Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
Good morning, Akron.
🏘️ Community
Downtown Akron’s Lock 3 Winterblast offers outdoor fun with ice skating (admission is $10 with skate rental options), ice bikes and ice bumper cars available through Feb.
16. Special college nights and group discounts provide extra reasons to visit this ongoing winter event.
Akron crews have been clearing leaves since November and have revisited Wards 3, 5, 6, 7, and 10 when collections were low.
They will shift to snow and ice removal if a winter storm arrives soon (residents should call 311 for extra pickups).
Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed Jan.
19 with several community events across Akron. Local groups host a public forum starting Jan. 16, a youth summit and young women’s symposium on Jan. 17, and free exhibits at venues such as the Akron Zoo (offering free entry) to honor his legacy.
🚧 Accidents
A fire at a multi-unit home on Wednesday at 226 W.
Long St. displaced seven people and four dogs with no injuries reported — investigators are examining the cause.
🎓 Education
At its Jan. 12 meeting, the APS Board elected Barbara Sykes as president and Rene Molenaur as vice president + three new members joined and two new committees were established to streamline meetings.
The board will meet twice monthly, with the next session on Jan. 26 at 10 N. Main St.
STVM has announced the new STEM Scholars Program made possible by a major gift from alumnus Frank Linsalata (Class of 1959).
The initiative will select one male and one female incoming freshman to receive a full four-year scholarship and exclusive STEM experiences as they enroll in fall 2026.
Inspection reports from the Akron Fire Department show more than 200 fire violations in 44 school sites during 2025, though officials say no immediate danger exists.
Several schools have been reinspected and fixed their issues (full results are available online).
🌲 Environment
Ohio counties declared snow emergencies on Thursday, Jan.
15 after a winter storm brought heavy snow; Summit County issued a level 1 while Erie County enforced a level 3 — only emergency and essential travel was allowed, and some schools closed due to icy conditions.
🏛️ Government
Drivers using Waze now see ODOT plow trucks with a truck icon when their strobe lights are on and they treat roads for snow and ice.
The automatic feature helps local drivers slow down (for safety) and gives crews more space to work.
📰 Real Estate
Former Pick's at PLX and Olde Harbor Inn on Portage Lakes Drive are for sale for $5.8 million, featuring 26,938 sqft over 3.4 acres+ more than 650 ft of lake frontage and recent upgrades.
Township trustees hope a thriving business will bring new life to the area.
🏈 Sports
High school wrestling brings three tournaments to Akron this weekend: Bill Dies Memorial at Firestone High, Top Gun at Alliance High + Maumee Bay Classic at Oregon Clay High, where local teams will compete on Friday and Saturday.
🎉 Akron Events
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Female Fronted Rock Night
7-10 p.m. — Musica — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening filled with vibrant performances by talented female-fronted bands.
DJ Dracula
8-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — DJ Dracula returns to spin classic alternative, new wave, and punk vinyl for a nostalgic night out.
FREE FRIDAY: Outdated View, Cabin Fever, SpAIR Jordans
8-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — Enjoy a night of psychedelic blues rock and indie vibes from three amazing bands.
Square Records Closing Fundraiser
7-10 p.m. — Musica — $9.07 — Celebrate the legacy of Square Records as it bids farewell to Akron's music scene.
TB Book Club Meeting
6-7:30 p.m. — 750ml Wines Akron — Open to all Torchbearers — Connect over books and join a fun book swap at this month's meeting.
Cucina Demonstration Dinner – Home-Style Tuscan Comforts
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa — $75.00 - $80.00 USD — Explore comforting Tuscan recipes and culinary techniques in an engaging demonstration dinner.
Cherry Yachtsman Album Release Party
8-11 p.m. — Musica — $10 online / $15 at the door — Celebrate the release of 'Bison' with Cherry Yachtsman and special guests.
Valentine's Day Paint Your Pet
2-5 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Capture your beloved pet on canvas during this custom painting class.
Galentine's Sea Glass Trees and Collage Craft Night
6-8 p.m. — P.F. Chang's — Food and drinks available for purchase — Create beautiful sea glass trees or collages in a fun atmosphere.
🏠 Akron Real Estate
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