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🏊‍♂️ Polar plunge party

Summit County • February 28, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. Brrrr! While most of us were bundled up at home this weekend, over 800 brave souls turned Portage Lakes into the North Pole's swimming pool, plunging into 38-degree water for charity. Their arctic adventure wasn't just a test of courage - it raised an incredible $172,953 for Ronald McDonald House and Rotary Camp, proving that sometimes the wildest ideas create the warmest impact.

Speaking of heating up, Barberton's political waters are reaching a boiling point as City Council and the mayor clash over Charter Review Commission appointments. The drama's even prompted Councilman Thomas Heitic to bow out of the upcoming primary, citing partisan tensions. Meanwhile, a local investor's frustration with the county's costly demolition plans has sparked a debate about fiscal responsibility that's anything but cold.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏛️ Barberton City Council rejects mayor's picks for Charter Review Commission again. The second proposed list of commissioners was voted down 5-3, largely due to concerns about political party representation and the need for fresh faces. Council members particularly objected to several nominees who had previously served on city boards for many years. With a February 28 deadline looming, Council President Justin Greer called a special meeting to resolve the appointments. Meanwhile, Councilman Thomas Heitic announced his withdrawal from the upcoming primary election, citing frustration with growing partisanship in city government.

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❄️ Hundreds plunge into freezing lake to raise money for charity. Over 800 brave participants jumped into 38-degree water at the 21st annual Polar Bear Jump at Portage Lakes State Park in Ohio. The February 22nd event raised an impressive $172,953, far exceeding the $140,000 goal. The New Franklin Fire Department assisted by cutting through ice as part of their training exercise. All proceeds benefited the Ronald McDonald House and Rotary Camp.

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🏢 Local investor fumes as county spends millions demolishing building he tried buying. Summit County resident Paul Zuravel reveals he offered $350,000 in 2021 for a former Environmental Services building in Cuyahoga Falls, only to be rejected without explanation. Now, the county plans to spend $650,000 on asbestos removal plus additional demolition costs, while paying $35,000 annually just for maintenance. The frustrated investor, who recently faced a 30% property tax increase, claims this decision could cost taxpayers over $1 million in lost revenue. He's demanding answers from County Council about what he sees as discrimination against small businesses.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Charming home in Willow Community: This charming property in the Willow Manufactured Home Community is listed at $36,500, featuring a monthly lot fee of $625. Application for residency is required.
Real estate listing image Serene condo near Aurora Lake: This charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo in the serene Aurora Shores community offers an open floor plan, in-unit laundry, and access to a variety of recreational amenities—all for $159,900. Enjoy peaceful wooded views and convenient access to nearby Aurora Lake.
Investor's dream duplex in Akron: This duplex in Akron is listed at $110,000 and is perfect for investors. The top unit is vacant, while the bottom unit is on a month-to-month lease, with management ready to assist.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

💀 Feb. 28 - The Convalescence: Brace yourself for a bone-crushing night of metal as The Convalescence storms The Vortex in Akron. Doors open at 6:00 PM on February 28, 2025, for this high-energy performance at 1167 Brittain Rd.
💼 Feb. 28 - Summit Development Office Hours: Need help with housing assistance? Connect one-on-one with Summit County Development specialists during special office hours at Maple Valley Library (1187 Copley Rd) on February 28th. No appointment needed!
🧡 Mar. 01 - Inclusion Day at Zoo: Show your support for disability awareness by sporting orange at the Akron Zoo on March 1 for free admission! Join this heartwarming community celebration kicking off National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
🗣️ Mar. 01 - Spanish Meetup @ Panera: ¡Hola, amigos! Practice your Spanish in a friendly, casual setting at the weekly Summit County Language Meetup. Join fellow learners at Panera Bread on Howe Ave this Friday - inside or on the patio, weather permitting.
🐱 Mar. 01 - Animal Shelter Prom Night: Dust off your dancing shoes for Whiskers & Tales: Prom Night at House Three Thirty! This nostalgic evening of fun supports a great cause, kicking off with VIP access at 5pm in Lobo's Den.
🍝 Mar. 01 - Spaghetti Dinner: Twirl your fork into a delicious community feast at this classic spaghetti dinner! Join your neighbors at 2726 W Market St in Fairlawn on March 1 for a hearty Italian-style meal.
🥫 Mar. 1 - CANstruction Building Challenge: Watch creativity stack up at the Akron Art Museum's CANstruction competition, where teams transform ordinary canned goods into extraordinary sculptures. Join the fun March 1 at 1 S High Street.
🎭 Mar. 01 - Rat Pack Dinner Show: Step back in time with the smooth sounds of the Rat Pack at Venue Banquet Center's Frank and Dean Dinner Show. Enjoy classic hits, jokes, and a full buffet starting at 5pm on March 1st.

💰 Financial Friday

Diversifying your investment portfolio can help minimize risk and maximize potential returns; by spreading your money across different asset classes, you can better weather market fluctuations and enhance your financial stability.

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