Despite concerns of rising gas prices, drivers are still planning to hit the roads this Memorial Day weekend.

Kevin Thomas, Vice President of the AAA Akron Auto Club, says road travel is up because many are avoiding traveling by air.

"Some of it has to do with availability; a lot of it has do with the cost of flying right now and there's a lot of fatigue in air travel, said Thomas.

Thomas says gas prices generally don't impact the travel plans of many motorists.

"More than 60 percent of the people, it's not affecting their plans," said Thomas. "And the people that it does affect their plans relative to travel, doesn't prohibit their travel, they modify their behavior ."

Many drivers will change their dining or hotel plans to save money, rather than eliminating or reducing the driving portion of their plans, according to Thomas.

About 35 million drivers are expected take a trip, 50 miles or more, on the road this weekend.

Create a candy buffet using glass candle jars (most likely a dollar or 50 cents at craft stores) and a cheap candlestick. Easy way to impress your guests and show off your creative skills on a low budget.
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Graduations, birthdays and themed-parties. Whichever occasion you choose, you can create a personal touch using temporary tattoos to make personalized cup. Easy and cheap for a great conversation piece.
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12 date nights to fill the first-year for newlyweds. A perfect gift to last the whole year.
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An 23-year-old man was arrested after state troopers found a loaded handgun, drugs and ecstasy pills at an OVI checkpoint in Akron over the weekend.

Troopers with the Canton Patrol Post held the checkpoint on South Main Street in Akron late Friday night (May 17) where they detected the smell of alcohol inside a vehicle driven by Noah Eskridge, 23, of Akron.

Troopers found a loaded 9 mm handgun, eight grams of heroin, a gram of marijuana and 18 ecstasy pills with a street value worth about $1,400.

Eskridge was taken to the Summit County Jail and was charged with possession and trafficking in drugs, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia and OVI.

Troopers say if convicted, he could face up to 11-and-half years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine.

Update: 4:44 p.m.

The Brunswick City School District has closed Brunswick High School until after Memorial Day due to the spread of norovirus. It was announced earlier Tuesday the district closed all elementary and middle schools for the remainder of the week.

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The Brunswick City School District has closed all elementary and middle schools for the rest of the week to prevent the spread of norovirus - also known as the stomach flu.

The closure was posted on the district's Facebook page where they also linked to further information related to norovirus.

School officials also postponed the 8th grade field trip to Washington D.C. The trip will be rescheduled to some time in the first quarter of the next school year.

Brunswick High Schools remains open because officials say it has not experienced a drop in attendance.

Classes are set to resume next Tuesday after Memorial Day.

An earthquake that was originally reported in Canada, just northwest of Ottawa, left some local residents shaking in their seats.

A Senior Geologist at ODNR with OhioSei tells NewsChannel 5 the 4.4 magnitude earthquake happened shortly before 10 a.m. The earthquake was first reported as a 5.0 magnitude, but was later downgraded.

Several residents in the Cleveland area reported feeling the tremors. A woman called AkronNewsNow to report a similar story.

On the web: www.newsnet5.com

 

The Akron Zoo is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Zoo spokesman David Barnhardt says the zoo has come a long way in the past 60 years. This weekend, guests can take a trip down memory lane.

"A new sign just went up yesterday on the front plaza and it's a walk down memory lane. It takes you through the early years," said Barnhardt.

The zoo first opened its doors on May 17, 1953. Visitors born in 1953 or before can get in the zoo for only 60 cents through the weekend.

David Barnhardt Talks To WAKR's Ray Horner

Adding to the zoo's history, the Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge is set to open on July 20th featuring an aviary exhibit, otters and bears.

"It will be one of our largest openings in the history of the zoo."

The zoo is also asking visitors to share their fondest memories of the zoo by capturing their stories on video.

On the web: www.akronzoo.org

Big name stores are always pushing items used to hold your hair tools. Why spend $30 when you can make your own and even personalize it with your favorite color. A PVC pipe is perfect to hold a hair dryer and straightner.
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Paint some large rocks and write the names of each fruit or vegetable you plan to grow in your garden. Great way to get the kids involved - plus it helps you keep everything organized.
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