Police Union Willing to TalkAt an Akron City Council meeting, Brian Lucey, representing Akron's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, stated the union's willingness to engage in discussions on police reform, offering to meet with anyone at any time for this purpose. Lucey's remarks were prompted by Councilman James Hardy's suggestion to pause discussions on a new police headquarters until reform is achieved. Councilwoman Jan Davis echoed the need for dialogue on policing in Akron.Hardy expressed support for Davis' call for reform-oriented conversations, indicating his intention to vote against funding for a new police department until meaningful reform discussions take place. He emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders in these talks and advocated for a new standard for police-community relations.Lucey accused Hardy of supporting police defunding, which Hardy refuted, citing his past support for police funding increases. Hardy emphasized the necessity of rethinking the current approach to policing and promoting constructive dialogue rather than divisive rhetoric.Both Hardy and Davis emphasized the importance of involving Akron's underserved communities in reform discussions and expressed readiness to collaborate with the union and other stakeholders to initiate proactive conversations aimed at positive change.Parasson's Closing All But One LocationParasson's is closing all of their locations except for the on on Waterloo road. The Stow location on Darrow Road closed last Saturday, and the Barberton location at 234 Wooster Road. So if you want some of their yummy garlic bread, you need to visit the Waterloo road location.Will Akron Have to Deal with Cicadas?Fortunately, according to the University of Connecticut, Ohio is not in the path of the two broods set to emerge across much of the Southeast and Midwest.Construction Updatesaccording to the Ohio Department of Transportation.Beginning 5 a.m. Wednesday, South Street eastbound from state Route 93/Manchester Road will be closed through early September. The detour will be Thornton Street to Rhodes Street to Lakeshore Boulevard to South Street.Beginning 7 p.m. Friday, SR 93/Manchester Road at South Street will be closed until 7 a.m. Saturday morning for a bridge deck pour. The northbound detour will be Kenmore Boulevard to Lakeshore Boulevard to Thornton Street. The southbound detour will be Thornton Street to Rhodes Street to Lakeshore Boulevard to South Street.Other New traffic patternsAccording to the Ohio Department of Transportation.Beginning 5 a.m. Wednesday, South Street eastbound from state Route 93/Manchester Road will be closed through early September. The detour will be Thornton Street to Rhodes Street to Lakeshore Boulevard to South Street.Beginning 7 p.m. Friday, SR 93/Manchester Road at South Street will be closed until 7 a.m. Saturday morning for a bridge deck pour. The northbound detour will be Kenmore Boulevard to Lakeshore Boulevard to Thornton Street. The southbound detour will be Thornton Street to Rhodes Street to Lakeshore Boulevard to South Street.Other new traffic patternsAt 8 p.m. Friday, state Route 21 northbound under Interstate 77 in Copley Township will be closed through 5 a.m. May 6 for bridge work. The detour will be I-77 southbound to Ridgewood Road to I-77 northbound.State Route 303 east of I-77 is also closed for pavement repairs. The detour is Interstate 271 to I-77 to state Route 176 to SR 303.Andre Bernier is Retiring in MayFox 8 meteorologist Andre Bernier will give his final forecast on May 22, retiring after more than 36 years with the television station.Andre Bernier announced his retirement on the same day as his birthday.Rubber City Heritage Trail Phase 2The second phase of the Rubber City Heritage Trail will include 10-foot...

