(City of Akron) - The 14th Annual Firefighters’ Chili Challenge, sponsored by the City of Akron, will take place at Lock 3 on Friday, February 21st. Chili will be served starting at 11AM and go until 1PM or until the chili runs out, whichever comes first. Awards take place at 1PM.
Each year, Akron firefighters issue the challenge to see who can create the best chili, which is served to downtown employees and visitors. Some chili variations are traditional, while other teams set themselves apart with distinct flavors and ingredients. Tickets for six samples of chili are $10. Individual chili samples are available for $2. Beverages are also available for $2. All proceeds benefit Akron Children’s Hospital Burn Institute.
“I look forward to the Chili Challenge every year and tasting the newest flavor combinations and traditional recipes served by our various competitors,” Mayor Horrigan said. “I encourage everyone to come to Lock 3, enjoy some delicious home-cooked food, and join in the friendly competition in support of Akron Children’s Hospital. May the best chili win!”
The 2020 competitors include the Akron Fire Department, The Akron Police Department, the City of Akron Human Resources Department, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, Judge Joy Malek Oldfield of the Summit County Common Pleas Court, and the City of Akron Office of Integrated Development. Teams will be competing for Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice, and the Joe Smith Spirit Award. The Joe Smith Spirit Award was created in honor of Detective Joe Smith, an active supporter and participant in previous chili challenges, who passed away in 2014.
For the latest parking information and how to get around downtown please check out https://www.downtownakron.com/
Children Services Hosting Foster Open House Event
Written by Ryan LangThe opioid epidemic is largely to blame for the current foster care system crisis in the state of Ohio and across the country.
Substance use and abuse has led to more children in the system, with fewer than ever qualified homes for them.
In Summit County alone, there are more than 800 children in agency with fewer than 200 licensed foster families.
In an effort to help place some of the children desperately in need of a home, the Summit County Children Services is hosting an open house event for anyone interested in fostering on the 27th of this month. You must first register by Thursday this week. Click here for more information from the SCCS.
Cavs And Beilein Reportedly Close To Parting Ways
Written by Ryan LangReports around the NBA are that the Cavs and first-year head coach John Beilein could be close to parting ways.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Cavs and Beilein have mutually discussed him stepping down.
ESPN story on Cleveland and John Beilein discussing his early exit as coach — perhaps as soon as this week. https://t.co/ewhlFYqUpP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 17, 2020
Beilein came to the Cavs from the University of Michigan, and signed a five-year deal with the team. Cavs have won just 14 games this season; worst in the Eastern Conference and second worst in the NBA.
(GasBuddy.com) Akron gas prices have risen 16.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.36/g today, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 372 stations. Gas prices in Akron are 26.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 17.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Akron is priced at $2.12/g today while the most expensive is $2.74/g, a difference of 62.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state today is $2.03/g while the highest is $2.95/g, a difference of 92.0 cents per gallon. The cheapest price in the entire country today stands at $1.71/g while the most expensive is $100.60/g, a difference of $98.89/g.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 0.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.43/g today. The national average is down 12.1 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 11.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
Historical gasoline prices in Akron and the national average going back ten years:
February 17, 2019: $2.19/g (U.S. Average: $2.31/g)
February 17, 2018: $2.16/g (U.S. Average: $2.52/g)
February 17, 2017: $2.07/g (U.S. Average: $2.28/g)
February 17, 2016: $1.62/g (U.S. Average: $1.71/g)
February 17, 2015: $2.21/g (U.S. Average: $2.26/g)
February 17, 2014: $3.45/g (U.S. Average: $3.35/g)
February 17, 2013: $3.82/g (U.S. Average: $3.73/g)
February 17, 2012: $3.26/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g)
February 17, 2011: $3.12/g (U.S. Average: $3.14/g)
February 17, 2010: $2.37/g (U.S. Average: $2.58/g)
Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:
Cleveland- $2.40/g, up 5.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.34/g.
Pittsburgh- $2.68/g, up 0.6 cents per gallon from last week's $2.68/g.
Ohio- $2.38/g, up 8.2 cents per gallon from last week's $2.30/g.
Akron Area Y Looking To Fill Dozens Of Positions
Written by Ryan Lang(Akron Area Y) In celebration of its 150 years in serving the community, the Akron Area Y is holding a HIRING DAY, for all of their locations, on Friday, April 3 from 1-6 p.m. at the Kohl Y (477 E. Market Street, Akron, 44304)
One-hundred and fifty part-time jobs including open-positions for Before/After School Counselors; Assistant Teachers; Lifeguards; Member Service Representatives and Camp Staff (at the branches and at Camp Y-Noah and Rotary Camp) will be available. New hirers may work in Akron, Barberton, Cuyahoga Falls, Green, Macedonia or Wadsworth.
On-site interviews will take place, so applicants are asked to bring a photo I.D.
Available jobs offer a flexible schedule and a membership to the Y.
The Akron Area Y is a leading non-profit committed to strengthening the community and serving ALL regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
For more information, visit Akronymca.org/jobs.
This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-2-14-20 Featured
Written by Jeanne DestroThis week, cybersecurity in the spotlight, as the US Government charges four members of the Chinese military with espionage, for hacking the giant credit reporting company, Equifax. We’ll also talk to the CEO of Trusted Sec, and Binary Defense, about their plans to expand in the Akron area.
After spending the first nine years of his career with the Cleveland Indians, Jason Kipnis has officially said "goodbye."
Following the 2019 season, the Indians decided not to pick up the option on the veteran utility player who was a huge part of the 2016 World Series Run, leaving Kipnis to free agency.
On Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs offered Kipnis a minor league contract heading into Spring Training.
After the deal was done, on Wednesday, Kipnis thanked the city of Cleveland, the Indians organization, and the fans for everything:
More...
Armed Suspect Dead After Akron Police Standoff
Written by Ryan LangA suspect is dead following a standoff with Akron Police Tuesday.
According to the APD report, at about 10:30 a.m., several Akron officers were called to assist an Akron Bailiff with serving an eviction at an apartment in the 1200 block of West Wilbeth Road.
Upon arrival, the 62-year-old resident refused to leave, arming himself with a gun, barricading himself inside the apartment. During an attempt to negotiate with the man, he allegedly fired a single shot at officers. The Akron Police SWAT Team was called in, along with the Summit County Sheriff's Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol SWAT Team.
After hours of attempted negotiations, SWAT fired tear gas into the apartment. At that time, the suspect fired several shots at officers. Not long after that, officers approached the front door from where they saw the suspect slumped over and unresponsive.
According to the Akron Police report, responding officers did not fire a single shot at the suspect during the entire standoff that lasted into the afternoon.
The victim's name has not been released as an autopsy is still pending.