3rd ANNUAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

The Police Department will hold it's third Drug take back day on Saturday October 29 from 8:00am to 5:00 pm. Residents are encouraged to turn in their unwanted drugs. There are no questions asked to those who participate.

Graffiti

North Canton Police are investigating a rash of graffiti painted buildings. Several buildings including city buildings have been painted by the same graffiti artist over the past several weeks. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Police Department at 330-499-5911. If you wish to remain anonymous contact the tip line at 330-966-9633.

BE AWARE OF NEW PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK

Motorists should be aware of a new pedestrian crosswalk on East Maple Street between McKinley Avenue & Taft Street. The crosswalk and new signage was put in for the safety of employees now working at the old Hoover Company facility. An additional 150 employees have started working there within the past week.

Although state law and city ordinances prohibit pedestrians from suddenly leaving the curb area into the path of a vehicle that would constitute an immediate hazard, laws also require a driver to yield to a pedestrian within a crosswalk or when they are approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. Motor vehicle drivers are also prohibited from stopping and obstructing a crosswalk.

Drivers are reminded that the speed limit in this area is 25mph. North Canton police will be giving this location a special watch while patrolling to ensure the safety of the pedestrians now working at the building (posted 1/21/10)

SCHOOLS BACK IN SESSION - DRIVE CAREFULLY

North Canton City Schools will be back in session starting the week of August 23rd and motorists are reminded to be aware and stop for school buses that are displaying flashing lights when they are picking up or discharging children. Ohio Revised Code 4511.75 contains the requirements and conditions on stopping for school buses and can be viewed by using the “Helpful Links” section of our web site to go to the Ohio Revised Code web page.

Be mindful of your speed while driving through school zones. Ohio Revised Code 4511.21 specifies twenty miles per hour in school zones during school recess and while children are going to or leaving school zones during the opening or closing hours, and when twenty miles per hour school speed limit signs are erected.

City School Crossing Guards are also out at various locations helping children safely cross our busy streets. Motorists and pedestrians are reminded it is a violation of city ordinance (303.02) for failure to comply with any lawful order or direction from a guard.

The minimum traffic fine in North Canton is $130.00. (posted 8/18/10)

SAFETY SERVICES PROMOTE KNOX-BOX USE

The Knox-Box rapid entry system is the modern method of allowing quick and safe access by emergency personnel to your home without a potentially dangerous delay while maintaining the security you desire. City homeowners are able to purchase a heavy-duty high security Knox-Box through the North Canton Fire Department. The cost is $150 to $190 for various models of Knox-Boxes depending on how it will be affixed to your home. Emergency responders have a special radio signal process and key to the box that would allow entry only in case of an emergency. Many of our residents already have contracts with medical alert companies that allow for emergency entry into their home. This system would allow quick entry into your home during an emergency without causing costly damage repairs. Visit the Knox-Box web site at www.knoxbox.com. For more information or to inquire about ordering a Knox-Box, call the North Canton Fire Prevention Bureau at 330-499-3404. (posted 12/20/06)

Stephan B. Wilder Appointed as Chief of Police

With his wife Mary beside him, Stephan B. Wilder takes the oath of office for the position of Chief of Police. Mayor David Held appointed the former Lieutenant as the newest Chief from a field of three candidates. Chief Wilder began his career with the Police Department in 1986. He has served in various capacities through his career. Most recently he was a uniformed patrol Lieutenant.

CIVILIAN FINGERPRINT SUBMISSIONS

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has mandated that all civilian background requests after May 31, 2006 have to be submitted electronically. Information regarding this can be found at the web site http://www.webcheck.ag.state.oh.us/. Our police department does not currently have the capability to submit fingerprints electronically, so we will no longer be able to process this type of fingerprint request. Locations available and the amount charged can be found by visiting web site http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Services/Business/WebCheck/Webcheck-Community-Listing. (updated 8/27/09)