Welcome back to the Akron Podcast, where we tackle the tough stories affecting our community. Today is April 11th, 2024, and we have a difficult topic. This isn't an April Fool's Day prank—it's a serious incident involving Tavion Koonce-Williams, a 15-year-old East High School student whom an Akron police officer shot under contentious circumstances.Reports indicate that Williams was carrying what appeared to be a gun—but was later revealed to be a toy—as he was walking home. A concerned citizen's call to the police led to a confrontation that ended with Williams being shot in the hand by Officer Ryan Westlake, a cop with a checkered past, including being previously fired and reinstated.The bodycam footage is out for public scrutiny and raises alarming concerns. Why do our teens feel the need to carry fake guns for protection? And why was Officer Westlake, with a history of unprofessional conduct, allowed back on the force, only to be involved in another controversial shooting? We'll delve into Westlake's disciplinary record, examine the city's handling of the case, and look at how this repeats patterns we've seen in previous incidents.It's a tragic story with far-reaching implications, and it leaves us asking hard questions about police accountability, community safety, and the deep-seated issues that lead to such incidents. Join us as we explore this crucial matter on the Akron Podcast.Sources:https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2024/04/08/akron-police-officer-who-shot-teen-was-fired-reinstated-in-2021/73242042007/Mentioned in this episode:Start Your Podcast TodayJoin the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/akronShare the Show With a FriendIf you know someone who would like the Akron Podcast, please share it with them, or tell them to go to AkronPodcast.com If you can support the show, go to www.akronpodcast.com/value

21-Year-Old Male Shot at Drive-ThroughAkron police and EMS were dispatched to the scene at about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday. They found the victim, an employee at the store, with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at 11:38 p.m.The shooting occurred after a man approached the drive-thru window on foot seeking to buy black and mild cigars, Akron police Capt. Michael Miller said.He handed the clerk some cash that was in poor condition, possibly with soil or blood, Miller said. A dispute quickly broke out over the condition of the money. The suspect then pulled out a long-barreled rifle. That's when the clerk returned the cigar to the suspect and asked him to leave with it.Before fleeing on foot, the suspect fired at least two shots through the window at the group of employees inside the drive-thru, striking the 21-year-old at least once. Shattered glass may have injured others standing nearby, Miller said.See the Akron Shootings app to see other murders in our cityhttps://www.mapcustomizer.com/map/Akron-KillingsUpdating Towpath TrailThe National Park Service plans to close a large section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail to visitors.A 1.5-mile section of the popular trail just north of the Station Road Bridge Trailhead in Brecksville will close on weekdays beginning Dec. 18 through May 3.Park officials say the closure is needed while crews continue to work on stabilizing the river bank inside of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.The trail will be open to visitors on weekends.This is part of a two-phase project with work shifting to south of Station Road at a later date.The construction is part of a $14 million effort to stabilize the trail and tracks for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad along the Cuyahoga River.Businesses Open During Street ClosureBusinesses in the area affected by the road closure are open & still accessible, including the Peanut Shoppe of Akron (Hours until Dec. 24th: Monday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm, Saturday 10 am - 4 pm, & Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm.), ChillandIndulge (see the 2nd picture for some of their holiday offerings), Crave, Unknwn, and others.Don't forget: The Peanut Shoppe has seasonal round tins & boxes for gift-giving, & will also take your order by phone & ship it to anywhere in the U.S. of A. 330-376-7020)Okay, now the road closure information The affected area is S. Main St., between Church St. and University Ave.WHEN:This stretch of road will be closed on Monday, December 11 through Friday, December 22WHY:The closure is for Emergency Sewer Repair.On Monday, December 11, Kenmore Construction Co. and the City of Akron plan to close S. Main St. to all traffic between Church St. and University Avenue as they begin emergency sewer repair work.STILL OPEN:Businesses in the road closure area will still be open and accessible. Park on Church St., University, or in the Summit County or State St. parking decks.DETOURS:Southbound traffic will be detoured using E. Bowery St., S. High St., and University Ave.Northbound traffic will be detoured using University Ave., S. Broadway, and E. Bowery St.This work is expected to be completed by Friday, December 22.See the attached image for a map of the detours. For all downtown traffic advisories, visit https://bit.ly/TrafficAdvisoriesDowntownAkronChristmas Bells Stolen From ChurchChristmas chimes won’t be playing at...

