Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Summit County / May 16, 2025

🚒 Mechanical wonderland

Summit County • May 16, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. Fire trucks, police cruisers, and even a bomb disposal robot transformed Portage Lakes Plaza into a mechanical wonderland last week. Coventry's Touch-A-Truck event delivered wide-eyed excitement for local children who climbed aboard emergency vehicles while parents snapped photos of future first responders. The community gathering, complete with coloring contests and prize wheels, showcased everything from U.S. Army National Guard trucks to the Sheriff's new D.A.R.E. vehicle—proving that sometimes the most effective community building happens through shared fascination.

Traffic safety takes center stage as Akron invests $500,000 in calming measures throughout the city, with plans to deploy 20 additional solar speed signs and pilot several asphalt speed tables. Meanwhile, Akron Public Schools has settled its leadership question as Mary Outley secured the superintendent position in a narrow 4-3 vote, though the appointment hasn't been without controversy regarding the selection process and community involvement—reminding us that even unanimous goals often travel contested paths.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🚒 Coventry's Touch-A Truck event thrilled locals with emergency vehicles galore. Children explored fire trucks, police cars, and even a bomb disposal robot at the Portage Lakes Plaza on Manchester Road. The May 9 event, hosted by the Summit County Sheriff's Office and Coventry Fire Department, featured a coloring contest and prize wheel for attendees. Visitors got an up-close look at specialized vehicles including U.S. Army National Guard trucks and the Sheriff's new D.A.R.E. vehicle. McDonald's supported the community effort by donating 15% of sales from its Manchester Road location to the hosting departments.

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🏫 Akron school board confirms new superintendent amid controversy. Mary Outley was appointed as permanent superintendent of Akron Public Schools with a narrow 4-3 vote, despite concerns about the hiring process. Board member Harrison criticized the lack of transparency and community engagement, noting that other potential candidates weren't given the opportunity to apply. During the same meeting, the board recognized students enlisting in the military, approved architectural firms for a new North High School, and acknowledged several retiring teachers. The board also unanimously rejected a football coach's contract after a lengthy executive session.

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🚗 Akron fights speeding with $500,000 investment in traffic calming measures. The city plans to purchase 20 additional solar speed signs, bringing the total to 60 across all 10 wards. Officials will also pilot several asphalt speed tables and raised crosswalks, while testing the idea of keeping some speed tables in place during winter. The city is considering standardizing certain roads to a consistent 25 mph limit instead of the current fluctuating speeds. Council members also approved permits for various developments including digital displays, two-family dwellings, and a child daycare center.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Fairlawn colonial near parks shops: Priced at $314,900, this charming 4-bedroom colonial in Fairlawn boasts refinished hardwood floors, updated roof, multiple baths, and proximity to shopping and parks within the coveted Copley-Fairlawn school district.
Real estate listing image Colonial Oasis Near Hudson Schools: Priced at $350,000, this move-in ready 3-bedroom colonial in Hudson City School District offers nearly half an acre of mature trees, updated kitchen and baths, and a partially finished basement with dedicated office space.
Real estate listing image Lakeside ranch awaits chef buyers: Priced at $324,000, this unexpected Green ranch offers a harmonious blend of intentional design with three bedrooms, a chef's kitchen, and renovated lower level, all nestled in a peaceful setting near Portage Lakes.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🤘 May 16 - ExitWounds Screams at Vortex: Brace yourself for sonic intensity as ExitWounds takes over The Vortex! Catch their electrifying performance at 1167 Brittain Rd in Akron on May 16 at 5:00 PM for a night of unforgettable music.
🎷 May 16 - Gin & Jazz Night: Step back in time at Bounce Innovation Hub's "Perfect Pairings: Gin and Jazz" on May 16. The Generator transforms into a swinging Prohibition-era jazz club for one unforgettable night in downtown Akron.
🌿 May 17 - Native Plant Festival: Discover the delicious side of native gardening at Munroe Falls Metro Park's Native Plant Festival! Join a naturalist on May 17 to learn how to incorporate attractive, edible native species into your landscape.
🚵 May 17 - Summit County Bike & Hike: Pedal or trek through scenic Summit County at the 2025 Let's Move Bike & Hike! Join the outdoor adventure on May 17 at Summit Lake Community Center for a day of fresh-air fun.
🏰 May 17 - Grand Renaissance Faire: Step back in time at the Renaissance Faire, where medieval merriment awaits at Akron Zoo on May 17! Enjoy whimsical entertainment and enchanted festivities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 500 Edgewood Ave.
🤘 May 17 - The Queen Guillotined: Headbangers unite! "The Queen Guillotined" brings brutal deathcore mayhem to The Vortex on May 17, featuring Screams of Sanity, Kingz & Thievez, and more for a night of pure musical destruction.
🗣️ May 17 - Spanish Language Meetup: ¡Hablemos español! Join the lively Summit County Spanish Language Meetup at Panera Bread on May 17. Look for the friendly group of 8-10 regulars in the party room—no RSVP needed!
🎸 May 18 - Company Live in Akron: Step into the world of Sondheim's masterpiece as "Company" takes the stage at Akron Civic Theatre on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Don't miss this Broadway gem right in downtown Akron!

🙏 In Remembrance

Rosalie Aldene Ukrainiec

Jacob (82) and Rosalie (80) Ukrainiec passed away minutes apart on May 11-12, 2025, exemplifying their lifelong love and devotion to each other. Born in Buffalo, NY and Akron, OH respectively, they were dedicated members of Grace Baptist Church and cherished outdoor activities like fishing and camping. The couple leaves behind three daughters, eight grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren who carry on their legacy of faith and family values. Their remarkable journey together will be celebrated at a funeral service on May 16th at Grace Baptist Church, with burial at East Liberty Cemetery.

