Good morning, Portage County. Turns out Akron's been keeping some delightfully bizarre secrets in its 200-year history vault. From counterfeiters who couldn't quite nail their deer anatomy on fake $10 bills to a college proudly displaying a stuffed snowy owl, our region's past reads like a wonderfully weird history book that someone left out in the rain.
Meanwhile, the present is serving up its own mix of culture and chaos. As Chagrin Falls transforms into a winter wonderland of art exhibitions and film festivals, Portage County drivers are getting an unexpected lesson in detour navigation thanks to the Elliman Road bridge closure. At least the Restaurant Week's specially priced menus might make those alternative routes more worthwhile.
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0% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
📜 Akron's bicentennial reveals quirky tales of fake money and exploding ovens. Looking back 200 years, counterfeiters in 1825 circulated poorly-drawn $10 bills featuring a notably antler-less deer. In 1875, Buchtel College (now University of Akron) received unusual gifts including a stuffed snowy owl and mounted red fox. A dramatic 1925 kitchen explosion at Leatherman's Gridiron left a young chef seriously burned but recovering. By 1975, the city had to regulate bingo games, limiting daily winnings to $1,500 and banning alcohol at gaming venues.The summary captures the historical quirks while maintaining a clear narrative flow, leading with the most intriguing elements and following with supporting historical details. The emoji represents the historical nature of the article, and the opening hook immediately draws readers in with the unusual combination of elements from the story.
🎨 Chagrin Falls explodes with art, film, and food this January. The Valley Art Center kicks off its annual Student/Faculty Exhibition on January 24th, showcasing 100 diverse works from local artists in a vibrant display of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival adds cultural depth with international screenings, including powerful films about environmental challenges and suicide prevention in China. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy unique experiences like greenhouse yoga sessions and "Pints and Plants" events at Lowes Greenhouse. The area's Restaurant Week (Jan 27-Feb 2) rounds out the cultural festivities with specially priced menus from local eateries like Batuqui Chagrin Falls and RED the Steakhouse.
🚧 Critical bridge closure disrupts traffic in Portage County, Ohio. The Elliman Road bridge between Frost and Diagonal roads has been shut down for urgent repairs north of the Ohio Turnpike. Local officials have established a detour route using Frost and Diagonal roads to help motorists navigate around the closure. The Portage County Engineer's Office is currently assessing the bridge's condition but has not provided an estimated reopening timeline. The closure primarily affects residents in the Streetsboro-Shalersville area who regularly use this route.
🏒 Hockey Scoreboard
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Roosevelt Rough Riders | ||
| vs Nordonia | W 14-7 |
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Crestwood Red Devils | ||
| @ Wickliffe | W 67-51 | |
| @ Berkshire | W 44-39 | |
 Field Falcons | ||
| @ Ravenna | W 54-43 | |
| @ Tuslaw | W 52-43 | |
 Garfield G-Men | ||
| vs Newton Falls | W 52-42 | |
| @ Crestview | W 60-35 | |
 Rootstown Rovers | ||
| @ Windham | L 68-47 | |
| @ Mogadore | L 63-28 | |
 Southeast Pirates | ||
| vs Brookfield | W 58-47 | |
| vs LaBrae | L 74-45 | |
| Roosevelt Rough Riders | ||
| @ Barberton | L 59-49 | |
| @ Copley | L 48-46 | |
 Waterloo Vikings | ||
| @ Springfield | L 46-40 | |
| @ McKinley | W 45-24 | |
 Windham Bombers | ||
| vs Rootstown | W 68-47 | |
| vs Harding | W 71-68 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Spacious condo with modern upgrades
This spacious and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom condo, listed at $249,900, offers 2,000 square feet of comfortable living with a finished walk-out lower level. The home features modern upgrades, a cozy fireplace, and convenient access to community amenities like pickleball courts and a pool, making it an ideal choice for families or those in need of extra space.
Victorian beauty near college parks
Welcome to a beautifully updated Victorian-style home in the heart of Hiram Village, priced at $410,000. This charming property features 5 (possible 6) bedrooms, a private owner's suite, and 2.5 remodeled bathrooms, all set on a spacious 1.7-acre lot. Enjoy modern conveniences like a new pantry and energy-efficient upgrades while relaxing on the picturesque wrap-around porch. Perfectly located near Hiram College and local parks, this home blends historical allure with today's comforts.
Charming and spacious, this delightful home at 140 East Oak Street is listed for $289,900. Nestled on nearly half an acre, it features a private semi-fenced yard, a generous rear deck, and an inviting eat-in kitchen with stainless appliances. The property is conveniently located close to Kent State's campus and downtown, perfect for easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
-Romans 12:12