Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Summit County / May 21, 2025

🦒 Zoo news roundup

Summit County • May 21, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. Seven years behind bars – that's the price Akron resident Stacy Martin will pay after fatally shooting a fleeing burglar in the back. His case offers a sobering reminder of Ohio's self-defense laws, which only permit using deadly force when facing immediate threats, not when someone is running away. The legal aftermath underscores how split-second decisions can have life-altering consequences, especially when followed by attempts to hide evidence.

Meanwhile, our urban jungle houses a different kind of wildlife at Akron's 77-acre zoo sanctuary, where 2,000 animals captivate nearly 400,000 visitors annually. The family-friendly destination is expanding with a $12-million animal hospital and plans to welcome giraffes soon. Just a short drive away, Medina County has made a significant $3 million purchase, acquiring a 26,000-square-foot University of Akron facility – a substantial real estate transition for both institutions.

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🔫 Akron man gets prison for shooting fleeing burglar in the back. Stacy Martin, 27, received a seven-year sentence after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Elijah Jones, 20. Jones was fatally shot while running away after he and three masked accomplices stole firearms and drugs from Martin's home. Prosecutors emphasized that Ohio law only permits self-defense when facing immediate threats, not when someone is fleeing. After the shooting, Martin complicated his case by hiding his weapon and lying to investigators.

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🦁 Akron's 77-acre zoo sanctuary captivates 400,000 visitors annually. The urban oasis houses over 2,000 animals, from majestic lions to tiny leaf cutter ants, designed for up-close encounters that inspire conservation awareness. A $12-million animal hospital is under construction, with giraffes expected to join the zoo family in the coming years. This summer features the DinoTrek exhibit with 20 prehistoric creatures, including a 60-foot Apatosaurus and 43-foot T-Rex. Visitors can typically explore the entire family-friendly zoo in just 3-4 hours, making it perfect for an afternoon adventure.

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🏢 Medina County snaps up University of Akron property for $3 million. The state board approved the sale of a nearly 26,000-square-foot University of Akron facility to Medina County. In addition to approving the property transaction, the board voted to allocate $1.8 million in Third Frontier funds to support 10 early-stage tech companies. The decision represents a significant real estate transition for the university and provides Medina County with substantial new facilities. The article appeared in Crain's Cleveland Business, covering regional development in Northeast Ohio.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Updated Cape Near Everything: Priced at $329,900, this four-bedroom Cape Cod offers luxury vinyl flooring, updated bathrooms, granite countertops, and new HVAC, all conveniently located near shopping and dining with a spacious two-car garage for easy living.
Real estate listing image Riverside dream with garage: Listed at $115,000, this three-level condo offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, balcony, finished basement with fireplace, two-car garage and access to grounds with a pavilion overlooking a river.
Real estate listing image Spacious lakeside luxury on acre: Priced at $529,900, this impeccably maintained Ridgewood Lakes home features 3,558 square feet with four bedrooms, a chef's kitchen, finished basement, and a multi-level deck on nearly an acre lot.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏆 May 21 - Arts Alive Awards Gala: Celebrate local creativity at the Arts Alive Awards Gala on May 21 at House Three Thirty in Akron! Join the festive evening honoring our community's brightest artists, educators, and advocates since 2002.
🎵 May 23 - RaeLynn Country Concert: Country sensation RaeLynn brings her electric personality and storytelling magic to Blossom Music Center on May 23. Don't miss this two-time ACM nominee light up the stage in Cuyahoga Falls!
🎨 May 23 - Artist Career Summit: Spark your artistic journey at the inaugural Creative Exchange summit, May 23 at Bounce Innovation Hub. Connect through dynamic workshops and gain fresh insights to grow your creative practice and career.
🚚 May 24 - Highland Square Food Fest: Satisfy your cravings at the first-ever Highland Square Food Truck Festival outside Akron Civic Theatre on May 24! Delicious eats hit the streets with local vendors serving up mouthwatering treats.
🗣️ May 24 - Spanish Language Meetup: Practice your español at the Summit County Spanish Language Meetup every Friday at Panera Bread on Howe Ave! Join fellow language enthusiasts in the meeting room or patio, weather permitting, on May 24.
🎺 May 24 - Banda Kebradora Live: ¡Fiesta alert! Banda La KEBRADORA brings authentic Jalisco sounds to Royal Palace on May 24. Grab your tickets now for this high-energy Mexican music experience starting at 9PM in Akron.
🎵 May 24 - Ellie Williams Live: Soulful songstress Ellie Williams takes the stage at Jilly's Music Room on May 24! Catch her captivating performance at 7:00 PM in downtown Akron—grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening.

🙏 In Remembrance

Lorene Jean Hill

Lorene Jean Hill (Rozsnaki), 94, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on May 15, 2025, after being born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1930. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Warren Hill, several family members, and a great-grandson. She is survived by her daughters Holly and Heidi, three stepchildren, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, her sister Leona, and numerous extended family members. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home in Twinsburg, Ohio on May 22-23, 2025, followed by interment at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Lorene Jean Hill

William Steven Foutty

William "Steven" Foutty, 76, of Uniontown, Ohio, passed away on May 17, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Akron in 1949, Steve was a graduate of Green High School, served in the National Guard, and drove for his family's trucking company for 60 years. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debbie, his two children, six grandchildren, and his sister, Crystal Hetrick. A memorial service will be held on May 21st at Charity Lodge #530 in Deerfield, with the family requesting donations to the Jean and Milton Cooper Pavilion Cancer Center in lieu of flowers.