Rosalie Aldene Ukrainiec

Fred Layton

Fred Layton, 88, passed away on May 11, 2025, at Wadsworth Pointe Nursing Home after living his entire life in Akron and Barberton. A retired Metro Transit employee, Fred is survived by his wife of 70 years, Julie, as well as his four children, numerous grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, many siblings, and his grandson Bret Bailey. Fred will be remembered for his humor, love of family and friends, and the way he endeared himself to everyone he met, with visitation scheduled for June 7, 2025, at Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home.

Fred Layton

John & Kathryn "Pete" Mihelick

John Lewis "Pete" Mihelick and Kathryn Elizabeth (Dengler) Mihelick, both 93, passed away in December 2024 and January 2025 respectively, after more than 70 years of marriage that began at Ohio University in 1954. Pete worked for Roadway Express for 36 years while being active in community service, and Kathy was a dancer, professor, and founder of both a dance school and the Leaven Dance Company. The couple was deeply devoted to the Catholic faith, serving Holy Family Church in Stow, Ohio for over 60 years in numerous ministries. Despite their busy careers, they prioritized their family of six children, 19 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, organizing biennial family vacations since 1996.

John & Kathryn Pete Mihelick

Edward N. Phillips Sr.

Edward Nick Phillips Sr. passed away at age 89 on May 11, 2025, after being born in Edinboro, Pennsylvania in 1936. He was a devoted family man who worked at Ford Motor Company for 42 years and served in the U.S. Army. Known for his humor, kindness, and love of sports, Ed was an active Cleveland sports fan and youth coach who enjoyed fishing. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Ann, along with his children, grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and other family members, leaving behind a legacy of love and strong work ethic.

Edward N. Phillips Sr.

Ena I. Swain

Ena I. Swain, 102, of Cuyahoga Falls, died peacefully on May 12, 2025, at Altercare Post Acute Rehabilitation Center after being born in England on April 16, 1923. She is survived by her children Roy Withrow and Carol Ann McCann, 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and special friend Kathy Williams. Ena was preceded in death by her husband Bill, two sons, and three siblings. Known for deeply loving and caring for her family, Ena's memorial service will be held on June 10, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Akron, with burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

Ena I. Swain

Loretta F. Clancy

Loretta F. Clancy, age 85, passed away on May 12, 2025, in Northfield. She was the mother of three children (with one deceased), grandmother of six (with one deceased), and great-grandmother of five. Before developing dementia, Loretta enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, plants, and spending time with her dog Skippy. A celebration of her life will be held on May 23, 2025, at Hillcrest Cemetery Mausoleum in Bedford Heights, Ohio, with arrangements by Busch-Romito Funeral Home.

Loretta F. Clancy

Jacob William Ukrainiec Jr.

Jacob (82) and Rosalie (80) Ukrainiec passed away minutes apart on May 11-12, 2025, embodying the profound love they shared throughout their lives. The couple, born in Buffalo, NY and Akron, OH respectively, were dedicated members of Grace Baptist Church and found joy in family gatherings, fishing, and camping. They leave behind a legacy carried on by their three daughters—Deanne, Donna, and Denise—as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members. Their remarkable journey together will be celebrated at Grace Baptist Church on May 16th, with final resting place at East Liberty Cemetery.

Jacob William Ukrainiec Jr.

Frances Starcher

Frances Starcher, born on November 4, 1941, passed away on May 7, 2025, in Cuyahoga Falls. She was known as the backbone of her family—a loving, strong woman with a heart of gold who enjoyed cooking, gardening, word search puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren. Frances is preceded in death by her husband Arnold, two children, and several siblings, while she is survived by two sons, six grandchildren, three sisters, one brother, and many great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on May 16, 2025, at Newcomer, Akron Chapel, followed by interment at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg.

Frances Starcher

Dolores Dorothy Shirey (Fatica)

Dolores Shirey, 86, passed away on May 9, 2025, at Vista Veranda Assisted Living after battling Alzheimer's disease. A devoted mother to four children and grandmother who enjoyed nature walks and visits to Amish Country, she was married to Rex Shirey for many years until his death approximately four years ago. Dolores is survived by her children Dave, Dan, Steve, and Brenda, as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on May 27th at Victory Baptist Temple in Kent, Ohio, with calling hours from 5-6pm followed by the service.

Dolores Dorothy Shirey (Fatica)

Zorica Dilber

Zorica Dilber, 88, of Akron, passed away on May 13, 2025, after being born in Serbia on March 26, 1937. She was known for her love of cooking for her family, watching professional tennis, and spending time with her grandchildren. Zorica is survived by her husband Uros, her children Lela and Zoran with their spouses, and five grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 16 at Rose Hill Burial Park in Akron, with memorial donations requested to a charity of choice in lieu of flowers.

Zorica Dilber

Vincent Eugene Tassiello

Vincent Eugene Tassiello, 88, passed away on May 11, 2025, following a short illness. A lifelong resident of North Hill, Vincent was a devoted family man survived by his wife Jeanne, four children, eleven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He dedicated 32 years to teaching at North High and Jennings, while also coaching basketball, soccer, and track. Beyond his educational career, Vincent was passionate about sports, particularly as a member of the Polish American Club fast pitch softball team and as an avid golfer.

Vincent Eugene Tassiello
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