Akron Council Limits Public InputAkron City Council has implemented new rules, effective January 3, 2024, to restrict public comment during meetings. In an 8-5 vote, the council decided to move the meeting start time to 6:30 p.m. and shift the public comment period to the beginning. However, the most significant change is limiting public comment to 10 speakers per meeting, with individuals allowed to speak only once every 30 days. Residents must fill out an online form by 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting to request to speak, potentially concluding public comment within 30 minutes.Previously, there were no restrictions on the number of speakers or their frequency, only requiring advance sign-up. The recent weeks had seen over two dozen speakers at council meetings, prompting the new limitations. The council also implemented a ban on backpacks, bags larger than 12” X 6” X 12”, banners, flags, posters, signs, and “noisemakers of any kind.” While some view the move positively for promoting efficiency, others criticize it as limiting citizen participation, with activist Fran Wilson describing it as "fascist."Council President Margo Sommerville, who proposed the legislation to enhance meeting efficiency and professionalism, stated that the changes address decorum issues and do not intend to limit community perspectives. The decision reflects an effort to balance the need for orderly proceedings with citizens' right to express concerns.Akron Police Keep Punching People In The FacePolice were called for disorderly teens. So if you don't want to get punched in the face, behave. This happened at 1200 block of Lawton Street. With that said, Terrelle Harris-Malone was doing what he was told. He was walking away. Video shows he had his hands up as multiple policemen tackled him to the ground, jam his face into the ground, punched him and in general took it to far. In one shot you see him with his one remaining arm still up, not resisting. 19 News obtained Akron Police bodycam of this incident.The video shows the 19-year-old suspect leaving the scene and encouraging the rest of the group to also leave.The video does not specifically show the 19-year-old hitting an officer’s arm.The suspect has his hands in the air and does not appear to be resisting the arrest in the video.So that task force we created to review the police? This is what you were made for and you need to do something. Harris-Malone was arrested earlier this year on October 27 and now faces charges of riot, resisting arrest, obstructing official business, and criminal trespass.Harris-Malone is set to go to trial on February 6.His lawyer says they plan to file a civil suit against the Akron officers involved.Three other teens were arrested during the incident.Akron Police are now investigating the use of force during the incident.IN RELATED NEWSThe Akron Police Department has quietly updated its internal policies about police shootings and now lists the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation as the default “preferred agency,” instead of its own detectives, to investigate after APD officers kill or seriously injure someone.While the APD has regularly called on the BCI’s Crime Scene Unit to process scenes of police shootings, Chief Steve Mylett caught the ire of the police union in 2022 when he asked the state agency to conduct the entire investigation into Jayland Walker’s killing. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 filed a grievance that alleged bringing in an outside agency...

Jury Duty ScamBeware of a jury duty scam circulating in Summit County, as authorities issue a warning about fraudulent calls threatening fines and arrest for alleged failure to appear. Scammers may demand payments in Bitcoin, falsely claiming that judges accept cryptocurrencies. Summit County government offices do not accept such payments. The scammers may pose as deputies, using real names and ranks of law enforcement personnel, along with spoofed phone numbers to mimic authentic Summit County Sheriff's Office calls. Residents are urged to hang up immediately, verify the call's legitimacy by contacting dispatch at 330-643-2181, and be cautious as the Sheriff's Office does not make such calls regarding warrants or fines.Almost Shooting a BuchtelA 15-year-old was arrested by Akron police outside Buchtel CLC after a fight. Safety team members observed three male teens in a fight, and one, not a student at the school, was seen with what appeared to be a concealed firearm. The school resource officer and safety team struggled to restrain the armed teen, who reportedly tried reaching for the firearm during the scuffle. The recovered weapon was identified as an AR-style airsoft gun with a loaded magazine containing live .223 caliber ammunition. The 15-year-old, sustaining minor injuries, was taken to Akron Children's Hospital, and charges are pending based on the investigation. SourceHe Got Shot in the Face For Not Sharing His Potato ChipsThis story has been updated.Akron police arrested a man in a nonfatal shooting that left a 31-year-old man hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the face after he declined to share a bag of potato chips, according to an Akron Police Department news release.Soon after the Tuesday night shooting on the 40 block of Stanton Avenue, investigators identified a 42-year-old as a person of interest. The next day at about 6:30 p.m., officers spotted the man boarding a bus at the Metro Transit on South Broadway Street.With help from a Regional Transit Authority officer, police stopped the bus at South Broadway Street and East Thornton Street and took the man into custody. He was found in possession of a firearm, which may have been used in the shooting.Officers charged him with felonious assault and weapons under disability.Free Art Every ThursdayFeel free to break that early winter funk by visiting AAM to see some funky art! We are free every single Thursday. Keep in mind the parking may not be free.Hower House MuseumThe Hower House was completed in 1871 and was built by John Henry Hower, a leading Akron industrialist who was active in the milling, reaping, and cereal industries. Hower would become known as the “Father of Akron Industry.” The house has three floors with a ballroom and servants’ areas on the third floor. Two and a half acres of lawn and stately trees provide a green island of tranquility for The University of Akron campus community. Today, Hower House remains one of the finest and best-preserved examples of its style in the country. It is supported by private donations, the Hower House Museum Guild, and The University of Akron. The house has become a lasting symbol of an era of elegance in America.Tours are Friday and Saturday 12-3 and Sundays 1-4. Tickets are $10 with discounts for students, seniors and kidsFor more information see https://www.uakron.edu/howerhousemuseum/the-house/Akron Schools Join Banning PhonesAkron schools have joined the national trend of...

