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

🏙 Mayor's grand plan

Summit County • June 5, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. Akron is making history as the only city of its size to completely eliminate lead water pipes by year's end—just one highlight from Mayor Malik's ambitious "Together For Akron" plan unveiled to 1,500 residents. The comprehensive initiative, built on four key pillars from safety to housing, promises quarterly progress updates and exciting developments like free public Wi-Fi at Lock 3 and a new Downtown Development Corporation director to revitalize the heart of the city.

Healthcare innovation continues as Akron Children's Hospital strategically relocates its pediatric services to Warren G. Harding High School, expanding access to comprehensive care for patients up to age 21. The move builds upon their successful school-based health centers operating since 2016, serving both students and the wider community. Meanwhile, in more troubling news, a Salem mother faces child endangerment charges after medical professionals documented concerns about her four-month-old's severe weight loss, highlighting the critical importance of proper infant care.

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏙️ Akron mayor unveils ambitious "Together For Akron" plan to 1,500 residents. During his State of the City Address, Mayor Shammas Malik detailed four key pillars: safety, economic development, youth/aging support, and housing/environmental initiatives. The city will track progress quarterly, with the next update expected in September. Highlights include free public Wi-Fi at Lock 3, a new Downtown Development Corporation director, and the removal of all lead water pipes by year's end—making Akron the only city of its size to be completely lead-free.

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👶 Salem mom charged after infant's severe weight loss raises alarm. Ashlee Boley, 22, faces child endangering charges for allegedly neglecting her four-month-old daughter who was hospitalized due to low weight. Medical staff documented concerns about missed appointments and improper feeding, noting the infant gained weight once under hospital supervision. A nurse practitioner's evaluation confirmed "nutritional neglect to a reasonable degree of medical certainty." The child has been placed with a family member while Boley, who pleaded not guilty, awaits a September court hearing.

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🏥 Akron Children's relocates pediatrics to high school wellness center. The hospital's downtown Warren office has moved to Warren G. Harding High School, opening Tuesday at 860 Elm Road NE. The new location, now called "Akron Children's Pediatrics at Warren G. Harding High School," provides comprehensive primary care for patients up to age 21, including well-child checks, sports physicals, and immunizations. This strategic 1.2-mile relocation builds upon Akron Children's existing school-based health centers operating in Warren City Schools since 2016, aiming to improve access for vulnerable populations. The clinic will serve both students and the general public, offering referrals to specialists when needed.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏳️‍🌈 Jun. 5 - Pride Night Rubber Ducks: Cheer on the Rubber Ducks at Canal Park for Pride Night on June 5! Your ticket purchase supports the Akron Pride Festival while celebrating the LGBTQ community in the heart of downtown Akron.
🏠 Jun. 5 - Open House: 2BR Condo: Discover your cozy new nest at 3157 Linda St! Tour this charming 2-bed, 2-bath home with 1,044 square feet of potential during our open house on June 5, from 5:00-6:30pm.
🍽️ Jun. 5 - Retirement Planning Dinner Workshop: Secure your golden years at Lala's In The Lakes' free dinner workshop! Learn essential retirement strategies and avoid major financial pitfalls on June 5 at 4315 Manchester Rd, Akron.
📅 Jun. 5 - Thursday All Day Event: Bounce into summer fun at Super Ninja World's One Full Day Thursday! Kids can flip, climb, and play all day on June 5 at their exciting Cuyahoga Falls location on Graham Road.
🌈 Jun. 6 - exhALE Award Celebration: Join the celebration as exhALE receives the 2025 Paul Daum Award at Akron Civic Theatre on June 6! The fabulous Nina West headlines this special evening honoring advances in lived equality.
📅 Jun. 06 - One Full Day Friday: Bounce into summer at Super Ninja World's One Full Day Friday! Kids can flip, climb, and play all day on June 6 at this exciting Cuyahoga Falls destination. Perfect for burning off that end-of-school energy!
🗣️ Jun. 7 - Spanish Language Meetup: Practice your español at the Summit County Spanish Language Meetup every Friday at Panera Bread on Howe Ave! Join friendly conversation in the meeting room, on the patio, or wherever we find cozy space.
🎭 Jun. 7 - OCTA Northeast Theatre Festival: Theater magic comes alive at the OCTA Northeast Regional Festival! Catch captivating 40-minute excerpts from local theaters on June 7 at Twin Masks Performing Arts Center in Twinsburg. A celebration of community talent!

🙏 In Remembrance

Doris M. Wartko

Doris Wartko, 91, of Tallmadge, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, surrounded by family and under hospice care. As the matriarch of the Wartko family, she was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was known for her passionate love of Notre Dame football. With her late husband Donald, she co-founded Don Wartko Construction Inc. and was an active supporter of Archbishop Hoban High School and Our Lady of Victory parish. Doris is survived by her five children, fourteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and will be remembered for the lasting impact she made on all who knew her.

