Good morning, Akron.

The Goodyear Towpath Trek fall challenge invites hikers and cyclists to complete four trail sections by Nov.

30 for a commemorative pin. Participants pick up their pin at Richard Howe House in Akron on weekdays (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), supported by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.

The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition invites locals to join the 2026 Goodyear Towpath Trek; hikers and bikers explore four trails in Cuyahoga Valley Park, Akron, Massillon, and Bolivar and earn a pin from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co starting mid-October with treks available through Nov. 30.

MLJ Arcade, which opened on Aug.

14 at Midway Plaza in Tallmadge, offers kids arcade games and play areas (including Pac-Man) as the plaza renews its appeal, while Venue Thirty7 plans Family Fridays starting Sept. 18 and a grand opening on Nov. 6.

The 16th annual Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival is underway today through Sept.

6 at Hale Farm and Village, where 200 Ohio artists display handcrafted goods and live demonstrations across 34 historic buildings. Attendees will enjoy local food, drinks, and live music including Akron Symphonic Winds.

Manchester Local Schools introduced ParentSquare to help teachers share classroom news and approved a positive financial forecast at its Aug.

26 board meeting in New Franklin. The board will meet again Sept. 16 at the new Administration Building.

At Coventry Local Schools’ Aug.

26 meeting, staff with 20 or 25 years of service were recognized by Superintendent Fisk while the board approved retirements and new resource officer and digital learning agreements — with the next meeting on Sept. 16 at Coventry High School.

On Aug. 26, Barberton City Schools passed a resolution (which may lead to a fiscal emergency) as it faces a projected $1.8 million deficit and appointed Kenneth Cheatham to the board after Jason Slater resigned.

The resolution starts a state review for added oversight and possible state aid.

Highland Local School District announced new head coaches for the 2026-27 school year.

Mike Besu will lead boys soccer, Ty Damon will direct girls tennis, and Chris Kestner will head girls golf + each coach brings decades of experience to support student athletes.

Archbishop Hoban High School recently named Chris Idone as the new boys lacrosse head coach; he spent three seasons as varsity assistant under outgoing coach Daniel Clem and will begin building on the strong team tradition while also serving as a substitute teacher.

More than 300 people gathered Aug.

23 at Mustill Store Museum for Jazz on the Trail to honor Virginia (Ginny) Wojno-Forney, founder of Cascade Locks Park Association. Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and Councilwoman Elizabeth Walters announced a $20,000 grant to support community programming and operations in Cascade Valley.

Akron and Summit County Land Bank today announced free Made in Akron housing plans developed with Grassroots Architecture to offer builders 10 pre-reviewed design options—from two-bedroom cottages to small apartment buildings.

The initiative includes a pattern book to ensure new homes blend with Akron’s unique neighborhoods.

College football opening week began Thursday, Sept.

3 with several matchups including Wake Forest hosting Akron — a local team that drew interest from dedicated fans. The season will conclude with the national championship game at Allegiant Stadium on Monday, Jan. 25.

The local high school football power rankings have been updated for Week 3.

Walsh Jesuit Warriors remain number one and will face Toledo Central Catholic today + Woodridge Bulldogs debut at number eight as other teams shift positions ahead of their games.