The Akron Police Department's internal investigation has determined that the eight officers involved in the shooting death of Jayland Walker did not violate police policies.“I found that the facts and circumstances of this tragic shooting show that the officers had an objectively reasonable belief that Mr. Walker was armed and by his conduct presented an imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death to them and/or their fellow officers,” Chief Steve Mylett said in an executive summary of the investigation. Source.Jayland Walker, who was shot by police in June 2022, was found to have fired a gun while fleeing, according to a state investigation. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, after presenting its findings to a special grand jury, revealed that the officers involved were not indicted for any criminal offenses. The Akron Police Department conducted its own internal investigation, concluding that the officers did not violate any policies or procedures in the incident. Chief Steve Mylett asked the OBCI to do the investigation.The city, citing a pending federal lawsuit by Jayland Walker's family, declined to provide additional comments on the internal investigation. The eight officers involved in the incident, initially placed on administrative leave, have since been reassigned to desk duty and subsequently returned to regular duty.Ohio House Bill 341House Bill 341, introduced by Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, proposes changes to Ohio's marijuana law, known as Issue 2, approved by voters on November 7. The bill allows municipalities to restrict recreational marijuana use and impose additional taxes, contrary to Issue 2's initial provisions preventing local governments from banning use or home growth. The proposed legislation aims to empower local authorities to regulate cannabis within their jurisdictions.The bill also alters the distribution of revenue generated from marijuana sales. While maintaining funds for social equity, municipalities with dispensaries, and administrative costs, it adds a second revenue stream for substance abuse and establishes a fund for law enforcement training. Approximately 19% of the revenue would be allocated to these five categories, with 3% reserved for administrative costs. The legislation is presented as a starting point for discussions, emphasizing the opportunity for citizens to express their views in the committee process.As the debate on regulating marijuana continues among Republican leaders and Governor Mike DeWine, the bill's fate remains uncertain. Some lawmakers advocate for changes before Issue 2 takes effect on December 7, while others, like House Speaker Jason Stephens, express a need for careful consideration to ensure a robust regulatory system in Ohio's emerging marijuana industry. Although recreational marijuana use and growth will be legal after December 7, sales are not expected to begin until late summer or fall of the following year due to the licensing process. sourceHudson Holiday Walk December 3rdThis year's Hudson Holiday Walk is Sunday, Dec. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at the First & Main Green.Highlights include a hot cocoa bar and sweet treats, letters to Santa, and make-and-take crafts. Entertainers will include a face painter, stilt walker and a balloon twister. Horse and carriage rides will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. on a first come, first served reservation basis. There also will be a live nativity at the First Congregational Church at 47 Aurora St.In addition, donations of new,...

77 South Ramp at Interchange to Close For a YearA big change in the Akron freeway system starting Monday night.The Interstate 76 ramp to I-77 South at the Central Interchange will close for a year.That sharp-turn ramp is being replaced with a so-called “fly-over” ramp.That’ll be just like the recently-opened 76/77 East ramp to Route 8.Also Monday night, a one-night-only closure of Route 8 Southbound within the interchange through 5 a.m. Tuesday.That could affect Canton-area commuters headed back home.Not Into Skating? Try an Ice BikeThe Lock 3 ice rink and winter happenings are in full swing! We are talking Archie the snowman, heated igloos, firepits, shuffleboard, vintage animated characters, putt-putt and more. For more information on WinterBlast activities, visit Lock3live.comLeBron Museum Hot TicketsMuseum tour slots were sold out on opening day at the Lebron James Home Court Museum Saturday.According to a release, thousands of guests came from all over the world to the opening.The museum goes from James’ Spring Hill Apartment to the Fab Five’s bench inside the St. Vincent - St. Mary locker