Happy New Year everyone, hope the last few days of the new year have been amazing for you all. Trying to start this year off trying to push some value out, let us know what the first guide you guys want to see are!
Any recommendations as always, send our way!
Today we will be looking at the last few days and check out what’s been happening in our area lately!
Whats the first guide you want to see us create for this area?
-City Council Changes
-State Trooper ride along!
-Animal awards
-Akron’s Capital Budget
-Fun Events and More!
-JJ
After nearly two months without public comment, Canton City Council is considering reinstating public speaking at its Jan. 5 meeting following strong public backlash.
Council eliminated public speaks on Nov. 10, citing safety concerns, repeated disruptions, and misinformation, replacing the entire rule with a single line: “PUBLIC SPEAKS ELIMINATED.”
Now, the council’s Rules Committee has proposed restoring public comment — but with stricter guidelines aimed at maintaining order.
What the proposed changes would do:
Who can speak: Only city residents, property owners, business operators in Canton, or city utility customers
Proof required: Clerk may request ID (such as a driver’s license)
Speaker limit: Maximum of 10 speakers per meeting, first come, first served
Registration deadline: 6:30 p.m. (15 minutes earlier than before)
Frequency cap: One appearance per person per calendar month
Time limit: 3 minutes per speaker
Topic restriction: Speakers must choose one agenda item only
Penalties:
Misstating name or address → possible 6-month ban
Violating decorum rules → remarks can be ended or removal ordered
Concerns raised:
Some residents, including frequent attendee Skylark Bruce, warned the eligibility rules could exclude vulnerable populations, such as homeless individuals, from addressing council.
What stays the same:
Council can still invite public speakers by majority vote (Rule 18)
Public hearings for major issues remain unchanged (Rule 19)
If approved, public comment would return at the Jan. 12 meeting.
Ever wondered what a day in the life of an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper actually looks like? The Patrol’s ride-along program gives people who are genuinely interested in the career a real, behind-the-scenes look at the job — from daily patrol routines to how troopers interact with the public.
The program is open to adults ages 18–39 with a valid driver’s license and includes a brief interview with the post commander beforehand. If you’ve ever considered a career in law enforcement (or just want a clearer understanding of the role), this is one of the most direct ways to experience it.
📍 Canton Post: 4711 Shuffel St. NW, Jackson Township
📞 330-433-6200
Canton Animal Clinic Earns National Recognition
AlterClinic Animal Care, a nonprofit spay-and-neuter clinic in Canton, has been nominated for a 2026 Snippy Award in the Community Cat Champion category — a national honor recognizing organizations that make a measurable impact on animal welfare.
The award celebrates high-volume clinics that help reduce stray populations and improve outcomes for both animals and communities. The winner will be announced on World Spay Day, Feb. 24, but the nomination alone highlights the important work being done right here in Stark County.
Akron’s 2026 Capital Budget: What’s Changing
Akron’s proposed 2026 capital improvements budget totals $341.9 million, about $39 million less than 2025, largely because one-time federal pandemic funds are no longer available. City leaders say the budget focuses on infrastructure, long-term cost savings, and quality-of-life improvements.
Police equipment update
Akron will begin phasing out the practice of police officers carrying personal rifles while on duty.
$255,000 is allocated to replace police gear, including purchasing department-issued rifles for patrol officers.
The funding won’t cover all needed rifles at once, but it’s intended to start the transition this year.
City officials said the decision followed internal and community discussions about standardizing equipment.
Where the money is going
Water & Sewer (largest share)
$36.7M for the Northside Interceptor Tunnel
$15.5M for an enhanced wastewater treatment facility
$23M to replace a reservoir on Brittain Road
$23.4M to replace galvanized water lines on private property
Roads & Sidewalks
$6.5M to resurface about 52 miles of roads
$1M for sidewalks
$1.85M for concrete pavement rehabilitation
The city will split resurfacing into two contracts to speed up completion
Public Facilities
$4M+ to renovate the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center
$570K to replace roofs at Canal Park
$2M+ for Cascade Plaza parking deck rehabilitation
$325K for two new salt storage facilities
Housing & Neighborhoods
Nearly $9M for housing and community development
$1.5M for infill housing
$2.8M for homeowner loans for rehab and lead paint removal
Economic Development
$8.6M total
$6.5M for demolition of the former Firestone headquarters
Funding for downtown development, Akron’s polymer cluster headquarters, and redevelopment of UA’s Polsky Building
What’s next
City Council must approve the budget by Feb. 15.
A second review is scheduled for Jan. 12
A public hearing will be held Jan. 26
Bluegrass Music Jam at the Library
The Canal Fulton Public Library is opening its doors to musicians of all experience levels for a drop-in bluegrass jam session. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting comfortable with your instrument, this is a low-pressure way to play, learn, and connect with others in the community.
📅 Jan. 5 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
🎸 Acoustic instruments only | No registration required
Meet Adoptable Kittens at the Library
The North Canton Public Library is bringing back one of its most popular community programs: Caterdays with Pawsitive Hope. On the second Saturday of each month, visitors can meet adoptable kittens in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
The first session of the year takes place Jan. 10, and it’s a great chance to support local rescue efforts — or just enjoy some quality kitten time.
📅 Jan. 10 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Indoor Farmers Market + Homemade Soup
Looking for a cozy winter outing? St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church in Jackson Township is hosting an indoor farmers market featuring local vendors selling breads, cheeses, honey, pasta, mushrooms, baked goods, jams, and more.
The café will also serve homemade vegetable soup (dine-in or by the quart) and lunch options, making it an easy stop for both groceries and a warm meal.
📅 Jan. 10 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
📍 4600 Fulton Dr. NW
We will see you guys again on Friday! Hope everyone has an amazing week!