Good morning, Akron.

Sweet Designs (a local favorite) was named best chocolate shop in Ohio on Feb.

13, boosting its standing among community patrons.

The Western Reserve Historical Society now offers overnight stays at the renovated 1860s Cranz Farm Inn in Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Hale Farm & Village in Bath Township.

The inn features five bedrooms, modern comforts, and space for meetings and special events.

Starting with February bills, FirstEnergy customers will see refunds from a $250 million settlement tied to the HB6 scandal, with refunds calculated for Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison and Toledo Edison customers (average refund is about $65.61 for standard 1,000 kWh use) and $20 million allocated to low-income assistance programs.

Northeast Ohio Medical University is accepting applications for its new Master of Science in Mental Health Practice for summer and the accredited program trains students to become certified mental health assistants — professionals who will work under a physician to help care for mental illness and substance use disorders.

An Akron man won $3.5M after playing the same Classic Lotto numbers for 22 years, matching all six in the Feb.

4 drawing at a Mapco on Brown St; he chose a $1.7M cash option (numbers: 6-8-16-20-26-45) after a friend picked up his tickets.

Akron officials will present five proposals on Feb.

17 to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office at the former Firestone Plant #1 to decide how to save the clock tower. Each option adds millions to the demolition cost (ranging from partial demolition to tower preservation) and will shape future redevelopment.

Akron General's Ambulatory Care Center was evacuated Friday after diesel generator exhaust entered the building — no injuries occurred and hospital services stayed open.

The facility is set to reopen around noon.

Akron’s Summa Health doctor Emre Eren has supported the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team by providing sideline care during recent competitions in Switzerland and Austria — and he continues to work with the team to ensure athletes stay safe.

He values his role among the Olympians.

Ohio hospitals were named among the nation’s 50 best for overall clinical excellence by Healthgrades on Friday, Feb.

13. Summa Health System’s Akron campus earned the honor for the third year in a row, and four additional Ohio hospitals were recognized based on Medicare claims data.

Cornell freshman Jaxon Joy, a Wadsworth native ranked No. 2 and undefeated, will compete for the NCAA wrestling title in Cleveland at Rocket Arena March 19-21 — fulfilling his lifelong dream.

Tavari Johnson's 23 points helped Akron beat UMass 99-92 Friday night (at James A.

Rhodes Arena), extending the Zips' nation-best 29-game home winning streak. The team will face Western Michigan on Tuesday.

Yesterday, the Guardians held spring training in Goodyear, Arizona (their first since last season) to assess lineup improvements and rotation decisions, including prospects Travis Bazzana (top pick) and Chase DeLauter while addressing roster issues with Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on paid leave.

Business Networking at House Three Thirty

9-10 a.m. — House Three Thirty — Free entry — Connect with fellow Outstanding Ohioans in a vibrant community setting.

Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Concert

7-10 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Tickets required — Experience high-energy live performances featuring catchy tunes and impressive stage presence.

Midweek Jump Off with Smokeface & Brainwreck

9:00–11:45 p.m. — Musica — $7 entry — Enjoy a live band and DJ experience featuring weekly guests as the bar opens at 7 PM.

Girl Scout Launch Event in West Akron

6-7 p.m. — Northwest Family Recreation — Free entry — Explore space-themed activities and kick off your Girl Scout journey with hands-on learning and fun.

Zipcon 2026

10 AM – 10 PM — Jean Hower Taber Student Union — $10 entry — Immerse yourself in anime culture at this one-day convention hosted by the University of Akron's Anime Club.

Meet The Maker Mixer

5-7 p.m. — The Well CDC — Free entry — Experience local culinary delights while supporting community food entrepreneurs and enjoying live music.

Shrek The Musical

7:30 p.m. — Weathervane Playhouse — Check venue for pricing — Enjoy a delightful family tale of an ogre's journey and fairy tale misfits.

Man of La Mancha

3-4 p.m. — Ohio Shakespeare Festival — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in the classic tale of hope and imagination through the vibrant performance of Man of La Mancha.

Canstruction Awards Reception

4-7:30 p.m. — Circle of 5ths — RSVP required — Celebrate creativity in canned food art and enjoy a lively networking happy hour.

Sip & Stitch Craft Night

6:30-8 p.m. — HiHO Brewing Co. — Cost varies — Enjoy a cozy evening of knitting, crocheting, and sewing while sipping craft beers.