Hope your week finished off strong! We are trying something out with a little weekend post here! Let us know if your a fan and want to continue seeing some on the weekend!
As always, let us know of anything you want to see more of!
• New North Akron Schools Layout
• Finally Working on our Roads!
• Men Who Cook!
Events!!
-JJ
AKRON, Ohio : Akron Public Schools has unveiled layout plans for the new North Community Learning Center, partially replacing North High School at 985 Gorge Blvd.
The $85 million project will serve 1,100 students and is expected to open in 2029. A new three-story building will rise east of the current school, while the existing gymnasium will be preserved and renovated.
Plans include:
A new 100-yard multipurpose field with track
Updated classrooms, auditorium, and auxiliary gym
Student services including a clinic and food pantry
Renovated gym and career-tech spaces
The district’s next step is hiring a construction manager to oversee the build.
Why it matters: North is the only APS neighborhood high school not rebuilt during the district’s 15-year facilities overhaul - this project modernizes the campus while keeping key historic elements..
AKRON, Ohio : City of Akron has added two $300,000 DuraPatcher trucks to speed up pothole repairs during peak season.
Unlike traditional crews that require multiple workers, the DuraPatcher is a one-person operation that fills a pothole in under two minutes - and the operator never has to leave the truck, improving safety in traffic.
How It Works
Using a joystick, the operator:
Blasts out debris and water with high-pressure air
Sprays a bonding liquid
Injects a mix of stone and adhesive
Seals it with dry stone
City officials say the spray-injection method creates a longer-lasting repair, not just a temporary patch.
Akron typically responds to around 1,500 resident pothole complaints each season through 311, not counting additional holes crews find on their own. The trucks can operate in temperatures as low as 5 degrees, making them effective even in winter conditions.
Public works leaders say the investment is part of a broader push to improve roads, including increasing annual resurfacing from about 20 miles to 50–60 miles per year.
Why it matters: Faster repairs, safer crews, and longer-lasting fixes could mean fewer bumpy commutes this spring.
The third annual “Be the Love – Men Who Cook” fundraiser brought in $23,925 on Feb. 10 at the Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, supporting Love Our Community and its year-round services.
About 200 attendees gathered for an evening of food, raffles, mocktails and community connection. Local men prepared signature dishes, and guests voted for their favorites.
🏆 Event Winners
Best Overall & Appetizer: Bethany Mennonite Church (jalapeño corn dip)
Best Main Dish: Merriman Valley Pizza (brisket)
Best Side Dish: 1-800 Board Up (cabbage dish)
Best Dessert: Zach Coblentz & Jeremy Bowers (gourmet cupcakes)
Best Table Presentation: Hartville Fire Department
Menu highlights included pulled pork mac and cheese, wings, lasagna, tacos, cheesecake bites and buckeyes.
Why It Matters
For seven years, Love Our Community has supported residents facing domestic violence, homelessness, food insecurity and mental health challenges. Funds raised help cover stabilization housing, counseling, case management and community meals.
Executive Director Kelli Viscounte encouraged supporters to consider giving $10 per week to help sustain programs, noting that community need remains high.
Bottom line: More than just a fundraiser, the night showcased Lake Township’s commitment to caring for neighbors in crisis.
Events!!
1) 2026 Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration
Feb 28 | 3:30–8 PM
Location: Akron Civic Theatre
Downtown’s biggest cultural celebration of the season returns with lion dances, drum performances, martial arts, traditional music, and dance groups from across Northeast Ohio. A high-energy, family-friendly showcase celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Why it stands out: Large-scale production, diverse performances, major downtown draw.
2) Ohio Contemporary Ballet: Ballet Unbound
Feb 28 | 7 PM
Location: E.J. Thomas Hall
Ohio Contemporary Ballet presents a dynamic program blending works by legendary choreographers with modern voices. A polished, professional production in one of Akron’s premier venues.
Why it stands out: High-caliber live performing arts.
3) Special Movie Presentation: The Big Lebowski
Feb 28 | 7:30 PM
Location: Canton Palace Theatre
A one-night-only screening of the cult classic on Canton’s largest screen, complete with trivia and costume fun. A lively community movie night with personality.
Why it stands out: Interactive, nostalgic, built-in audience energy.
4) Flamenco Fiesta! Music, Dance & Story
March 1 | 3 PM
Location: The Knight Stage
A vibrant, family-friendly flamenco performance featuring dancers, singers, and musicians bringing Spanish rhythm and storytelling to life.
Why it stands out: Unique cultural experience, great Sunday afternoon option.
5) Wild World of Animals
March 1 | 3 PM
Location: Akron Civic Theatre
Wildlife advocate Grant Kemmerer brings live animals and conservation stories to the stage in an engaging, educational experience for all ages.
Why it stands out: Family-focused and interactive.
Hope everyone has an amazing finish to the rest of their Feb!