Steve Hammett was sworn in as Cuyahoga County sheriff in May, after more than 30 years of law-enforcement experience. He resigned Monday, surprising at least some county officials with a two-week notice. Prosecutor Mike O'Malley deplored what he called musical chairs heading the department and reiterated a call to elect the sheriff. Hammett -- who in 2021 was on a short list for the sheriff's job but did not then have the required degree -- is the sixth person to leave the role in 10 years. He follows Bob Reid, who resigned in 2013; Frank Bova, who was moved to a different county position in 2015; Cliff Pinkney, who retired in 2019; David Schilling, who retired in 2020; and Christopher Viland, who resigned in 2022. It's unclear whether Hammett will serve the county in a different role. - Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
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Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish swears in Capt. Steven Hammett as interim sheriff on May 23, 2022. Hammett announced his intent to resign on Monday. (Courtesy of Cuyahoga County) |
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Sheriff resigns: Steven Hammett, who has served as interim Cuyahoga County sheriff for the past eight months, gave his two-weeks notice on Monday, reports Kaitlin Durbin. A reason for the notice was not given, but the announcement came only days after Hammett spoke with Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. Hammett’s last day on the job is Feb. 17. Property tax rates: Curious how your tax bill stacks up to others in Greater Cleveland? Zachary Smith reports that rates vary greatly in the seven-county area that makes up the region, with a small part of South Euclid having the highest rate while much of Medina County has some of the lowest rates. Cleveland’s budget plan: Mayor Justin Bibb thinks 2023 is the time “to make some hard decisions” about the city’s financial future. Courtney Astolfi reports that Bibb’s current proposal calls for cutting more than 140 vacant uniformed police jobs and 155 vacancies in other city departments. The mayor warns that failure to make hard choices now could lead to future layoffs. Today in Ohio: Nearly half of the stolen vehicles recovered and brought to Cleveland’s impound lot are one of the two brands: Kias and Hyundais. This follows a vexing national trend that has led to lawsuits against the automakers and for some insurance companies to temporarily pause issuing new policies for these vehicles. We’re talking about this and much more on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily hour-hour news podcast. |
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State budget proposal: Debate begins this week on Ohio’s next two-year operating budget. In last week’s State of the State address, Gov. Mike DeWine put forth a number of education funding proposals. However, it’s unclear if the state legislature will actually pass any of his initiatives, reports Laura Hancock. Additionally, Jeremy Pelzer reports on DeWine’s proposals and how he would pay for them. Corruption trial: An FBI agent has testified that lobbyist Matt Borges gave a GOP consultant $15,000 and asked him to keep their talks secret. Jake Zuckerman and Jeremy Pelzer report Borges has pleaded not guilty to racketeering in what prosecutors say was a $60 million bribery scheme to pass House Bill 6 and thwart a referendum effort to repeal it. State of the Union: While guests were limited at last year’s State of the Union speech due to the pandemic, members of Congress will once again be able to invite guests this year. Sabrina Eaton reports several Northeast Ohio representatives are reviving the tradition to make a political point. Among those inviting guests are new House member Emilia Sykes and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. |
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Stimulus Watch: Cleveland is likely to spend American Rescue Plan Act dollars expanding its physical and mental health program at Cleveland Metropolitan School District, reports Lucas Daprile, while City Council is likely to approve $3.7 million in COVID-19 stimulus dollars to support the expansion of a K-12 health clinic system. Daprile also reports the city is likely to spend $3.5 million in stimulus funds to clean up former industrial sites along the Opportunity Corridor. Transit fares: Cleveland City Council on Monday unanimously agreed to make fare evasion on public transit a minor misdemeanor, which carries no threat of jail time, and the possibility of a fine up to $25. Previously, city code specified that failure to pay the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s $2.50 fare was a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine, Courtney Astolfi reports. Plan on pause: A Cleveland City Council committee has hit the brakes on the plan for a nonprofit to manage Highland Park Golf Course. Courtney Astolfi reports that one of the biggest unanswered questions members of council had was under what circumstances the city could back out of the agreement. Hunting season: Ohio hunters put down more deer this season than they have in a decade, reports Molly Walsh. Coshocton County once again led the state in number of kills at just under 7,600, while Cuyahoga County reported 929 this season. Community Center renovations: Akron recently broke ground on updates to the Ed Davis Community Center. The $11.5 million project includes a new gymnasium, an indoor walking track, an E-Sports room, a new outdoor playground and multipurpose rooms, reports Megan Becka. |
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KeyBank aids nonprofits: The KeyBank Foundation plans to send out more than $1 million in funding to seven nonprofit organizations in Northeast Ohio to support workforce development, education and diversity and inclusion efforts. Sean McDonnell reports some of the groups who will receive funding include City Year, the City Club of Cleveland, the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio and Ursuline College. COVID-19: The pandemic has resulted in lingering health effects for a lot of people, regardless of race. And yet, as the epidemiological data from the last several years begins to roll in, it’s become clearer than ever that Blacks have been some of the hardest hit, reports Gretchen Cuda Kroen, and that pre-existing health gaps have widened. Shop’s anniversary nears: For Ewe, a yarn shop in Oberlin, is getting ready to celebrate one year in business. The shop highlights fiber artists in marginalized communities as well as locally made products, reports Julie Washington. |
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Lawsuit filed: Ex-Cleveland police officer Hassan Ali, who resigned amid investigation into forcing woman to have an abortion, has filed a lawsuit against the city and several police officials. Adam Ferrise reports that Ali’s suit claims co-workers created a hostile work environment by making derogatory comments about his religion and that he was unfairly targeted by officials for asking to grow a beard for religious purposes. Murder charge: A Garfield Heights man is being held on $1 million bond in connection with a slaying on Cleveland’s West Side. Olivia Mitchell reports that Mycah Smith is charged with fatally shooting Anthony Castrero last week outside a food mart on West 25th street. Double homicide: Cleveland police are looking into the murder of two men at an apartment building in the city’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood. Olivia Mitchell reports that authorities believe the two men fatally shot each other after an argument. |
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Planetarium donation: The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has received a $3 million donation from the Nathan and Fannye Shafran Foundation. Paris Wolfe reports the funds will be used to support renovations and technological upgrades. RV Life podcast: Jeff and Patti Kinzbach are back to share more tips on the RV lifestyle with their followers. In this week’s episode, they chat with a pair of YouTubers who share tips on maximizing your limited storage and counter space as well as how to prepare quick and flavorful meals. HS Rock Off: Four more teen bands have battled their way on to the Final Exam for the 2023 Tri-C High School Rock Off. Malcolm X Abram reports that the four groups to advance are Blaire Blades and The Backstabbers, Foulmouth, Skippy’s On The Run and Subliners. |
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FBI seizes 88 pounds of fentanyl, other drugs in Cleveland, Lake County Read more Man found guilty of fatally shooting boy, 15, who was protecting pregnant sister Read more Akron store workers rescue woman, lock doors to protect her from man threatening her, police say Read more Cleveland man shot to death on city’s East Side, police say Read more Medina Library hosts real-life fairytale wedding Read more Bay High School grad aiding OSU in reducing carbon footprint Read more Bay High School earns award for girls’ participation in computer science Read more Lorain County Sheriff’s Office earns ‘gold’ for training excellence Read more Conservation-minded Bereans hear plans to protect Rocky River Watershed Read more |
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