Hope everyone is absolutely killing this new year! Sorry about the last couple of weeks, we are working to revamp everything and get it efficient again while growing all of our socials!
We will also be dropping our first restaurant guide here soon with all of our favorites as of late!
• Lake Township and Canton Townships News!
• Akron Teaching Jobs
• Tons of Events for the Family!
-Local Farmers Market!
-MLK Events
-JJ
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Meet Adam Knam, North Canton’s 2025 Officer of the Year
North Canton Police Officer Adam Knam has been named the department’s 2025 Officer of the Year, an honor he said was especially meaningful because it came from his fellow officers. Knam began his career in 2013 with the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, became a deputy sheriff in 2015, and joined the North Canton Police Department in 2017.
Over the years, he has taken on a wide range of roles, including field training officer, defensive tactics instructor, Taser instructor, evidence technician, bike patrol officer, and member of the Canton Regional SWAT team. After nine years on road patrol, he said he hopes to pursue future sergeant positions and continue advancing into leadership.
Knam said one of the biggest challenges in modern policing is the broad range of responsibilities officers are expected to handle, from public safety and mental health situations to medical response and community service. Even with the sacrifices that come with the job, he said helping people and serving the community remain the most rewarding parts of police work.
Akron Zips Make History with Third Straight MAC Tournament Title
The Akron Zips won their third consecutive MAC Tournament championship Saturday night, defeating Toledo 79-76 in dramatic fashion. Shammah Scott hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with just six seconds left, sealing a historic win and sending Akron back to the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row.
Akron trailed by 12 at halftime but fought back in the second half, showing the resilience that has defined the program’s recent run. Tavari Johnson scored 15 points and added five assists on his way to being named tournament MVP, while Amani Lyles finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Scott scored 12 points, including the biggest shot of the night.
The victory made Akron the first team ever to win three straight MAC Men’s Basketball Tournament titles. Coach John Groce called the accomplishment humbling, especially given the long history of the conference. Now, the Zips head to the NCAA Tournament looking to build on their momentum and chase the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win.
Free Sakura Festival Returns to Downtown Akron on April 4
Downtown Akron Partnership’s Sakura Festival is set to return on Saturday, April 4, from 1 to 7 p.m., bringing a free spring celebration of Japanese culture to the heart of the city. The event is timed to coincide with the blooming of 472 cherry blossom trees planted along the Towpath Trail, though peak bloom could come slightly before or after the festival.
This year’s festival will take place across several downtown locations, including Lock 2, Lock 3, the Towpath Trailhead at Spaghetti Warehouse, the James R. Williams Tower in Ohio & Erie Canal Park, and The Mustill Store. Visitors can expect a wide mix of activities, including live music and cultural dance performances, retail and food vendors, story and history walks, bonsai and ikebana demonstrations, guided painting, horticulturist walks, and a scenic bike ride.
One of the featured add-on experiences is a sake and sushi tasting at Cilantro Thai & Sushi for guests 21 and older. That ticketed event costs $39, must be purchased in advance, and includes guided sake pairings with sushi samples
Krazy Bins Returning to Akron with Larger New Store
Krazy Bins is making a return to Akron, but the move will come at the expense of its Kent location. Owner Noah Leavitt said the Kent store will close on March 19, with the business relocating to a much larger space in Akron.
The new store will open April 24 in the former Roses Discount Store on Buchholzer Boulevard, across from the old Chapel Hill Mall. Leavitt said the move was driven by the need for more space, with the new Akron location offering 58,000 square feet compared with just 19,000 square feet in Kent.
Krazy Bins, known for its daily price-drop bin shopping model featuring overstock merchandise and clothing, previously operated an Akron location on West Market Street before closing in 2023. Leavitt said the company had wanted to return to Akron and believes the new location will allow it to offer a stronger shopping experience.
Teen Volunteering
March 19 | 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library, Akron
Teens can earn volunteer hours for school while helping with fun projects in the Main Library teen area.Matthew Alec and The Soul Electric
March 20 | 8 p.m.
BLU Jazz+, Akron
Northeast Ohio saxophonist Matthew Alec and his 7-piece jazz-pop group return for a high-energy live performance.The Faire at the Inn: Akron Mini Renaissance Festival
March 20 | 5 p.m.–1 a.m.
The Green Dragon Inn, Akron
Celebrate the Inn’s third anniversary with Akron’s own mini Renaissance festival.Crafternoon: Make Art | Make Community
March 21 | Noon–2 p.m.
Summit Artspace, Akron
A monthly creative gathering where guests can make art and connect with others in the community.The Simon and Garfunkel Story
March 21 | 7:30 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre, Akron
This concert-style theater show tells the story of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel through music and performance.Book Bingo
March 21 | 10–11:30 a.m.
Plain Community Branch, Canton
Play bingo and win books at this fun library event.
Let me know if you guys have anything you want to see more of as we get into the days of better weather!