William Steven Foutty

Ronald D Hughey

The obituary is currently unavailable as it's in the process of being updated. No information about the deceased person is provided at this time. Readers are advised to check back later to view the completed obituary. The placeholder message indicates that the obituary content will be published soon.

Bradley M. Booth

Bradley Booth, 61, of Medina, passed away on May 13, 2025, at Wadsworth Pointe. A longtime CNC machinist in northeast Ohio, Bradley enjoyed sports, golf, and making friends with everyone he met. He is survived by his friend Deanne McKinnley, his children Tyler and Jessica, step-daughter Katy Broadway, and his brother Bud. A visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home in Akron on May 24, 2025, from 1-3 p.m.

Thomas M. Pergola

Thomas M. Pergola, 63, of Akron, passed away on May 15, 2025 after battling pulmonary fibrosis. After graduating from Garfield High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force as an engine mechanic before establishing his career as a self-employed mechanic. Tom was known for his advocacy work for Suicide Service Member Prevention and his kindness toward neighborhood children, often helping them repair their bikes. He is survived by his siblings, step-son, several nieces and nephews, and many friends, and will be laid to rest at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Thomas M. Pergola

Anthony Richard "Tony" Slaby

Anthony "Tony" Slaby, 67, of Maple Heights, Ohio passed away on May 13, 2025, leaving behind his wife Kathie, mother Greta, and many family members. Known for his positive attitude and ability to make people laugh, Tony was an airplane enthusiast who enjoyed building models and having deep conversations with loved ones. He had a nickname for everyone close to him and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A visitation and memorial ceremony will be held on May 29, 2025, at Crown Hill Funeral Home in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Anthony Richard Tony Slaby

Czeslawa Fleszar

Czeslawa Fleszar passed away at age 78 on May 7, 2025, joining her late husband Stanislaw. She leaves behind four sons (Jacek, Wojciech, Karol, Dominik, and Mateusz), seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, with one son having previously lost his wife Agnieszka. Visitation will be held on May 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Bican Bros. Funeral Home in Cleveland. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Barbara Church on May 24 at 10 a.m., followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery in Northfield, Ohio.

Czeslawa Fleszar

Phoebe Thompson

Phoebe Thompson, age 89, of Stow, Ohio, formerly from Jamaica, passed away on May 18, 2025. Born in St. James, Jamaica in 1936, she was a talented seamstress and hat maker known for her kindness and generosity. A devout woman of faith, Phoebe was a dedicated prayer warrior whose spirituality guided her life. She is survived by her two sons and their wives, four grandchildren, and a great-grandson, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and unwavering devotion to family.

Phoebe Thompson

Diana Marie Kohler

Diana Marie Kohler, born August 23, 1953, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on May 15, 2025, at age 71. She married Thomas Kohler in 1973 and they raised two daughters, Kimberley and Christina. Diana was deeply devoted to her family, including her sons-in-law and four grandchildren, with whom she enjoyed baking, crafting, and traveling. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM in Barberton, Ohio.

Diana Marie Kohler

Elizabeth J. Palmieri

Elizabeth J. Palmieri, a 91-year-old Italian-American matriarch, passed away on April 28, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in 1933 to immigrant parents, Betty cherished family gatherings and made her kitchen the heart of her home. She found comfort in her beloved cat Ziggy during her final twelve years. Elizabeth is survived by her son Bob, several nieces and nephews, and extended family in Italy, while being preceded in death by her husband Carlo, daughter Dianna, parents, and twin sister Josephine.

Elizabeth J. Palmieri

Richard John Vercuski

Richard John Vercuski, 59, passed away on May 15, 2025, at Pebble Creek Healthcare Center after being born in Indianapolis in 1965 to John and Sandra Vercuski. A graduate of Portage Lakes Joint Vocational School/Green High School, Richard enjoyed music, driving, and movies. He is survived by his brother Scott, sister-in-law Carrie, niece Paige, and extended family, while being preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 23 at Anthony Funeral Home in Akron, with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Richard John Vercuski

Charles Michael Barkey

Charles M. Barkey, 96, of Rootstown, OH, passed away on May 17, 2025, survived by his wife Marilyn, three children, sister Opal, brother Robert, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Korean War veteran who served in the USAF, Charlie retired from the B & O Railroad after 42 years as a locomotive engineer and was known for his master woodworking skills. He was a current member of Community Church of Portage Lakes and previously attended The Chapel in Akron for over 50 years. Visitation will be held on May 24 at Hummel Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service.

Charles Michael Barkey

Chambers Earl Crytzer Jr.

Chambers Earl Crytzer Jr, 63, passed away on May 16, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. He was a retired employee of Lange Grinding after 30 years, and a United States Army veteran who served as a Lieutenant Mechanic. In his leisure time, Chambers enjoyed working on his Buick, watching Pittsburgh Steelers football, and motorcycle riding. He is survived by his twin daughters, sister Karen, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his best friend Randy, with funeral services scheduled for May 29, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home followed by interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Chambers Earl Crytzer Jr.

Chester Arthur Thomas

Chester A. Thomas Sr. (Chet), born on June 21, 1929, in Cameron, West Virginia, passed away on April 27, 2025, in Twinsburg, Ohio. A proud Hudson resident, U.S. Army veteran, and founding member of the Country Club of Hudson, Chet had a distinguished career in electronic component sales with several companies. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Philomena, his parents, and multiple siblings. Chet is survived by his five children, sister Betty, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, with a memorial service planned for the summer.

Chester Arthur Thomas
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