Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Summit County / March 7, 2025

💰 Budget balancing act

Summit County • March 7, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. The changing financial landscape has arrived at Akron's doorstep with a $13 million reality check. As COVID relief funds that supported the city for five years come to an end, Mayor Malik faces the challenge of maintaining essential services while absorbing 488 police and 402 firefighter positions into a leaner $798 million budget. Even amid these constraints, the city is finding room for forward-looking investments in childcare and youth programs—proving that necessity often mothers innovation.

While budget discussions unfold downtown, local history takes flight at the Akron-Summit County Public Library's Green Branch. The Celtic Club's traveling banner honoring Ohio's Tuskegee Airmen—our state's pioneering Black military pilots known as the "Red Tails"—continues its journey through the region until March 27. This tribute to 69 Ohioans who broke barriers in the skies during World War II reminds us that courage comes in many forms, from fiscal responsibility to fighting for freedom.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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💰 Akron faces $13 million budget shortfall as COVID relief ends. Mayor Shammas Malik presented the city's $798 million operating budget for 2025, reflecting a 2% decrease from last year. The loss of coronavirus relief funding, which provided $49 million over five years, has forced the city to absorb $7.5 million in public safety positions previously covered by those funds. Despite financial challenges, the budget maintains 488 police officers and 402 firefighters while investing in new initiatives including child care expansion, violence intervention, and youth programming. Community members can provide input at upcoming townhalls before the March 31 approval deadline.

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🚓 Crime spree hits South Side neighborhoods in Summit County. Police responded to a variety of incidents across Barberton, Coventry, Green, and New Franklin, including loose dogs, shoplifting, and package theft. In more serious cases, officers arrested a bus driver passed out at the wheel for OVI, found shell casings from reported gunshots, and charged a man with domestic violence for pinning someone down by the neck. Other incidents involved identity theft, harassing phone calls, and a forged check attempt at a Manchester Road bank. Law enforcement also banned several individuals from various properties after disturbances.

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✈️ Tuskegee Airmen honored with traveling banner in Northeast Ohio. The Celtic Club's Green Man Project created a historical display featuring the first Black military pilots who fought in World War II. The banner, which lists the names of 69 Ohio members known as the Red Tails, is currently at the Green Branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library until March 27. Having already been displayed at various locations including The University of Akron, the banner will culminate its journey at the MAPS Air Museum in May for a special ceremony honoring family members of these pioneering Ohio pilots.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Classic Akron home needs love: This charming 3-bedroom Akron home with classic character is listed at $89,900, featuring natural woodwork, hardwood floors, central air, and includes a refrigerator and range for move-in convenience.
Real estate listing image Roomy renovated Cape under 110K: For $109,900, this updated 3-bed, 2-bath Cape Cod in East Akron sports new carpets, doors, and trim, plus a covered front porch, fenced backyard, and basement with stone floor.
Real estate listing image Needs work but good bones: Priced at $138,900, this North Hill Colonial offers spacious 4-bedroom living with convenient first-floor master suite, though the home needs some TLC and is being sold as-is.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏰 Mar. 7 - Akron Mini Renaissance Festival: Step back in time at Akron's first-ever Renaissance Festival at The Green Dragon Inn! Enjoy medieval merriment and celebration on March 7 as the popular tavern marks its second anniversary with sword-clashing fun.
👩‍🍳 Mar. 7 - Mix & Mingle: Lidia Bastianich: Meet celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich for an intimate evening of culinary conversation at The Green Dragon Inn! Stop by 115 E Market St in Akron on March 7 for this delectable mix and mingle.
🎤 Mar. 7 - Lady Gaga Release Party: Unleash your inner monster at Square Nightclub for the Lady Gaga Mayhem Release Party & Show! Join fellow Little Monsters on March 7 for a night of electrifying music and celebration in downtown Akron.
🍪 Mar. 8 - Girl Scout Cookie Walk: Indulge your sweet tooth at the Girl Scout Cookie Walk and Drink Pairing in historic downtown Barberton! Sample delicious cookies with perfect beverage pairings on March 8 at 99 4th St NW.
🌸 Mar. 8 - Spring Cultural Mela Festival: Celebrate vibrant cultures at Spring Mela! Join the free festivities at Mayfair Christian School on March 8, featuring live performances, raffle baskets, delicious food stalls, and bake sales. A colorful evening awaits!
🍁 Mar. 08 - Maple Sugar & Pancake Festival: Savor the sweetness of spring at the Maple Sugar Festival and Pancake Breakfast! Indulge in fresh maple treats on March 8 at 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Akron, as this beloved tradition returns.
🗣️ Mar. 8 - Spanish Language Meetup: Practice your español at the weekly Summit County Spanish Meetup! Join fellow language enthusiasts at Panera Bread on Howe Ave this Friday—look for the group in the meeting room or patio, weather permitting.
🌊 Mar. 8 - Shanty Sing with Séan: Raise your voice in maritime melody at House Three Thirty! Join Canadian musician Séan Dagher and Les Délices for a foot-stomping sea shanty sing-along in Akron on March 8.

