APCO’S BUCKEYE PRIDE MAKES NEWS Sunday, June 29, 2014

Buckeyes Beat Michigan…in Road-Renaming Game

Bill Clarkin is proud of his business on Michigan Avenue, but he echoes Woody Hayes when he tells folks that it is located on “that road up north.” Anything associated with the Wolverines is bad in his book. Next month, he’ll receive a reprieve. Michigan Avenue will become Buckeye Way. But only for November, the month in which the Ohio State University football team takes on “that team up north” in their annual rivalry. A sign at the corner of Buttles Avenue will be replaced on Nov. 5 with the new moniker.

Clarkin, president of APCO Industries, a home-remodeling company, directed company spokeswoman Wendy Wollett to seek permission from the city for the name change. “We’ve been around since 1962, and this is just to show community support,” she said. Given the struggles of this year’s team, Clarkin said this is the perfect time to offer the Bucks extra encouragement.

For the record, Ann Arbor has Ohio Avenue, Ohio Street, Columbus Court and Columbus Drive. Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman is in full support. “Anything we can do to pump up the team,” Coleman spokesman Mike Brown said. “Now, the question we’re probably going to keep getting is… Can we make it permanent?”