Fairview Hospital Opens ER for Kids

Cleveland -- An emergency room especially designed to treat children is now on Cleveland's west side. Fairview hospital has re-designed rooms that are kid friendly with things like beds shaped like fire engines. The staff is trained to work with younger patients. They expect to treat about 20 thousand children this year.

Cleveland Clinic-Led Scientists Discover Gene Linked to Blood Vessel Formation

(Cleveland -- Cleveland Clinic-led researchers have identified a new gene that regulates blood vessel formation within the human body. Their discovery may have potential in devising new treatments for cancer, heart disease, stroke and other conditions. Complete results of the multi-center research will appear in today's issue of "Nature." The research was led by the director of The Cleveland Clinic's Center for Cardiovascular Genetics.
 

Cleveland Mayor Officiated Valentine's Wedding Ceremony

Cleveland -- Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell officiated her third annual wedding ceremony for Valentine's Day. In addition to exchanging vows, the couples were the guests of honor at a small reception immediately following the ceremony.

Boot Scootin' Saloon Ordered to Close

Cuyahoga Falls -- A Summit County judge has ordered the doors of the Boot Scootin' Saloon temporarily closed. The city of Cuyahoga Falls had filed the lawsuit to shut it down citing several violations including serving alcohol to minors. Club owners contend the move is racially motivated. Police had to arrest 19 teens last month after teen night got out of hand. The doors of the saloon will remain closed at least until later this month when another hearing will take place.

Officials Need Help In Locating A Van

Akron, -- Akron Investigators need your help locating two vans that might have been involved in following children to school on separate incidents. The first van was seen near the Margaret Park School area Monday. The van is blue, containing a white heavy-set male with a beard and mustache about 45 years old. The second van was seen near Lincoln School with two males inside. If you have any information, contact Akron police.

Charges Dropped Against Community Activist

Cleveland -- Cleveland community activist and self proclaimed minister James Box is a free man. A Cleveland judge dropped rape and gross sexual imposition charges against him. Box was accused of raping his eleven year old niece back in 1988. A recent investigation into his past prompted officials to re-open the case. The judge ruled to dismiss the case because the statute of limitations had run out, the prosecution did not use due diligence in finding Box before now, and Box's constitutional right to a speedy trial was violated.

Brecksville VA Hospital May Close

Brecksville -- It has been rumored for several months now that the Brecksville VA hospital will close its doors. It appears the rumors are evolving into reality as the Veterans Affairs commission recommends consolidating operations with the Wade Park hospital in Cleveland. Some veterans are upset over the idea but many veterans organizations see the consolidation as an improvement. The final decision is up to VA Secretary Anthony Principi

Mayor Campbell To Announce Ex-Offender Programs

Cleveland -- Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell will announce that the city has received $1.7 million in funding from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to assist ex-offenders with job training and placement. The official announcement and plans for the money will be made on Monday.

Arts Campaign Stresses The Economy

Cleveland -- The TV campaign for the ballot issue to fund Cleveland area arts programs is stressing the positive impact on the local economy rather than culture. Backers of Issue 31 are hoping the levy will generate millions for the local arts scene through a property tax increase. However, state law does not allow the arts to be named as a beneficiary of any economic development tax. Supporters of Issue 31 hope the public will see the increase also funding important initiatives like worker protection and the cleanup of brownfields.

Soccer Stadium Project Could Be Built in Summit County

Aurora,  -- It appears the proposed $110-million soccer stadium project envisioned by developer Bart Wolstein may find a home in Summit County. Wolstein wants to bring a major league soccer franchise to northeast Ohio, and says officials in Summit County seem more in tune with the project than those in Cuyahoga. Wolstein also says he is surprised by the lack of support from Cuyahoga County officials. The plan would require local government to fund the project to the tune of $6.5 million a year to help pay the mortgage on the 25-thousand seat stadium. Wolstein says he would put $20-million of his own money into that project.


Cuyahoga Community College Encourages High School Students To Write Poetry

Cleveland, -- Tapping into the creative juices of high school juniors and seniors, Cuyahoga Community College is sponsoring its second-annual High School Poetry Contest. High school students from seven area counties are eligible to compete for $275 in prize money. Students can submit up to three unpublished pieces with a maximum of 20 lines for each poem. Submissions must be accompanied by an entry form available through local high school English teachers or on Tri-C's website.

New Consumer Website Launched

Dublin, -- The Ohio Credit Union League has launched a new consumer information website to kick off National Consumer Protection Week. The website features helpful consumer protection information and links to other websites where Ohioans can find information on protecting themselves from fraud, identity theft, and scams. The site also provides information on financial literacy. The site will promote National Consumer Protection Week through February. After that, the Ohio Credit Union League will update the site regularly to provide timely consumer information, fraud alerts, and links for Ohioans year-round. Consumer Protection Week ends February 7th. The website is www.OhioConsumers.org

Former Priest Preparing For Trial

Norton -- Richard Arko, the 40-year-old defrocked pastor in Norton, is getting ready for trial on drug-related charges. Arko was busted with marijuana plants allegedly growing in his bedroom at Prince of Peace Rectory. He pleaded not guilty and was released.