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🗞️ Save the Clock Tower!
Akron Digest
September 12, 2025
Good Morning, Akron!
Most locals know that the term “devil strip” is unique to Akron. Did you know it was a pivotal clue in a decades-old kidnapping case?
A ransom note demanded money be left “on the devil strip at 18th and Carlson.” Police handed it to linguist Roger Shuy (born in Akron), who immediately asked if any suspects grew up here. One had—and he confessed.
Moral of the story: When writing your next demand letter, opt for the more formal term “tree lawn.”
Let’s dive into this week’s issue.
🗞️ The Digest
Firestone Clock Tower's Time May Be Up ⏰
The wrecking ball might be coming for one of Akron's most iconic landmarks. City Council held a heated public hearing yesterday about demolishing the 115-year-old Firestone Plant 1—clock tower and all. The city says preserving just the front facade would cost $12.3 million versus $7.3 million for complete demolition, and frankly, they're tired of dealing with scrappers and trespassers turning the place into their personal shopping mall.
Council members and preservationists aren't going down without a fight. "We're not going to erase the identity of South Akron," declared Councilmember Donnie Kammer at the hearing. The historic preservation crowd is asking Council to pump the brakes and find creative solutions—maybe a drive-thru beverage store? (That was an actual suggestion.) Hey, stranger things have happened. Council has 15 days to decide whether this Rubber City relic becomes rubble.
Sewer Prices on the Rise 📈
Akron’s sewer bills are about to get heavier. City officials just pitched a plan to council that would crank rates up 5.3% a year from 2026–2029 and tack on a new monthly “fixed charge” tied to your water meter—starting at $5 and topping out at $12.50 by 2029. The average household will have to fork over an extra $22 per month altogether by 2029.
The one bit of good news: low-income residents (≤175% of the poverty line) could snag a 40% discount on their bills.
🔥 Top 5 Events This Week
Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:
Molto Bella Auto Show 🏎️
Sunday, September 14 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Hale Farm & Village, Bath
Get your engines revving for the 12th annual show featuring over 400 cars ranging from vintage Ferraris to modern supercars. Beyond the eye candy on wheels, you'll find food by Todaro's, live entertainment, and a self-guided manor house tour—all while supporting the Summit County Kidney Foundation.
Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3-12. After 11 years of raising over $600,000 for local charities, this year's proceeds benefit the newly formed ASAP Foundation, supporting Summit County veterans and those facing food insecurity.
Summit County Harvest Mart 🍂
Saturday-Sunday, September 13-14 | Summit County Fairgrounds
Fall is officially here! This craft show brings together the area's most talented artisans for a weekend of handmade treasures. Browse original artwork, crafts, and seasonal goodies while the kids enjoy $2 hayrides (free for 5 and under).
With free admission and hundreds of vendors showcasing their original, handcrafted items, it's the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind piece for your home or an early start on holiday shopping. Just remember—no resale items allowed at this authentic makers' market!
Dogtoberfest 🐕
Saturday, September 13 | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Lock 3, Downtown Akron
Who let the dogs out? Bring your four-legged best friend to Lock 3 for a tail-wagging good time with live music from Benny Lava & The Guavas and Blackcat Roberts. Your pup will love the festival atmosphere while you groove to soulful jams mixing rock, jazz, and world music.
The event includes a half-K dog walk, food trucks, dog & owner costume contest, and more.
Larry Nance Jr. at Swensons 🍔
Saturday, September 13 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Swensons West Akron
The Cavs forward is trading his jersey for a Swensons uniform! Akron-born Larry Nance Jr. will be serving up Galley Boys and Californias as a curb server for a great cause. Swensons will donate 20% of all sales during his shift to Akron Public Schools.
Better yet, Nance is personally matching every dollar raised to double the impact. Pull up with your headlights on for service from an NBA star, and don't forget to bring school supplies to donate directly to local classrooms. What’s better than basketball royalty serving burgers for education?
Asian Food Truck Festival 🚚
Saturday, September 13 | 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Target, Cuyahoga Falls
The Target parking lot on Howe Ave. transforms into an Asian street food paradise with trucks slinging everything from sizzling hibachi to refreshing boba tea. Thai, Filipino, and cuisines from across the continent converge for one delicious evening.
Whether you’re craving Teriyaki, Tropical Asian Fusion, or eggrolls with a creative twist, this event has you covered. It appears the food trucks are a mix of local Akron vendors as well as some highly-regarded Cleveland restaurants. Check the info below for a list of vendors.
📌 Everything Else Worth Knowing
Some bonus picks from us:
🎶 Live Music & Performances
Broadway Beats — A Broadway Rave
Friday, September 12 | 8:00 PM | Knight Stage
Dance the night away to remixes from Hamilton, RENT, Wicked, and more at MTP's first-ever Broadway rave benefit.
More info →
EDM Akron With DJ Costa
Friday, September 12 | 7:00 PM | Lock 3
Free outdoor rave with glow tattoos, food trucks, lawn games, and beats all night long.
More info →
"Weird Al" Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder
Saturday, September 13 | 7:30 PM | Blossom Music Center
The polka king returns with his legendary multimedia comedy rock show featuring iconic hits and never-performed-live fan favorites.
More info →
The Drifters, The Platters, and Cornell Gunter's Coasters
Sunday, September 14 | 4:00 PM | Goodyear Theater
A triple-header tribute to the golden age of doo-wop and R&B,
More info →
🏃 Sports & Recreation
Yoga on the Green
Sunday, September 14 | 10:00 AM | Northside Green
Free outdoor yoga.
More info →
🧑🤝🧑 Community
TEDxAkron Presents "Shaking the Rules"
Saturday, September 13 | 2:00 PM | Knight Stage
Nine Akronites who've questioned the status quo share their visions for transformation and progress.
More info →
Jenks Fall Festival
Friday - Saturday, September 12-13 | Jenks Building, Cuyahoga Falls
Shop handmade goods from local vendors. Listen to bands play. Grab a coffee.
More info →
🎬️🎥 Akron Weekend Movie Action
Nightlight Theatre
Splitsville
“After Ashley (Arjona) asks for a divorce, good-natured Carey (Marvin) runs to his friends, Julie (Johnson) and Paul (Covino), for support. He’s shocked to discover that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage, that is until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.”Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Love, Brooklyn
“Roger, a writer, navigates complicated relationships with his ex Casey and his current lover Nicole, a newly-single mother, with the support of his best friend Alan. A modern romance set against the rapidly changing landscape of Brooklyn, New York.”Rotten Tomatoes: 70%
The Sound Of Music 60th Anniversary
“Experience the breathtaking theatrical presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's® iconic musical film “The Sound of Music.” Meticulously restored and remastered in 4K for its 60th anniversary, the beloved classic is more brilliant than ever with pristine picture and sound.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
Highland Theatre
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
“When Mary finds herself in a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.” (IMDB)Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Weather
Today
81 🌡️ 50 | 🌤️ | 1% 🌧️
Saturday
81 🌡️ 54 | 🌤️ | 3% 🌧️
Sunday
84 🌡️ 57 | 🌤️ | 3% 🌧️
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Talk to you next Friday!