Sept. 23, 2026

Jobs, Policies, Programs, and Pacman

Apple Podcasts

Show Notes
Chapters

This is today's Akron news, with a little commentary from me.

Get paid to rake Akron's leaves

The city is hiring seasonal leaf collectors at $18 an hour. It's full-time for six to eight weeks, with 12-hour shifts Monday through Saturday, so the overtime adds up fast. Hiring sessions run 5–6 p.m.:

Sept. 23 at Patterson Park
Sept. 24 at Reservoir Park Community Center
Sept. 30 at Lawton Street Community Center
Oct. 1 at Firestone Park (starts at 6 p.m.)

It's a great way to show you're reliable and earn some holiday money. [Link to apply]

New program steers city contracts to small businesses

Akron has launched a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program. The city says nearly $800 million of its budget goes to service contracts, and it wants more of that money staying local. The first projects include:

Hydrant painting, sidewalk repairs, parking deck lighting, mowing and property cleanup
Two lead service line replacement contracts worth about $8 million combined

Those two contracts require at least 10% SBE participation, which is about $800,000 in work for certified small businesses. A new "SBE Spotlight" will also connect local businesses with the city staff who make contracting decisions. I think it's a smart move.

Akron Marathon needs volunteers

Race day is Saturday, Sept. 26. Volunteers are needed for:

The health and fitness expo at the John S. Knight Center
Relay exchange zones at Wolf Ledges, North Main Street, Sand Run and Firestone CLC
The finish line chute and Acme food bag distribution

Geauga Lake site is coming back

Phase one of Aurora Park, on the old Geauga Lake/SeaWorld property, is set to open in mid-to-late October. [Link to Channel 5 video]

Midway Plaza is getting a second life

Midway Plaza opened in 1955, fell into disrepair and was once partly condemned. Since it sold at auction in 2022, the building and parking lot have been renovated and new tenants are moving in:

MLJ Arcade, from Monica Combs, has claw machines, air hockey, foosball, video games, a preschool play area and party space. Hand your bored teenager some quarters and teach them Pac-Man.
Venue 37 is an event space from Akron native Whitearia Thornton, who's back after 12 years in D.C. It also supports her family's catering business, which lost its home when Northside Marketplace closed.
There's also an international grocery, a clothing store, a bargain retailer and a furniture store.

It's too early to call it a revival, but the signs are good.

Police auditor reviews Akron's Flock cameras

Independent Police Auditor Anthony Finnell has launched a full audit of how Akron police use nearly 150 Flock "safety" cameras, which record license plates and vehicle details. Akron has used the system since 2022, and it has never been audited. The Citizens' Police Oversight Board backed the audit unanimously. The city says the system can't be used for immigration or anti-abortion enforcement. I'll be watching this one.

A major Wendy's franchisee files for bankruptcy

Meritage Hospitality Group owns 314 Wendy's locations and owes Wendy's nearly $25 million. It filed for Chapter 11, blaming record beef prices. My take is that beef prices aren't the only problem. Clean up the soda machines and take the drive-thru seriously.

Two teens shot near Lawton Street Community Center

On Sept. 17, a large group of kids gathered near Hartford Avenue to watch a fight. Shots were fired, and two 15-year-olds were hit, one in the chest and one in the leg.

PLEASE help support this show. Every little helps. It takes a lot of time, and I do my best to bring local news from all sources and spinkle in some snark to make it fun. Any amount of support is DEEPLY appreciated.

Sources Used or Mentioned In This Episode

Mentioned in this episode:

Is Your Bank Paying You Interest? Acorns Does!

When I purchase something, Acrons rounds up to the nearest dollar and I earn interest on that. It's a simple (almost invisible) way to save money. I switched all my banking to Acorns. They even have tools to help me teach my kids to be financially responsible. Use the link below and sign up today!

Acorns Online Banking

Start Your Podcast Today

Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks). I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving). Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds, and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge. Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/akron

Plan, Track, and Save Your Money

Monarch simplifies finances by bringing all your accounts together into one clear view. Always know where your money is and where it's going, achieve your goals quicker, and collaborate with your partner or professional at no extra cost.

Monarch Money

Tell a Friend and Support the Show

Do you know someone who would enjoy the show? Tell them to go to Akron Podcast and Follow the show. You can also say "thanks" by visiting the link below to help keep the lights on.

Support the Show