🏛️ Legal lifeline

Good morning, Portage County. A legal lifeline is about to be thrown to Akron residents facing eviction. Starting this September, the new "Right to Counsel" program will provide free legal representation to vulnerable tenants, prioritizing low-income households with children and elderly or disabled residents. With $250,000 in annual funding, this three-year pilot aims to prevent homelessness and reduce the ripple effects that evictions create throughout the community.

Meanwhile, emergency responders have been busy across the region. Streetsboro firefighters efficiently extinguished a tractor trailer fire on State Route 14 near Deer Meadow Boulevard Monday, with the situation cleared by early afternoon. In more concerning news, an ongoing police standoff has shut down the I-480 westbound ramp near Tiedeman Road in Brooklyn, with multiple departments responding to what officials are describing only as a "police incident" as the situation continues to develop.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Kent

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Streetsboro

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Aurora

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Ravenna

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Brimfield

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏠 Akron launches legal lifeline for residents on the brink of eviction. The three-year "Right to Counsel" pilot program will provide legal representation and support services to tenants facing eviction starting this September. With an annual budget of $250,000, the initiative prioritizes low-income households with children and elderly or disabled residents living at the poverty line. The program, developed after a 2022 summit addressing Akron's high eviction rates, will employ a managing attorney, attorney, and paralegal to assist qualifying residents. Mayor Shammas Malik emphasized that preventing homelessness benefits the entire community by reducing the harmful impacts of evictions on both tenants and landlords.

🚒 Tractor trailer fire extinguished on Ohio highway. Streetsboro firefighters successfully contained and cleared a fire that broke out in the back of a tractor trailer on State Route 14 near Deer Meadow Boulevard. The incident was resolved by early afternoon on June 24. Emergency responders were able to handle the situation efficiently, with no reports of injuries or extended road closures mentioned.

🚨 Police standoff shuts down I-480 ramp in Brooklyn, Ohio. Multiple police departments are responding to an ongoing situation near the Tiedeman Road exit. The Ohio Department of Transportation has closed all lanes on the westbound ramp due to what officials are calling a "police incident." Parma Police confirmed they've dispatched officers to assist, though Brooklyn Police Department is leading the response. Few details have been released as the situation continues to develop.

Colonial Aurora Gem Family Ready: Listed at $450,000, this charming colonial in a desirable Aurora neighborhood offers 2,900 square feet with an owner's suite, formal living room, family room with fireplace, and three additional bedrooms on the second level.

Modern home with luxurious extras: This quaint $400,000 abode boasts a refreshed kitchen, vinyl plank floors, and a spacious rear deck with hot tub. Basement features a recreation room and potential fourth bedroom.

Spacious ranch with luxury perks: Listed at $455,000, this Brimfield Township ranch boasts over 2,093 sq.ft. of bright, open living space with a gourmet kitchen, finished basement with wet bar, owner's suite, covered patio, and an RV-sized heated garage.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌙 Jun. 25 - AM & AP Night: Curious about AM and AP classes? Join the informative AM and AP Night at 4785 Washington Ave in Ravenna on June 25. Learn about advanced academic opportunities in a welcoming community setting.

🛞 Jun. 26 - Portage County Tire Collection: Recycle those old tires at Ravenna's collection event on June 26! Bring your Portage County ID to 999 E Main St and clear out that garage just in time for summer.

🎸 Jun. 26 - The Boomers Live Concert: Rock out with The Boomers at Brimfield Lions Park on Thursday, June 26 at 7pm! Enjoy nostalgic classics at this free Hometown Bank Concert Series event. Bring your lawn chairs and memories!

🎸 Jun. 27 - Drop to Zero: Catch high-energy rockers Drop to Zero as they shake The Outpost in Kent on June 27! Doors open at 7:00 PM for this electric summer show at 4962 OH-43.

🍻 Jun. 28 - Old European Days Bierfest: Raise a stein at German Family Society's Annual Old European Days & Bierfest in Kent! Celebrate European traditions on June 28 for just $5 entry, with kids 12 and under free.

🍞 Jun. 28 - Food & Hygiene Pantry: Stock up on essentials at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, serving income-eligible neighbors on June 28. Visit 263 S Prospect St in Ravenna for free food and hygiene items every fourth Saturday.

🎸 Jun. 28 - The Berrys Live: Groove to the soulful sounds of The Berrys at West Main St Winery & Brewery in Ravenna! Sip local wines while enjoying live music on June 28 at 7:00 PM.

🌟 Jun. 28 - Evening with Legends: Rock out with Henchman3 at "An Evening of Legends" on June 28 at The Burnt Pickle in Kent. Experience an unforgettable night of legendary performances at this must-see local showcase.

🙏 In Remembrance

Connie L. Pretnar

Connie L. Pretnar, 70, of Streetsboro, died on June 20, 2025, at the Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood, Ohio. Born in Cleveland on December 22, 1954, she worked as an administrator for the CEW Company and had lived in Streetsboro for 38 years. She is survived by her husband J. Dean Pretnar, whom she married in 1972, her sons Joshua, Jason, and Jerimiah, and four grandchildren. Following her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life service will be held.

Vincent D. Provenzano Sr.

Vincent D. Provenzano, Sr., 84, of Stow, passed away on June 23, 2025, after being born in the Bronx, NY in 1940. He retired at age 50 from his career as a stock broker at the New York Stock Exchange and was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church. Vincent is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret, his three children, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two sisters. Calling hours will be held on June 26 with a funeral mass following on June 27 at St. Joan of Arc Church.