Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of May.
Good morning, Akron.
Two vigils were held Friday night (one at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Greene and one at Witwer Park in North Canton) to honor 13-year-old Matthew Schultz, a North Canton Middle School student who was run over during last week's Memorial Day parade.
One year ago, on June 2, an unknown suspect fired at an East Akron birthday party, killing one person and injuring 28, and after thousands of hours of investigation police reported that no arrest has been made because clear evidence is still missing—officials are urging anyone with video or witness testimony to come forward.
Brian Swansiger, a 28-year-old Springfield Township firefighter, has been indicted in Portage County on charges including rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition and kidnapping — he allegedly raped and restrained a 25-year-old woman around January 1 — and he faces similar date rape charges in Mahoning County with a pretrial set for August 5.
Hale Farm and Village in Bath Township opens its summer season today with tours running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday until Labor Day—offering special events like a folk and wine festival and Civil War reenactment while featuring 32 historic structures and costumed interpreters with admission set at $15 for adults and $8 for children.
The U.S. Mint produced its final pennies in May as a cost-saving measure and coins will not be made after early 2026.
Pennies remain legal tender and can be exchanged at local banks and Coinstar kiosks — including several in Akron — where loose change can be turned into cash.
At a board meeting on May 30, Akron Public Schools reversed their May 26 vote and approved contracts for over 100 administrators so they will work next school year starting July 1.
Board members said the change was needed to keep staff in place and avoid crowded classrooms—ensuring students have enough support.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction announced Friday that 19 local jails will receive $50 million in grants for construction and renovation projects (aimed at enhancing safety for staff and inmates).
Ashtabula County Jail in Northeast Ohio will get $15 million to add beds and improve key areas while Summit County Jail is set to receive nearly $3 million for similar upgrades (supporting broader criminal justice improvements).
Woodridge High swept both 3,200 meter relay titles at the Division II regional meet in Austintown on May 29—CVCA finished second in each race.
The Flame Group's 58th Anniversary Dinner
12-4 p.m. — Guy's Party Center — $25.00 — Celebrate with a grand dinner marking 58 years of the Flame Group's legacy.
Super Ninja Zone Camp
12:30-4 p.m. — Super Ninja World — Cost varies — Engage in hero-themed activities and meet a special guest superhero.
Senior Living Virtual Tour
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Online Event — Free entry — Discover the best senior living communities highlighting exceptional care and activities.
Torchbearers Recruitment Open House
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — RSVP required — Network with local young professionals and discover community involvement opportunities.
RubberDucks Game & Mental Health Awareness
6:35-8:05 p.m. — Canal Park — Free entry — Enjoy a baseball game while accessing free mental health screenings and resources.
The American Ride - Toby Keith Tribute
7:30-11:59 p.m. — Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater — Tickets available — Enjoy a tribute to Toby Keith at the summer concert series.
Super Hero Week at Super Ninja Zone
9 AM - 4 PM — Super Ninja World — Check website for costs — Dive into an action-packed week of hero-themed games and crafts with a special guest appearance.
One Full Day Tuesday
9 AM – 4 PM — Super Ninja World — $60.00 — Enjoy a full day of sports and activities at a top-rated venue for kids.
One Full Day Wednesday
9 AM – 4 PM — Super Ninja World — $60 — A fun day of activities awaits at Super Ninja World in Cuyahoga Falls.
A Mystic Voyage: Magic on the Water
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Portage Lakes State Park — $35 — Experience a magical evening cruise with captivating illusions by magician Michael Mage aboard the Princess Ship.
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