room.The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and tickets are $23, a nod to James’ jersey number.Say Goodbye to More Rite Aid StoresThe Fairlawn Rite Aid store on West Market Street is one of four more Ohio locations to close amid the upheaval of the pharmacy chain's ongoing bankruptcy.A court document filed Nov. 21 stated the five Ohio stores were among the 32 total slated to shutter across the nation.In total, including the previously announced closures of six Ohio locations in October, 11 stores will close in the state.Rite Aid filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy that same for slumping sales and opioid lawsuits, USA Today reported in October.First Energy Investigation Appears to Be ContinuingFive individuals have faced charges, with four convicted, in a bribery and money-laundering scandal involving Akron-based FirstEnergy. The conspiracy aimed at securing a $1.3 billion bailout, with over $60 million paid by FirstEnergy and its subsidiary to influence political figures. A special master revealed that FirstEnergy continues to cooperate with federal prosecutors. Former House Speaker Larry Householder and GOP Chairman Matt Borges were sentenced for their roles, while a former subsidiary, now Energy Harbor, is ordered to provide more cooperation in a federal class-action suit. The investigation persists, with ongoing efforts to uncover communications and implications beyond named executives.Former House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, and former GOP Chairman Matt Borges in June were respectively sentenced to 20 and five years in federal prison for their roles in the conspiracy. Two others have pleaded guilty and await sentencing, while a third who was charged died by suicide.They’re also battling Sam Randazzo. He isn’t named in the suit, but FirstEnergy said he took a $4.3 million bribe from Jones and Dowling just as Gov. Mike DeWine

Experience a Close Encounter with the Goodyear Blimp at the Santa Claus Express Toy Drive in MogadoreThe Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for the annual Santa Claus Express holiday toy drive on December 1-3 from 2-7 p.m. at the Wingfoot Lake blimp hangar in Mogadore. The free drive-through event encourages community members to donate new, unwrapped toys to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program. While remaining in their vehicles, participants can enjoy up-close views of the Goodyear airship, festive decorations, and Santa. This marks the 13th year of the collaboration between Goodyear and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for this charitable initiative.For donation details, visit the event website or call 800-321-2136.Just A ReminderIn observance of #Thanksgiving, #SummitCounty buildings will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24.Sheetz Holiday Gift of Cheap GasSheetz is dropping the price of gas for Thanksgiving week.The Altoona, Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain, announced it is reducing the price of Unleaded 88 to $1.99 at all locations that carry it in Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.The promotion is happening now and will last until 11:59 p.m. Nov. 27.Unleaded 88 is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline.When is Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet?The dates for this year's run will be Nov. 24-26, 30 and Dec. 1-3, 7-23 and 26-30. The hours are 3 to 8 p.m.The home of former Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company founder F.A. Seiberling on North Portage Path is decked out from the gardens to the master bedroom with some 1.2 million lights.Christmas has always been a special time at the estate.The Seiberling family moved in at Christmastime in 1915 and held grand holiday parties and gatherings through the years and this tradition continues with the public tours.How do I get tickets for Deck the Hall?Tickets are available at stanhywet.org or by phone at 330-315-3287.Tickets will be sold at Stan Hywet this year, but subject to availability.Ticket prices are $20 on Monday through Thursday and $9 for youth ages 3 to 17. The ticket price for visiting Friday through Sunday is $24 for adults and $11 for kids.Children 2 and under are free and college students with a valid ID pay the youth rate.Akron Council Approves Merriman Valley ProjectAkron City Council this week unanimously passed nine pieces of legislation relating to the city's adoption of a new zoning code for Merriman Valley and the city as a whole.The ordinances are part of the master plan adopted by Akron and Cuyahoga Falls that transforms the Merriman Valley-Schumacher Area into a walkable, environmentally friendly corridor to the Cuyahoga Valley National Parks.The group Preserve...