💰 Financial Friday

Regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget can help you stay on top of your financial goals; by tracking your spending and identifying areas for improvement, you can ensure that your finances align with your priorities and adapt to any life changes.

🙏 In Remembrance

Marlena "Kay" Houglan

Marlena "Kay" Houglan, 71, of Springfield Township, OH, passed away on March 1, 2025, after battling brain cancer. A licensed hairdresser who moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio, Kay was known for her playful spirit with her grandchildren and her 20+ years of dedicated service to the Fraternal Order of Police, Akron Auxiliary #1, where she held various leadership positions. She actively supported charitable causes, participating in the Ohio Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge for 10 consecutive years and serving on the Board of Directors for the National Super Kids Classic. Kay is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, having been preceded in death by her husband Harry in 2019 and several other family members.

Marlena Kay Houglan

Ryan Anthony Perrotta

Ryan Anthony Perrotta, 42, passed away in a car accident on March 2nd, 2025, leaving behind his son Mason, parents Richard and Donna Peterson, sister Tonya Beal, and other family members. Born in Akron, Ohio, Ryan attended local schools and was known for his infectious smile and humor. He enjoyed basketball, golfing, fishing, and spending time with his son and family at the pool. Calling hours will be held on March 8th, 2025, from 2-4PM at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel in Akron.

Ryan Anthony Perrotta

Lori Ann Skidmore

Lori Ann Skidmore, 55, of Ashland, Ohio, died peacefully on February 27, 2025, following a battle with cancer, while under hospice care and surrounded by family. Born in 1969 in Tennessee, Lori was a devoted homemaker who cared for her life partner Kevin Smith, her daughters Frani and Sara, and enjoyed traveling and volunteer work at her local cancer center. She was preceded in death by several family members and is survived by her partner, daughters, sister, and extended family. A memorial service will be held on March 10, 2025, at the Eastern Road Church of God in Rittman, Ohio.

Lori Ann Skidmore

Ivan Mahovlic

Ivan Mahovlic, 63, of Copley, Ohio, died unexpectedly on March 4, 2025, leaving behind his children Caroline and John, mother Caroline, siblings, and extended family. A respected accountant with a sharp mind, Ivan was most known for his humor, warmth, and ability to bring smiles to those around him. An avid golfer, he found joy both in the sport and in the company of loved ones. Services will be held at Hummel Funeral Home on March 9 and St. Hilary Parish on March 10, with contributions welcomed to the Caroline and John Mahovlic College Fund in lieu of flowers.

Ivan Mahovlic

Margaret Grimes

Margaret Ann Grimes, 88, of Cleveland, Ohio passed away on March 1, 2025, after being born in Logan, West Virginia in 1937. She was preceded in death by her husband Orn, two daughters, parents, and siblings. Margaret leaves behind four children - Jamie, Doris, Tim, and Dwight - as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her visitation and funeral service will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home in Twinsburg on March 7, 2025.

Margaret Grimes

Rose Anne E. Sarver

Rose Anne E. Sarver, age 86, of Hudson, passed away surrounded by her loving family. She was married to Norbert for 66 years and was the devoted mother of four children, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of nine. Rose is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and brother Charles O'Donnell, while being preceded in death by her brother Albert. Funeral services will be held on March 8 at SS. Cosmas & Damian Church in Twinsburg, with burial at Crown Hill Cemetery, and the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.

Rose Anne E. Sarver

Sandra Jean Goble

Sandra Jean Goble, born in Cleveland in 1945, passed away on March 4 after a brief illness. She retired as a receptionist from Copley Middle School and enjoyed spending time with former colleagues at Wolf Creek Winery. Sandra loved her family, friends, cats, and enjoyed watching Hallmark movies and Dateline NBC. She is survived by her brother Robert, three children, and six grandchildren, with calling hours at Hummel Funeral Home on March 11 followed by a service.

Sandra Jean Goble

David Hugh Lance

David Hugh Lance, 73, passed away on March 4, 2025, in Copley, Ohio, having been born on November 14, 1951. He spent his career at Summit Racing Equipment and had a particular fondness for BMWs and golfing with his family members. A devoted family man, David leaves behind a cherished legacy for those who knew him. Calling hours will be held at Hummel Funeral Home on March 14, with a private graveside service to follow at Copley Cemetery.

David Hugh Lance

Nancy DeWitt

Nancy DeWitt, age 90, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, in Stow, Ohio, surrounded by family. Born in Westerville, Ohio on November 12, 1934, she was married to John DeWitt for 72 years and together they raised four children in Kent, Ohio. Nancy was known for her optimistic outlook, her enthusiasm for gardening and crafting, and her kindness toward everyone. She is survived by her husband, four children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy as a gentle and loving soul.

Nancy DeWitt

Mary Ann Wages

Mary Ann Wages (Pamer), 83, passed away on March 4, 2025, after a life centered around family and community. An Akron native and Kenmore High School graduate, she was married to Pete Wages for over 60 years and was a devoted mother to Mark and Jon. Mary Ann was an active church member, enjoyed traveling with her husband, and had a special love for animals. She is survived by her husband Pete, her sons Mark and Jon, and three grandchildren.

Mary Ann Wages
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