Avoid Jury Duty Scam

Akron Podcast

Jury Duty Scam

Beware of a jury duty scam circulating in Summit County, as authorities issue a warning about fraudulent calls threatening fines and arrest for alleged failure to appear. Scammers may demand payments in Bitcoin, falsely claiming that judges accept cryptocurrencies. Summit County government offices do not accept such payments. The scammers may pose as deputies, using real names and ranks of law enforcement personnel, along with spoofed phone numbers to mimic authentic Summit County Sheriff's Office calls. Residents are urged to hang up immediately, verify the call's legitimacy by contacting dispatch at 330-643-2181, and be cautious as the Sheriff's Office does not make such calls regarding warrants or fines.

Almost Shooting a Buchtel

A 15-year-old was arrested by Akron police outside Buchtel CLC after a fight. Safety team members observed three male teens in a fight, and one, not a student at the school, was seen with what appeared to be a concealed firearm. The school resource officer and safety team struggled to restrain the armed teen, who reportedly tried reaching for the firearm during the scuffle. The recovered weapon was identified as an AR-style airsoft gun with a loaded magazine containing live .223 caliber ammunition. The 15-year-old, sustaining minor injuries, was taken to Akron Children's Hospital, and charges are pending based on the investigation. Source

He Got Shot in the Face For Not Sharing His Potato Chips

This story has been updated.

Akron police arrested a man in a nonfatal shooting that left a 31-year-old man hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the face after he declined to share a bag of potato chips, according to an Akron Police Department news release.

Soon after the Tuesday night shooting on the 40 block of Stanton Avenue, investigators identified a 42-year-old as a person of interest. The next day at about 6:30 p.m., officers spotted the man boarding a bus at the Metro Transit on South Broadway Street.

With help from a Regional Transit Authority officer, police stopped the bus at South Broadway Street and East Thornton Street and took the man into custody. He was found in possession of a firearm, which may have been used in the shooting.

Officers charged him with felonious assault and weapons under disability.

Free Art Every Thursday

Feel free to break that early winter funk by visiting AAM to see some funky art! We are free every single Thursday. Keep in mind the parking may not be free.

Hower House Museum

The Hower House was completed in 1871 and was built by John Henry Hower, a leading Akron industrialist who was active in the milling, reaping, and cereal industries. Hower would become known as the “Father of Akron Industry.”

The house has three floors with a ballroom and servants’ areas on the third floor. Two and a half acres of lawn and stately trees provide a green island of tranquility for The University of Akron campus community.

Today, Hower House remains one of the finest and best-preserved examples of its style in the country. It is supported by private donations, the Hower House Museum Guild, and The University of Akron. The house has become a lasting symbol of an era of elegance in America.

Tours are Friday and Saturday 12-3 and Sundays 1-4. Tickets are $10 with discounts for students, seniors and kids

For more information see https://www.uakron.edu/howerhousemuseum/the-house/

Akron Schools Join Banning Phones

Akron schools have joined the national trend of restricting cell phone use in educational settings, with nearly 77% of U.S. schools enforcing such bans, up from 65% in 2015. In response to a 2023 study revealing that 97% of students use phones for an average of 42 minutes during the school day, Akron has implemented Yondr pouches for middle and high school students. These pouches, equipped with magnetic locks, keep phones secured throughout the day but accessible at day's end. The district conducted a successful pilot program last year, leading to the implementation of the new policy this academic year. While some parents express concerns, administrators plan to review data on the policy's impact on academic achievement, mental health, and behavior at the end of the academic year. Positive changes are reportedly already evident a few months into the school year. source

Akron Launches Safe Place Program

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Police Chief Steve Mylett have introduced the Safe Place Program, a collaborative initiative with the business community to aid victims of hate crimes and harassment. Participating businesses and organizations will display a decal signifying their commitment as safe places for victims seeking assistance. The decal serves as a symbol to victims, indicating that the location will call 911 on their behalf and provide a secure space until the police arrive. Businesses can easily sign up for the program by contacting the Akron Police Department Community Relations Unit, with participation being voluntary and free. The initiative aims to foster inclusivity and swift support for victims, reinforcing Akron's commitment to safety and diversity. source

Summit Mall Thriving

Leasing is strong at the mall, too, with the addition of new stores bringing the mall to near capacity about mid-2024, Hersh said.

New stores for the holidays and the New Year

Summit Mall is thriving. J.D. Sports, a British sports-fashion retail company with about 3,400 locations worldwide, will open before spring.

A recent study by Coresight Research found that traffic at malls last year surged past 2019 levels, climbing 12% for top-tier malls — those in highly affluent areas — and 10% in non-top-tier malls. The study also noted that some online retailers have identified a need for physical storefronts to expand their business.

At Summit Mall, a 10,600-square-foot Kids Empire location will open in 2024 in the old theater space. The location will offer climbing walls, play structures, and drop-in ball pits.

There is at least eight more (shops) within the next six months.

While there are new stores, some old favorites like Spencer's has been at the mall for 58 years. source

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