Ward 7 Archives - Signal Akron

Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson speaks Friday, March 21, 2025, at his first fire academy graduation since being named fire chief of the Akron Fire Department in 2024

911 calls, response times are top of mind for Akron fire chief

by Akron Documenters October 6, 2026October 5, 2026

Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson speaks with Ward 7 residents sharing information about the challenges and successes of the department.

Akron's Combined Communications Center has 62 dispatchers, supervisors and other staff who handle more than 330,000 police and fire calls from Akron residents every year. In May 2025, the center began using an artificial intelligence system to help manage non-emergency calls.

Residents ask questions about AI usage at Akron’s emergency dispatch center

by Akron Documenters September 9, 2026September 9, 2026

Orange barrels and construction signs redirect drivers away from University Avenue between Broadway and Wolf Ledges Parkway in downtown Akron Aug. 1, 2026. Crews are replacing the bridge deck that crosses a set of railroad tracks.

Construction projects to impact residents in Firestone Park, South Akron, other neighborhoods

by Akron Documenters August 3, 2026August 1, 2026

Ward 1 residents use stickers to indicate areas along Maple Street in West Hill where they have concerns. During the June 3 Ward 1 community meeting at Balch Street Community Center in West Hill, City engineers asked them to place stickers where they had concerns about traffic safety.

Is your Akron street safe? City planners want to hear from residents in several neighborhoods

by Kevin Dilley July 16, 2026July 15, 2026

Akron Police Chief Brian Harding (center) spoke with Ward 7 residents at a recent ward meeting on June 24, 2026. He shared information about how the department is run and answered residents questions. He's shown here during his swearing in ceremony in May, 2024 with Mayor Shammas Malik (left) and Deputy Chief Jesse Leeser.

1,000 illegal guns recovered and 130,000 calls answered yearly by Akron police, chief says

by Akron Documenters July 8, 2026July 8, 2026

Summit County Courthouse 209 S. High St., Akron, Ohio,

Legal aid, drug and alcohol rehab support available to Akron residents

by Akron Documenters June 22, 2026June 19, 2026

Heintz-Hillcrest Park in Akron's Firestone Park neighborhood is a finalist again this year for a $150,000 grant from the nonprofit group Akron Parks Collaborative.

Firestone Park’s Heintz-Hillcrest Park a finalist for $150,000 Akron parks upgrade

by Akron Documenters May 4, 2026May 3, 2026

Last Will and Testament, pocket watch, dollar bills, house model and pen on wooden table, above view. Summit County Probate Court Chief Magistrate Steve Elliot's highest recommendation for people is to have a personal will.

Get a personal will and save time, money, headaches for your loved ones, judge says

by Akron Documenters March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

The clock tower at the historic Firestone Plant #1.

Firestone Park residents want to save iconic and historic clock tower

by Akron Documenters February 11, 2026February 10, 2026

Kaylen Jackson, 11, eats an icicle treat during the Summit Lake Community Center's 2024 National Night Out event Aug. 6. The City of Akron hosted events in nine of the city's 10 wards last year — the event in Ward 10 was postponed because of the weather.

How to take part in Akron’s citywide event promoting community and safety on Aug. 5

by Susan Zake July 31, 2025July 31, 2025