Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Summit County / May 5, 2025

🐐 Hat trick heroes

Summit County • May 5, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. In a refreshing twist for local safety statistics, Akron's crime rates have plummeted across the board in early 2025. With murder cases halved and significant drops in robberies and auto theft, the city's collaborative approach between police and Mayor Malik's administration is clearly bearing fruit. Even use of force incidents have decreased dramatically—now occurring just once every 487 calls, a testament to evolving police-community relations.

While Akron tackles serious matters, Norton embraced whimsy with goats in fancy hats racing at The Winery at Wolf Creek's 12th Annual Goat Derby. Champion Zeke munched victoriously on his wreath after winning two races, delighting families who also got to pet two-week-old kids. Meanwhile, a more urgent race is underway as community members rally to restore USDA funding for local food banks, with three million pounds of food assistance at stake for vulnerable residents like Arthur Mitchell, who depends on these vital resources.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🚔 Akron crime rates take a nosedive in early 2025. The police department reported decreases across major crime categories during the first quarter compared to the same period last year. Murder cases dropped by 50%, robberies decreased by 39%, and auto theft fell by 28%. Officials credit the improvements to officer dedication, collaboration with Mayor Malik's administration, and increased community engagement. Use of force incidents also decreased by 27%, occurring approximately once every 487 calls.

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🐐 Fancy hats and racing goats stole the show in Norton, Ohio. The 12th Annual Goat Derby at The Winery at Wolf Creek featured elaborate derby-style headwear alongside competitive goat races on May 3, 2025. Zeke emerged as the champion, winning two races and adorably munching on his victory wreath afterward. Families enjoyed the festive atmosphere, with opportunities to pet baby goats just two weeks old. Winery owner Andy Troutman and attendees embraced the unique event that has become a beloved local tradition.

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🍞 Akron community fights for food security as USDA funds disappear. A petition is circulating to pressure lawmakers to reinstate crucial funding that supports local food banks. The Trump administration's pause on certain programs, combined with potential state budget cuts, could reduce food supplies by three million pounds. Director Henri Etta Lockhart of Agape Baskets of Love Ministry says they normally feed up to 200 families each Saturday, but these programs are now at risk. For people like Arthur Mitchell, who relies on food assistance after a motorcycle accident and cancer diagnosis, these resources are a lifeline.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Renovated home outdoor paradise views: Priced at $599,900, this renovated four-bedroom home features an open-concept great room with a fireplace, updated kitchen with dolomite countertops, and a backyard oasis that includes a stamped concrete patio with gas firepit overlooking neighborhood greenspace.
Real estate listing image Bright open end unit home: This charming $240,000 end unit in Huntsford Farm community features an open concept first floor, vaulted ceilings, and abundant natural light, plus access to community amenities like a pool and tennis court.
Real estate listing image Colonial Gem With Modern Updates: Priced at $469,900, this colonial home in Copley-Fairlawn Schools boasts 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and numerous updates including a new roof, HVAC system, and modern finishes throughout.

🙏 In Remembrance

Nancy Elizabeth Kuntz

Nancy E. Kuntz (Stefan), 88, passed away on May 1, 2025, after being born to the late Andrew and Thora Stefan on September 9, 1936. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles and brother Richard Stefan. Nancy is survived by her four daughters, two grandchildren, one great-grandson, a sister-in-law, and three nieces. The family will hold private services to honor her memory.

Nancy Elizabeth Kuntz

Philip Klein

Philip Klein, beloved family patriarch, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at age 98, surrounded by loved ones. A veteran who served in both WWII and the Korean War, Philip established his family in Brimfield, Ohio, where many descendants still live on land he purchased. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Juanita, along with four children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren who will carry on his legacy of faith and love. Philip dedicated his life to serving others, finding joy in family gatherings, golf, travel, and simple pleasures, while his unwavering faith in God guided his humble and loving approach to life.

Philip Klein

Karel Paukert

Karel Paukert, aged 90, died peacefully on April 30, 2025. After immigrating from Czechoslovakia, he had a distinguished career as the Chief Curator of Musical Arts at the Cleveland Museum of Art, taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and served as organist and music director at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Throughout his career, Paukert received numerous accolades, including awards from the Cleveland Arts Prize, an honorary doctorate from CIM, and recognition from the Czech Republic. He is survived by his wife Noriko, three children, and seven grandchildren, with a celebration of life scheduled for June 28 at St. Paul's in Cleveland Heights.

Karel Paukert

Julie Ann Molnar

Julie (née Lindquist), age 88, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and deep connection to nature. She found joy in the natural world through walks in the woods, bird feeding, and appreciating flowers, instilling this love in her family. Julie was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Francis and two children, and is survived by three children, eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and her sister Andrea. Memorial services will be held at the Ferfolia Funeral Home with visitation on Thursday and a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, followed by inurnment at All Saints Cemetery.

Julie Ann Molnar

Patricia "Pat" Gram

Pat Gram, a 78-year-old retired middle school science teacher, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who valued education highly, earning a Master's degree and contributing significantly to science education during her career. Pat's Catholic faith was central to her life, and she was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora. She had many interests including travel, crafts, volunteering, and community service, leaving behind a legacy of passionate learning and teaching that touched her family, students, and community.

Patricia Pat Gram

Evelyn Bell

Evelyn L. Bell, a 92-year-old Hudson, Ohio resident, passed away on April 29, 2025. Born in Akron in 1933, she was known for her compassion, kindness, and deep Christian faith that guided her life of service to others. Evelyn found joy in simple pleasures like reading and gardening, and devoted herself to caring for her family and community. She is survived by her four children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, with a Celebration of Life service scheduled for May 9th at The Vine Fellowship in Copley.

Evelyn Bell

Patricia A McMillion

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Patricia A McMillion
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