Is Akron a Great Place To Retire?

77 South Ramp at Interchange to Close For a YearA big change in the Akron freeway system starting Monday night.The Interstate 76 ramp to I-77 South at the Central Interchange will close for a year.That sharp-turn ramp is being replaced with a so-called “fly-over” ramp.That’ll be just like the recently-opened 76/77 East ramp to Route 8.Also Monday night, a one-night-only closure of Route 8 Southbound within the interchange through 5 a.m. Tuesday.That could affect Canton-area commuters headed back home.Not Into Skating? Try an Ice BikeThe Lock 3 ice rink and winter happenings are in full swing! We are talking Archie the snowman, heated igloos, firepits, shuffleboard, vintage animated characters, putt-putt and more. For more information on WinterBlast activities, visit Lock3live.comLeBron Museum Hot TicketsMuseum tour slots were sold out on opening day at the Lebron James Home Court Museum Saturday.According to a release, thousands of guests came from all over the world to the opening.The museum goes from James’ Spring Hill Apartment to the Fab Five’s bench inside the St. Vincent - St. Mary locker room.The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and tickets are $23, a nod to James’ jersey number.Say Goodbye to More Rite Aid StoresThe Fairlawn Rite Aid store on West Market Street is one of four more Ohio locations to close amid the upheaval of the pharmacy chain's ongoing bankruptcy.A court document filed Nov. 21 stated the five Ohio stores were among the 32 total slated to shutter across the nation.In total, including the previously announced closures of six Ohio locations in October, 11 stores will close in the state.Rite Aid filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy that same for slumping sales and opioid lawsuits, USA Today reported in October.First Energy Investigation Appears to Be ContinuingFive individuals have faced charges, with four convicted, in a bribery and money-laundering scandal involving Akron-based FirstEnergy. The conspiracy aimed at securing a $1.3 billion bailout, with over $60 million paid by FirstEnergy and its subsidiary to influence political figures. A special master revealed that FirstEnergy continues to cooperate with federal prosecutors. Former House Speaker Larry Householder and GOP Chairman Matt Borges were sentenced for their roles, while a former subsidiary, now Energy Harbor, is ordered to provide more cooperation in a federal class-action suit. The investigation persists, with ongoing efforts to uncover communications and implications beyond named executives.Former House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, and former GOP Chairman Matt Borges in June were respectively sentenced to 20 and five years in federal prison for their roles in the conspiracy. Two others have pleaded guilty and await sentencing, while a third who was charged died by suicide.They’re also battling Sam Randazzo. He isn’t named in the suit, but FirstEnergy said he took a $4.3 million bribe from Jones and Dowling just as Gov. Mike DeWine nominated Randazzo to chair the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at the beginning of 2019. The class-action plaintiffs say Randazzo might be sitting on text messages and other communications relevant to the conspiracy. - sourceAkron Council May Vote to Limit Public InputAkron City Council is considering two proposals that could restrict public participation and beef up security at future meetings.One measure would restrict the number of people allowed to speak to the council during the public comment period to no more than 10.It also would prohibit a person from speaking during the council's public comment period more than once every 30 days. Those wishing to speak would be required to fill out a form delivered to the clerk of council by 4 p.m. on the day they intend to address the council.Additionally, the public comment period would take place earlier in the meeting, allowing residents to speak before the council considers legislation rather than after votes take place.Akron one of the Best Places To RetireTurns out, retirement is a somewhat achievable dream in some U.S. cities, with one in particular being particularly affordable.GOBankingRates recently published a study revealing the 15 best cities to retire on a low budget and found that the best low-budget place to spend your twilight years is Akron, Ohio.To come up with their findings, the company compiled a list of American cities and gathered various data such as the cost of living, home value, and mortgage rates. These expenditures were then combined with a livability index to show the most livable addresses.According to the research, it costs $4,345 a month on average to retire in most places in the U.S., but in Akron, a retiree only needs $2,500 a month. Having a population of just 191,481 residents, the mid-sized city is easygoing, yet has plenty of things to do. For instance, it offers Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, the Akron Art Museum, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s also just 45 minutes away from Cleveland.In terms of cost of living, while Akron isn’t the cheapest on the list, it is affordable. The average monthly mortgage there is $699, and average monthly necessities cost around $1,662, resulting in an average total monthly expenditure of $2,361. sourceThree Teens Shot in Drive ByThree teens -- all of which are 15 years old -- were hurt in what Akron police say “appears to be a drive-by shooting” that happened over the weekend.In details released Monday, police say officers responded to the scene at South Arlington Street and Delos around 3 p.m. Saturday.None of their injuries are considered life-threatening, according to police.Police and detectives collected more than a dozen shell casings and other evidence at the scene.“Based on the preliminary information gathered, the victims were walking down the street when an unknown suspect fired multiple shots from a vehicle that was traveling northbound on S. Arlington Street,” police said. “Investigators are still working to determine the totality of the circumstances involved with the shooting, as well as hoping to identify the person or persons responsible.”Anybody with information is asked to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.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 BankingTell a Friend and Support the ShowDo you know someone who would enjoy the show? Tell them to go to Akron Podcast and Follow the show. 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