Voting on Tuesday: Because Who Doesn't Love a Good Local Levy?

It's the akron podcast for May 4th.

We had a very interesting weekend at the zoo.

We got somebody stealing from young kids.

A restaurant in downtown Akron is celebrating five years.

We're going to be talking about what to do about old houses that need torn down.

And of course, we've got the vote this week and we're going to be talking about, if you're looking forward to that, tax free time to buy school supplies.

I know the kids aren't even out yet, but there are some things you need to know because things have changed a lot.

It's the Akron podcast, our website, akron podcast.com.

I wanted to let you know we're going to start off with the fact that tomorrow is May 5th and that is the primary voting.

And this is one of those because it's kind of in the middle of everything.

It gets really low voter turnout.

And consequently, there are times when that's really bad because people try to sneak things in.

So first things first.

Again, this is people in Summit county were headed to the polls May 5th.

That is Tuesday.

And there's a mix of local issues and school funding requests.

So, for example, in Cuyahoga Falls, voters and Precinct 4A will now vote at the Lighthouse.

So you gotta know where to go.

That's on Graham Road after their previous location closed.

Also in Fairlawn, multiple precincts have been temporarily moved to Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center.

So.

And there will be links in the show notes where you can go and see where you're supposed to go.

On the issue side, several school district districts are asking for funding.

Barberton is seeking an 11 mil levy.

Norton City Schools is proposing a 0.75 income tax increase.

Talmage City Schools is asking for 5.6 mil levy.

Twinsburg City Schools voters will decide on a 1.25% income tax for operations.

This is where stuff like the Brown stadium drives me crazy that they got like $500,000 for the stadium and you got the schools going, hey, can we please get a 1.25% increase anyway?

There are also levies for libraries, fire departments and infrastructure projects across communities like Coventry, Springfield Township and Twinsburg Township.

In the courts, Democrats will choose between incumbent judge Kelly McLaughlin and challenger L. Milan Morris for a Summit county common plea seat.

At the federal level, Republicans are deciding which candidates will challenge Amelia Sykes in November.

Will, we just did a whole.

You know, she's getting a lot of press at the right time.

Um, and statewide, there are multiple primary races for officers like governor, attorney general, and a US Senate, including a Democratic primary featuring Sherrod Brown.

That guy's coming back for real.

The bottom line when it comes to voting, there's a lot on that ballot with major decisions on local funding and key races that will shape the November election.

So I urge you, on Tuesday, get out and vote.

We always like to keep you prepared.

And this sounds weird because the kids aren't even out of school and we're talking about back to school sales, but Ohio has a back to school sales tax holiday and it is coming back, but it's shorter and more limited this year.

According to the Ohio Department of Taxation.

This the tax break runs for just three days from August 7 through August 9, compared to two weeks last year.

So that's a huge difference.

The savings now apply to select items such as clothing priced at $75 or less and school supplies and instructional materials priced at $20 or less.

Now in previous years, restaurants were included.

They're not this year, and the broader exemption on items under $500 has also been eliminated.

So state officials say the scaled back holiday is still meant to help families prepare for school, but shoppers will need to plan carefully to take full advantage of the shorter window.

And so I just wanted to let you know so that if you have things you plan on spending on in the summer and you're like, that's all right, we'll get a big discount with the well, maybe not so much this year.

And speaking of pinching pennies, now would be a good time to talk about this.

We do like to spotlight local business and the mayor recently helped celebrate the fifth anniversary of El Patron Tequila Ria and it's been around for five years.

They say mark your calendars because they're going to have their first Latin night of the summer on Saturday, May 16th at 9pm they'll be up on the rooftop for an evening of dancing and fun.

The kitchen closes at 10pm inside, so come early for some food and dining and then head up to the patio.

The event does require a ticket and will be held for Those that are 18 and up.

Their website oh, I get to say this again.

El Patron Tequila Ria links will be in the show Notes what do people have against zoos?

The Akron zoo was closed Sunday, May 3rd after receiving a bomb threat late in the morning, but authorities quickly determined the threat was not credible.

The zoo was evacuated as a precaution while the Akron Police Department in the fire crews responded.

Officials confirmed that no one was injured and all the animals are safe, and the zoo says it plans to reopen on May 4, which is today.

And yes, all the Star wars geeks are gonna go Hehe, may the fourth be with you.

And meanwhile back at the zoo, guests with tickets from Sunday can can contact the zoo and get refunds or reschedule whatever you want to do.

It also follows a string of similar false threats to other zoos, including the Columbus Zoo, Toledo Zoo and and the Cleveland Zoo.

Strange.

Very, very weird.

But if you were a person that planned on going to the zoo on Sunday, well, you can reschedule.

The Akron United Communities is hosting a community meeting focused on tackling neighborhood blight.

Now if you're like, what is blight?

It's ugly houses that need to be torn down.

They're also going to look at landlord accountability and support for the homeless.

The discussion will also cover Akron city budget, specifically whether enough funding is being allocated to maintain and protect local housing.

The meeting runs from 6 to 7:30 on May 14th at the Robinson Community Learning Center.

Director of Neighborhood Assistance Eufrancia Lash will be the featured speaker, followed by a Q and A session and a light dinner will be provided.

Links in the show notes all theft is bad, but a former Summit County Fair board member has admitted to stealing more than $24,000 from local youth programs.

Angela Hosman, 61, of Cuyahoga Falls pleaded guilty to felony grand theft after taking from the Fairs 4H Club and Horse Camp over a seven year period.

And Angela, come on.

She's been listed as a 2025 at large board member, but her name has since been removed.

Her sentencing is scheduled for May 29.

Her husband, Mike Hosman, is the board vice president.

Hmm.

Hey, as we start to look at the events calendar, I got a question for you because when I look around it seems like man, at least 40%, if not more of the people being booked are cover.

Not even cover bands but like tribute bands.

And I'd love to hear your thought on it because to me, if I want to hear Fleetwood Mac, I'll just go to Spotify and you know, listen to Fleetwood Mac rather than drive to downtown and hear somebody who kind of sounds like and I'm just picking on Fleetwood Mac.

But you can go to akronpodcast.com voicemail and I'd love to get your feedback on this.

But here's what's going on in May.

Fog Hat and Nazareth are at the Goodyear Theater.

The Nexstar National Talent competition is May 8th through the 10th.

This one I just added.

Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are going to be at the Northfield Roccino on May 15.

Also, comedian River Butcher will be at the Night Stage.

That's right next door to the Civic.

That's May 22nd.

And Steve Earle again May 28th at the Goodyear Theater.

I'll be adding more.

I keep going around.

It's hard to keep up with all the different events.

And that's the whole point of the event calendar, is I go out and find them for you so that you can have some fun in the lovely world of Akron, Ohio.