Doris M. Wartko

Hugh Bartlett Jr.

Hugh Bartlett Jr., 88, passed away on June 2, 2025, after battling dementia. A graduate of Garfield High School and the University of Akron, he retired from Air Craft Braking System in 2000 after 43 years of service and was actively involved with Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Hugh was dedicated to faith, family, education, athletics, music, woodworking, and model trains, finding joy in his later years watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Midge, his brother David, seven children, twelve grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Hugh Bartlett Jr.

Marion A. Montabone

Marion A. Montabone, 96, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, after living her entire life in the Akron area where she was born in 1929. She was an active member of St. Paul parish and regularly participated in Silver Sneakers at the Firestone Park YMCA for three decades. Marion is survived by five children, nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and two sisters, having been predeceased by her partner Robert and daughter Peggy. Funeral services will be held on June 6-7, with visitation at Anthony Funeral Home followed by Mass at St. Paul Parish and interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Marion A. Montabone

Pauline Donohew

Lillian "Pauline" Donohew, 91, passed away on June 1, 2025, after a life marked by her entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of the Coffee Cup in Mogadore for over 20 years. Known for her adventurous nature, sense of humor, and infectious smile, Pauline enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and various beaches, and cherished lunches with friends and family. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry, daughter Trena, and brother Richard, and is survived by numerous family members including her son-in-law, grandson, great-grandchildren, and best friend Dorothy. Following cremation, she will be inurned at Hillside Memorial Park.

Pauline Donohew

Anna Rose Sothen

Anna Rose Sothen, 95, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on June 3, 2025, at Summa City Hospital. She retired from Parker Hannifin Corp. after 34 years and was a dedicated member of Uniontown Chapel of Faith Church, volunteering at the food pantry until 2020. Anna Rose is survived by her daughter Connie, son Norman, and multiple generations of grandchildren, while being predeceased by her husband Norman, daughter Debra, son-in-law Randy, and grandson Heath. Services will be held on June 9-10 at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home with burial at Hillside Cemetery.

Anna Rose Sothen

Manuel James Perella

Manuel "Manny" J. Perella, 84, passed away on May 31, 2025, surrounded by his family after residing in Cuyahoga Falls for 50 years. A North High School graduate and former Firestone lab technician, Manny was a devoted Catholic and proud Italian-American who served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was married to Jean Ann for 60 years, with whom he built a welcoming home on Birchwood Avenue, and is remembered for his handiwork skills, humor, and ability to maintain lifelong relationships. Manny is survived by his wife, four children, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives, with a Mass of Christian Burial scheduled for June 5 at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Manuel James Perella

Florence (Flo) E. Allen

Florence "Flo" E. Allen passed away on June 1, 2025, after battling cancer. Born in 1941 in North Carolina and raised in Stow, she retired from GenCorp after 31 years of service. Flo enjoyed outdoor work, fishing, Cleveland baseball games, and was known for her friendly nature and dedication to the Chapel of Prayer Church. She leaves behind her companion of 51 years, Judithe Messman, along with family members including her sister, nephew, niece, and their families.

Florence (Flo) E. Allen

Diana L. Cutting

Diana L. Cutting, aged 80, passed away on May 31, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love for her family, pets, horses, music, and dancing. She spent her later years living with her daughter in North Carolina and Virginia, after being predeceased by her husband William, her parents, and her son Dale. Diana is survived by her children Jerry and Clara, along with their spouses and her granddaughter Andrea. The family will hold a visitation service on June 6, 2025, at Hecker-Patron Funeral Home in Uniontown, Ohio, followed by interment at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

Diana L. Cutting

Margaret E. LaGray

Margaret "Peg" Ellen (Gooden) LaGray, 66, of Akron, died unexpectedly at her home in Rineyville, KY on May 29th. Born in Ellet in 1958, she is survived by her husband Howard, her children, stepchildren, thirteen grandchildren, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews. Peg enjoyed gardening, sewing, antiquing, and attending art and craft shows with her sisters. Visitation will be held on June 6th at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home in Akron, followed by a service and burial at Hillside Memorial Park.

Margaret E. LaGray

Michael John Dolan

Michael John Dolan, 74, passed away on May 30, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, after a life dedicated to both professional achievement and family devotion. A chemistry graduate who worked at GOJO Industries for over 30 years, Michael was known for his analytical mind, dry humor, and commitment to innovation. Outside of work, he enjoyed reading, old cars, world travel, fine wine, and tinkering with tools. Michael's greatest joy was being "Papa" to his three grandchildren, and he is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra, his children Christopher and Anne, and numerous family members.

Michael John Dolan
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