLMADGE: The history of family-owned Industrial Tube and Steel wasn't lost on CEO Richard Siess during Tuesday afternoon's dedication ceremony for the new facility on the Crystal Parkway corridor.
Security software slowing down system
Q: I am currently using Verizon DSL. In 2008, Verizon provided Internet security as part of its package. In 2009, Verizon required you to purchase the security package monthly. So I went out and purchased McAfee and installed it. Since then, the system speed has slowed by 75 percent. Sometimes it takes me 15 minutes to get on the Internet. Any thoughts?
OEConnection, Nissan sign deal
Richfield-based OEConnection LLC has signed up Nissan North America Inc. as a new customer for its Internet-based parts ordering and fulfillment services.
Most stocks post modest losses on cautious day
Jittery investors await third-quarter earnings
Associated Press
NEW YORK: Investors grew cautious Tuesday after quarterly sales at Johnson & Johnson fell short of expectations and an influential analyst stirred worries that bank shares are overheated.
Business news briefs - Oct. 14
Quinn's home in Avon Lake reportedly placed on market
Browns backup quarterback Brady Quinn has put his home in Avon Lake up for sale, according to the Web site WaitingForNextYear.com.
Child rapist gets life in prison
No parole for Akron man convicted of assaulting 2-year-old
Jason B. Knapp has been sentenced to life in prison without any chance of parole for raping a 2-year-old girl in November.
Cavaliers welcome West back to practice
Shooting guard to travel with team to Texas games
INDEPENDENCE: Though he didn't see any action against Olympiacos, troubled guard Delonte West returned to the Cavaliers on Monday.
Sweet event pays for mammograms
Akron General Medical Center's muffin fundraiser provides free tests for uninsured
For uninsured women, the cost of a mammogram can be hard to swallow. That's why Akron General Medical Center is taking the bite out of the bills by selling thousands of fresh-baked blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies and fudge-iced brownies this week to help the cause.
Lisa Abraham: Mogadore church's Russian festival puts diet to the test
From grilled sausages to pierogi dripping in butter, few visitors can resist the ethnic delicacies
For the past several months, I have been trying ''to change my lifestyle'' — at least that's how my meeting leader likes to describe it.
Patrick McManamon: A true statement could be made this weekend
If the Browns want to show they have grown, they have come together, they have started to "get it," well, they have a chance on Sunday in their personal house of horrors: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Stripper gets probation for assault with stiletto heel
Chetania Davis was only defending herself when she snatched a fellow exotic dancer's stiletto heel and whacked the woman in the head, her attorney said today.
In the pink: How to cut cancer risk
Controlling weight, alcohol use key to breast health, doctor says
There are plenty of ways to go pink in the kitchen during breast cancer awareness month — dozens of makers of food and cookware have turned their products and labels pink to help raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.
Model railroader visits dream town in basement
Paul Papes doesn't have to go far away to get away. A walk to his basement takes him to a throwback world of old passenger trains, stations, Esso gas pumps and diners.
Obstetrics is labor intensive
North High School graduate works long hours to achieve childhood dream of being a doctor and fulfill 'mostly likely to succeed' prediction
"What do you want to be?'' Starting in preschool, Thomesha Smoot Barton's father would ask her that same question every year and jot down her answer on the back of her school picture. And every year, ''doctor, dentist'' or ''nurse'' ended up being one of her choices. (Ballerina occasionally made the list, too.)
Akron schools try to predict future
Treasurer presents best- and worst-case scenarios
Under the best of the four scenarios that treasurer Jack Pierson outlined for the Akron Board of Education on Monday night, the district would gain almost $20 million in the 2011-2012 school year.
Market ends mixed after cautious trading
NEW YORK: Investors waiting for earnings reports to flow in traded cautiously Monday, giving up early gains and leaving the market narrowly mixed. The Dow Jones industrials reached a new 2009 trading high, edging closer to 10,000.
Ad group plans brand program
The Akron chapter of the American Advertising Federation will host a program on ''brand-building'' at noon Oct. 28 at the Martin University Center.