🎬 Local star stories

Good morning, Summit County. From HBO's gilded halls to the stress-filled world of emergency dispatch, Summit County's local talent is making waves both on screen and in real life. Copley native Carrie Coon returns as the ambitious Bertha Russell in "The Gilded Age" season three, bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to our region while still cherishing childhood memories of Stan Hywet Hall and Rizzi's Pizza—proving you can conquer HBO without forgetting your Ohio roots.

Meanwhile, four-legged hero Archie is transforming the emotional landscape for our 911 dispatchers, with the therapy dog's calming presence already preventing panic attacks after difficult calls. And for those planning celebrations, Highland Square's stylish new Posh Venue at HÜG offers a sophisticated gathering space complete with bridal suite and game room—adding another jewel to Akron's crown of community spaces.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Akron

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Cuyahoga Falls

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Stow

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Barberton

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Green

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Hudson

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Tallmadge

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Macedonia

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Twinsburg

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Norton

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Munroe Falls

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Fairlawn

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎭 Copley's Carrie Coon juggles HBO roles with hometown pride. The talented actor returns as ambitious socialite Bertha Russell in "The Gilded Age" season three premiering June 22 on HBO, following her memorable turn in "The White Lotus." In the new season, Coon's character faces isolation despite her successes, revealing vulnerability as she pursues royal connections for her daughter while neglecting family relationships. The Ohio native reminisces about visiting Akron's Stan Hywet Hall as a child and performing there in Shakespeare productions, along with enjoying local favorites like Rizzi's Pizza when returning home. Coon draws parallels between her characters, noting both Bertha and Laurie struggle with isolation and ambition in different eras.

🐾 Archie the therapy dog brings calm to 911 dispatchers' stressful world. The 18-month-old English Labrador recently joined Summit County's Emergency Communications Center in Ohio to help staff cope with traumatic emergency calls. Trained to sense when someone is stressed, Archie provides comfort through deep pressure therapy and playful interactions that help dispatchers regulate their emotions. He's already made a significant impact on employee morale, with one dispatcher crediting him for preventing a panic attack after a difficult call. Beyond the dispatch center, Archie also supports other first responders, recently visiting a fire department that had responded to a teenager's tragic death.

🎉 Akron's Highland Square welcomes stylish new event space. The Posh Venue at HÜG (Highland Universal Gathering Place) on Merriman Road offers an elegant setting for celebrations and gatherings. Owned by Sharnetta McIntosh and managed by LaCiana Williams, the facility features a bridal suite with kitchen and bathroom, a game room with pinball machines, and an outdoor patio. Guests enter through HÜG's main lobby, where they can enjoy renovated amenities including updated restrooms in a contemporary atmosphere.

Hudson Paradise Awaits Luxury Living: Priced at $929,900, this 4-year-old Hudson Colonial boasts a 2-story foyer, espresso wood floors, and a gourmet kitchen with granite counters, plus a finished basement, three-car garage, and pre-wiring for an EV charger.

Stately Victorian with income potential: # Hudson Victorian Home UpdatePriced at $649,000, this meticulously preserved 1835 Victorian near downtown Hudson features three bedrooms, ornate original details, and a separate apartment that could serve as rental income or be reconnected to the main house.

Spacious family ranch on nature: This $328,500 ranch in Macedonia features vaulted living spaces, hardwood floors, a wrap-around deck, and four bedrooms on a private half-acre lot with upgraded features throughout and convenient access to amenities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📅 Jun. 20 - Friday All-Day Event: Bounce, climb, and play all day at Super Ninja World's One Full Day Friday! Let the kids burn endless energy on June 20 at this ultimate indoor adventure park in Cuyahoga Falls.

🍑 Jun. 20 - Peach Truck Summit Mall: The Peach Truck rolls into Summit Mall on June 20! Grab your fresh Georgia peaches at this special pickup stop in Fairlawn. Come taste summer's sweetest offering at 3265 W Market St.

🎉 Jun. 21 - Akron Juneteenth Festival: Celebrate freedom and heritage at the 27th Annual Akron Juneteenth Festival! Join the Akron Black Coalition and City of Akron at Perkins Woods Pool on June 21, honoring Elder Gerald R. Carter and ancestors past.

🌷 Jun. 21 - Summit County Garden Tour: Explore six stunning gardens at the 2025 Summit County Tour of Gardens! This self-guided adventure through local green spaces offers fresh inspiration for your own backyard oasis. June 21 at 440 Vernon Odom Blvd.

🎸 Jun. 21 - Silvertung Live at Vortex: Rock out with Silvertung at The Vortex in Akron! Catch this electrifying live performance on June 21 at 7:30 PM for an unforgettable night of music at 1167 Brittain Rd.

🎉 Jun. 21 - Juneteenth Celebration & Parade: Celebrate freedom and community at Akron's vibrant Juneteenth Parade! Join the festivities at John R Buchtel CLC on June 21 for a day of cultural celebration, music, and unity.

