Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What new details emerged in Highland Square’s tragic crossfire case?

Also, don't miss Music at Bath: Burning River Brass Christmas Concert on the Akron Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Good morning Akron! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What new details emerged in Highland Square’s tragic crossfire case?
  • How a $5M tax credit will reshape downtown Akron housing
  • How did two Akron police force cases end in quiet settlements?

Also on today's calendar: Music at Bath: Burning River Brass Christmas Concert and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Akronfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Jimmy W.!

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Akronfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Cloudy and breezy; p.m. rain, with a high of 52 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy; windy, colder, temps: high: 36, low: 22.
  • Saturday: Cloudy; breezy in the p.m., with a high of 43 and low of 28 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man accused of Akron Highland Square crossfire shooting that killed 25-year-old bystander pleads not guilty (wkyc.com) — Two men have pleaded not guilty in the Highland Square crossfire shooting that killed 25-year-old bystander and University of Akron graduate Timothy Hutchinson, with high bonds and pretrial dates now set in Summit County court. Akron police say Hutchinson was unintentionally struck amid gunfire between the suspects, one of whom was previously convicted in another high-profile Akron death.
   

2. Akron landmark YWCA building receives $5M historic preservation credit (beaconjournal.com) — Akron’s former YWCA/CitiCenter building downtown is getting another $5 million in state historic preservation tax credits, bringing its total support to nearly $12.4 million for a $45.5 million, 114-unit apartment conversion. City Council previously cut the sale price after water damage, and residents can expect amenities like a fitness center, community space, and a dog park atop the adjacent garage.
   

3. 3News Investigates: Akron settles 2 excessive force lawsuits involving 2024 police incidents (wkyc.com) — Akron officials have quietly settled two excessive-force lawsuits tied to 2024 incidents involving city police officers, including a teen shot while holding a fake gun and a woman allegedly slammed while handcuffed. Both cases stem from encounters inside Akron neighborhoods and highlight how local use-of-force decisions can still affect policing and accountability here today.
   

4. Igloo season: The NE Ohio restaurants, wineries offering rentals (fox8.com) — Lock 3 in downtown Akron is now renting six heated igloos that seat up to eight people for two-hour blocks, giving residents a cozy outdoor option this winter. The roundup also highlights similar igloo and globe experiences at restaurants and wineries across Northeast Ohio, with details on locations, fees, and reservation windows running into early 2026.
   

5. Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits awarded to 33 projects (spectrumnews1.com) — Akron is one of 14 Ohio communities sharing in $75 million in state historic preservation tax credits aimed at reviving vacant or underused buildings. While the article doesn’t detail specific Akron sites, the program is expected to spur private investment, create jobs, and convert historic properties into new housing, offices, and commercial spaces across participating cities.
   

📸 Around Akron

Feedback image
📸 This was taken on a Sunday evening a few weeks back i could see what was taking form and I was just riding so I rushed up to the top of State Str parking deck and was given this beautiful sky shot ! —Jimmy W. Like

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

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NEW: Like a shout-out or pic? Click the heart!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Akron

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • "Avoid the area" for commercial fire prompting road closure in Akron, Ohio. Fire under control.
    5:20PM on Dec 16: "Avoid the area" for fire in Akron, Ohio. 5:10PM on Dec 16: Multiple companies are responding to a commercial structure fire at… (Nextdoor )
  • Running red lights.
    Has anyone else noticed how many people are running red lights? It seems to be getting worse and it is so dangerous. If I'm at a traffic light and it… (Nextdoor Highland Square)
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager - Up to $18.50 / hr to start in Akron. Apply here.
  • Restaurant Depot LLC posted a job opening for Front End Manager in Akron. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Akron here.

Ok Akron! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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