By Dodie Hook

By: Akron Hometowner Staff

Fall festival set for Saturday, September 16 in the Akron City Park 

By Jennifer Wendel

Mrs. Weiland, the school counselor at Akron-Westfield High School, is on a mission to empower seniors for success. In response to her recent email communication, she graciously agreed to shed light on her role in shaping bright futures for the Class of 2024.

By Jennifer Wendel

The Akron community recently showcased its unity by supporting the Akron Community Trail Paving Project Committee's distinctive fundraising initiative, in collaboration with the "Tri-State Cruisers."

Residents enjoyed classic cars and $5 Root Beer Floats at the event, hosted at Akron City Hall. The sponsorship from Wells Dairy, Pepsi, and Maynards underscored local businesses' commitment to community welfare.

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher/Owner

The school year is in full swing and there are new programs to draw in local youth. Children’s Librarian Brooke Loutsch explains how Kid’s Day is an opportunity to experience after school fun.

“We typically do game days on the first Wednesday of the month and do a movie day on the last Wednesday of the month.” Brooke describes this particular program as providing kids of all ages a safe place with an entertaining environment.

A-K cross country coach battles elements in Booneville Backroads Ultra

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer 

It was like nothing Jerod Bruget had ever experienced.

The former U.S. Marine has six marathons under his belt, but those didn’t prepare him for the ultimate event. 

Christopher Colt reflects on military service that’s taken him around the world but kept him rooted in Akron.

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher/Owner

His call to duty started on Christmas Eve nearly 25 years ago. Today, Akron’s Christopher Colt marks his service to our country with an achievement bestowed upon roughly just 2% of those enlisted in the Air Force.

Experienced group back on gridiron, Westerner football trying to qualify for playoffs for first time since 2018

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

The seniors on this year’s Akron-Westfield football team have never experienced a winning season or qualified for playoffs during their high school tenure.

Coming off a disappointing 2-7 campaign a year ago, the Westerners return a solid group of guys who are ready to win.

Solid junior class paces volleyball team; Westerners start year playing really well, in ‘midseason form’

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

After the Akron-Westfield volleyball team played its season-opening matches on Aug. 22, Robyn Van Eldik made a bold statement to her players.

The sixth-year head coach was thrilled with the way they played and even went as far as saying her team is in midseason form.

Boys’ cross country returns six of its top runners; Girls’ team consists of just two athletes

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

Four years ago when Jerod Bruget helped start up the Akron-Westfield cross country program, he didn’t know how long it would take to get established.

Young runners joined the boys’ and girls’ teams, and, for the most part, they’ve stayed with the program throughout their entire high school careers.

By: Jennifer Wendel

In a striking display of technological innovation, Sioux Center Parks Department Director Lee Van Meeteren introduced an ingenious robotic assistant for a trial run on the football fields at Akron- Westfield. This pioneering initiative has not only provided a glimpse into the potential of advanced automation but also added a touch of sophistication to the field, garnering attention during Friday's game.

By: Jennifer Wendel

Akron-Westfield High School and its Parent Advisory Committee are working hand in hand to enhance students' educational journey. Alumni parents are leading this collaboration, focusing on communication, unity, and a positive school experience.

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher and Owner

“Art is not just pen on paper!” That is according to the Akron Public Library Children’s Librarian. Ms. Brooke, as library patrons know her, is passionate about involving the younger citizens of Akron in the world of art. She’s not just encouraging them to read about it. Like a plot twist in a good book, we learn that Ms. Brooke is more than just a librarian. She also doubles as a teacher. More specifically, an art teacher.

By: Jennifer Wendel

The Akron Opera House, a historic cornerstone of Akron's cultural heritage, opened its doors to the community on Sunday, August 27, for a much- anticipated Open House event. The event marked a significant milestone in the Opera House's ongoing Restoration and Renovation Project, revealing the progress made in Phase I and offering a glimpse into its promising future.

The 2023 Akron-Westfield Homecoming Royalty members are (front row l-r:) King candidates Ian Blowe, Michael Brown, Jack Terpstra, Ben Philips, Ashton McCully, Carter Wilken. (back row l-r:) Queen candidates Julia Britton, Anne Newton, Emma Rolfes, Peyton Nicholson, Josie Smith, and Caylee Petersen. Homecoming is Sept. 29.