Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What will $450,000 in new water research funding mean for Akron?
Coming up: Family and Friends of the Galon-Skis Fundraiser on the Akron Patch calendar

Hey there, Akron! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What will $450,000 in new water research funding mean for Akron?
- How an Akron-Canton emergency landing ended with both pilots unharmed
- Drones quietly tested over Akron highways to track construction pollution
Also on today's calendar: Family and Friends of the Galon-Skis Fundraiser and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Saturday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 77 and low of 57 degrees.
- Sunday: Some sun with a shower or two, temps: high: 74, low: 53.
- Monday: Beautiful with clouds and sun, with a high of 71 and low of 52 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Sykes announces $450,000 for University of Akron for Water Research (akron.com) — The University of Akron is receiving $450,000 in National Science Foundation funding, announced by Rep. Emilia Sykes, to support advanced water molecular research. Local leaders say the grant will boost Akron's innovation profile, attract talent, and give students hands-on experience tied to polymer, beauty, and agriculture industries.
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2. On August 18, a Cessna Citation owned by NetJets was forced to make an emergency landing at Akron Airport./Canton, Ohio, due to a faulty front landing gear (news-pravda.com) — An emergency landing at Akron-Canton Airport on August 18 forced a NetJets Cessna Citation to touch down with faulty front landing gear, damaging the plane's nose and fuselage. Firefighters from the airport and Green responded quickly, and both pilots walked away uninjured, keeping disruption and risk to Akron-area travelers minimal.
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3. UAV-Based Intelligent Environmental Monitoring of Pollutants in Highway Construction Zones (csuohio.edu) — New drone-based pollution monitors are being tested right on Akron highway reconstruction sites, aiming to better track dust and exhaust where fixed stations can't. Researchers report high hotspot detection and quick onboard decisions, suggesting future construction projects around Akron could manage air quality more precisely and respond faster to unhealthy conditions.
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4. Akron North honors fallen quarterback J'Air Bell as season kicks off (cleveland19.com) — Akron North High School's football team opened its season on the road while honoring slain senior quarterback J'Air Bell with moments of silence, special gear, and dedicated plays. Coaches, teammates, and cheerleaders described how the 19-year-old's memory is shaping their season, with plans for another tribute at the upcoming home opener.
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5. News 20 Aug 2026 (washingtoncountysheriff.org) — A recent Washington County Jail intake report lists a 44-year-old Akron resident among several people processed on various charges between August 17 and 19. While the incidents occurred outside Akron, the case involving the Akron resident may interest locals who track regional crime and court activity affecting Summit County residents.
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📸 Around Akron
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Akron
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Family and Friends of the Galon-Skis Fundraiser →
The Waterloo Restaurant, 423 E Waterloo Rd, Akron
4:00 pm
Tuesday August 25
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- NO SCHOOL - Convocation/Teacher Work Day
Resnik CLC K-5 Akron, OH 44308 - Board Meeting
Resnik CLC K-5 Akron, OH 44308 - Job and Family Services: Case Managers at the Library
Maple Valley Branch Library - Conference Room
10:00 am - North Hill Needlecrafters
North Hill Branch Library - Conference Room
10:00 am - Project Learn GED Classes
Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
10:30 am - Intergenerational Garden Club
Firestone Park Branch Library - Conference Room
3:00 pm - NEO Jazz Orchestra
Ellet High School Akron, OH 44308
6:00 pm - Needlework: Close-Knit Crochet Club
Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
6:00 pm
Monday August 24
📣 Akron Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Needlework Guild
Kiwanis Club of Portage Lakes OH
8:00 am - Team Up 2 Clean Up →
Stow, OH Calendar Stow, OH 44224
8:00 am - JV Football →
BARBERTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Sharkey Stadium
8:00 am - NOT AVAILABLE →
Munroe Falls, OH Calendar, 38 Guise Park Dr, Munroe Falls
9:00 am
Saturday August 22
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
Aubrey was LOST on August 14, 2026 in Akron, OH 44312 near East Market and High Point Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Canton Rd) - A mama cat and her 3 kittens made themselves a home next to my garage.
My heart can't take the thought of them ending up on the side of the road. Does anyone recognize these cats and know if Mama has an owner? I would… (Nextdoor Goodyear Heights)
- Akron Public Schools posted a job opening for Retired APS Employees Only - Substitute Teacher - Retired APS Employees Only in Akron. Apply here.
- TJX Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Customer Service Supervisor (CEC) FT 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: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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