Why Isn't Akron Pro-Peace? This is NonsenseAkron City Council's unanimous Oct. 16 vote adopting a resolution condemning the deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants in Israel has led activists to pack into council chambers for weeks, demanding a resolution addressing the devastating effect Israel's retaliation has had on civilians in Gaza.During the council's Rules Committee meeting Monday, Ward 4 Councilman Russ Neal and Ward 5 Councilwoman Tara Mosley introduced a resolution — crafted with the help of Jewish and Palestinian community members — "Expressing sympathy for the innocent civilians victimized by the war in Israel and Palestine" and "condemning violence of any kind."It further proclaims that Akron is a city friendly to members of the Jewish and Islamic faiths alike, and any other religion.Virtual Career Fair November 16thJoin ApprenticeOhio this Thursday, November 16 from 10:00am to 2:00pm for a virtual career fair! Becoming an apprentice is a great option for those who want to earn while you learn.Register here: https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/OMJ-2/e/Lry7jArtists NeededThis wall is ready to take flight! We're looking for a local artist to create a dynamic wing mural at CAK. The mural will serve as a photo opportunity while building upon our sense of place. Learn more at https://www.akroncantonairport.com/assets/CALL-FOR-ARTISTS.pdf🚨 Please note, we hear you loud and clear. We're making additional considerations for the proposal while it is still in the qualifications stage. Thanks for the feedbackGiant Eagle Adjusts It's Perk ProgramGiant Eagle is set to merge its fuelperks+ program with the existing myPerks program starting January 25. The move comes in response to customer feedback and aims to streamline loyalty benefits. The combined program will offer rewards like free gas, up to 20% off groceries, and the option of dollar rewards. Customers will experience a seamless transition, with unused perks automatically converted into myPerks. The enhanced program aims to deliver optimal savings to customers across Giant Eagle's over 410 locations in five states.Traveling Over the Holidays? It's Going to Be Crowded.A recent NerdWallet survey indicates that 50% of Americans plan to spend money on flights or hotel stays during the upcoming holiday season, reflecting an increase from 44% the previous year. The survey suggests that the Sunday after Thanksgiving is likely to be the busiest travel day. While 40% of Americans plan to travel for the December holidays, 29% plan to travel for Thanksgiving, and 19% for New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. The timing of Thanksgiving, with consistent travel patterns on the Wednesday before and Sunday after, contributes to its higher travel activity compared to the December holidays. Additionally, the survey found that 39% of Americans do not plan to spend money on holiday travel, with reasons including local family and financial constraints.Akron Clerk Punched In The Face During RobberyA 16-year-old boy, accompanied by another teenager, attempted to purchase vape products at the Valley Smoke Shop in Akron. When the clerk refused the transaction due to their apparent underage status, one of the suspects vaulted over the counter, assaulted the clerk with multiple punches to the face, and stole several vape products before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred...

Your Water Bill is Going up in 2024The city of Akron has announced a restructuring of its water rates in 2024, increasing from $2.73 to $3.06 per HCF (hundred cubic feet). Residential customers will also incur a fixed infrastructure charge of $9, leading to an overall monthly utility bill increase of $10-$12 for most Akron residents. The changes aim to fund necessary projects for Akron's aging drinking water infrastructure, addressing repairs and replacements of essential components over 100 years old. The revenue generated, estimated at $15 million, will support projects like Brittain Road Reservoir replacement, water main replacements, lead service line replacement, and updates to the Filter Building Treatment Facility. The city is also launching a water affordability program, offering eligible residents a 40 percent discount on the water portion of their bill, with applications opening on Jan. 1, 2024. The sewer rates will remain unchanged in 2024.Spooky ChristmasIt's already been a historic year for Akron's venerable Haunted Schoolhouse.And for the first time in 50 years, the haunt will open its doors for a unique Christmas-themed tour.The old Thomastown Elementary School on Akron's Triplett Boulevard plans to roll out the tinsel along with a dead body or two or three for two nights on Dec. 8 and 9."The elves have decked out all three floors of the Haunted Schoolhouse with lights, trees and holiday cheer galore, but the monsters and ghosts that roam these halls are not quite as jolly," the haunt posted on social media.Scrooge LiveScrooge The Musical, presented by The BOOM Theater, returns to The Knight Stage for 9 shows from December 1-17! In this timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night.Become a Civic Go SupporterBecome a CivicGo! member now and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits that will make your theater experience all the more special!PLEASE JOIN TODAY — AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Click here: https://akroncivic.com/individual.Your membership matters! As a nonprofit organization, it takes more than ticket sales to help keep the stars shining in The Civic’s iconic night sky.There's nothing like seeing a show at the Akron Civic Theatre! We're dedicated to maintaining and updating our historic theater to allow our community to enjoy shows here for years to come, but we need your help. Our CivicGo! members help us afford to operate and continue to improve the Akron Civic Theatre, our extraordinary historic building, where hundreds of performing artists entertain and inspire our community all year long. Become a CivicGo! member now and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits while helping us preserve this iconic Akron theater!Mentioned in this episode:TEMU More Affordable than Amazon OR WalmartHave you checked out TEMU yet? Use the link below to save on your first order and get valuable coupons. I've purchased clothes that were less expensive than Walmart or Amazon and the shirts were amazing. I bought a phone bag so I could strap my phone to my arm and ride my bike for $1.29. Use the link below. The holidays are coming up and you can get great gifts at an affordable price. Check out TEMUTell a Friend!Do you know someone who might enjoy this show? Be sure to tell them to go to akronpodcast.com and get information on what is going on in Akron.Follow the Akron Podcast