🗣️ Jun. 21 - Spanish Language Meetup: Practice your español with friendly locals at the Summit County Spanish Language Meetup! Join the weekly gathering at Panera Bread on Howe Ave this Friday, where 8-10 regulars meet to chat and connect.

🍲 Jun. 21 - Community Health Potluck: Bring a dish and build connections at the Building Healthy Communities monthly potluck! Join the Summit-Medina Chapter on June 21 at Akron Cooperative Farms, 743 Gaylan Dr, for community-centered fun.

🙏 In Remembrance

Donna Katherine Orcutt

Donna Katherine Orcutt, 89, of Streetsboro, Ohio passed away on June 16, 2025, after being born in Cleveland on April 18, 1936. She is survived by her husband Frank, five children, one stepson, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, sister, and one stepson. Visitation and funeral services will be held on June 20, 2025, at Crown Hill Funeral Home in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Norinne Fenner Noble

Norinne Fenner Noble, 94, passed away on June 8, 2025, after being born in Iowa City in 1931 and spending most of her life there until moving to Akron, Ohio in 2014. A University of Iowa graduate and dedicated Hawkeye fan, she is survived by her son Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Leslie, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one cousin, and four nieces. Norinne was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Julie, and son David. A private family memorial service will be held, with donations suggested to SPOHNC and The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Dianne Charlotte Hignite

Dianne Charlotte Hignite, 80, of Oakwood Village, Ohio passed away on June 15, 2025, after being born in Cleveland on September 30, 1944, to Richard and Bernice Eke. She is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her sister Marilyn. A graveside service will be held on June 18, 2025, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg, Ohio. Dianne will be deeply missed by her extended family and friends.

Ruth A. Jones

Ruth A. Jones, age 86, of Reminderville, passed away on June 14, 2025, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband John Thomas Jones and son John Jones, and is survived by seven children, numerous grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Ruth was known for her strong faith, loving dedication to family, and contagious humor, creating lasting relationships with the Pirates Trail community. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on June 20, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, with the family suggesting memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.

John Raymond Doll

John R. Doll, 72, passed away on June 16, 2025 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. A 1970 graduate of Wadsworth High School, he owned Park Hill Beauty Salon in Firestone Park for over 30 years. John was known for his generous and caring nature, always putting others before himself. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Annalee Doll, and his companion of 35 years, Bruce Bardo, and is survived by his siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Alberta Rae Edgerly

Alberta "Bert" Edgerly, who passed away on June 13, 2025 at age 97, was married to Clark Edgerly for 63 years until his death in 2011. After graduating from North High School in 1947, she balanced being a mother of three children with work, most notably as an assistant coordinator of Veteran Educational Services at the University of Akron. She was an active church member for 40 years and resided at Copeland Oaks for 19 years, where she was known for her Euchre skills. Alberta is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Elmer J. DeWitt

Elmer J. DeWitt, 100, of Munroe Falls, died peacefully on June 13, 2025. A WWII and Korean Conflict Navy veteran, he had a PhD in Organic Chemistry and enjoyed a successful career as a Research Chemist with two patents to his name. He was a Life Master bridge player and had passions for gardening, fishing, and poetry. Preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mary, Elmer is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Donald Robert Botto

Donald R. Botto, 93, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on June 12, 2025. A memorial service is planned for later in the summer, with burial to follow at the Memorial Garden at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Akron. A complete obituary with full service details will be published at a later date. The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory's Fairlawn Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Tiffany Lynn Miller

Tiffany Lynn Miller, 40, of Akron and formerly of Twinsburg, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025. She was the daughter of Stephen and Judith Velimesis, sister to Vikki, Valarie, Tony and Tommy, and had a foster mom named Kathryn. Described as fun-loving, happy, and kind-hearted, Tiffany was known for her constant smile. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Busch-Romito Funeral Home in Twinsburg, with burial at Crown Hill Memorial Park. The family requests memorial donations to Ideastream Public Media in lieu of flowers.

George Serba

George Serba, 74, of Stow, Ohio, passed away peacefully with family by his side, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, and love. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Donovan Funeral Home in Tallmadge. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church with Rev. Michael Williamson officiating, with a livestream available on the church's Facebook page. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Northfield, Ohio.

Carmelita Anita Torres

Carmelita Anita Torres (née Peterson), born December 10, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on June 10, 2025, following complications from heart surgery. She was the devoted mother of Letitia "Tia" Carver-Wilkes and Selena Torres, and proud grandmother of Aidan and Seth Wilkes. Throughout her life, Carmelita achieved numerous accomplishments, including graduating from cosmetology school, becoming an EKG Technician, and serving as a foster parent. She enjoyed shopping, board games, dancing, and traveling, with Hawaii being her favorite destination.

Jack Wallace Vought

Jack W. Vought, 22, passed away on June 13, 2025, leaving behind his parents Terry and Nancy Vought, grandmother Patricia Leonard-Kirshner, and his dog Frankie. A 2021 Firestone High School graduate, Jack worked as a locksmith for A-AbraCadabra and was a member of Wedgewood United Methodist Church. He was about to report to Ft. Benning to pursue his dream of becoming a U.S. Soldier and had passions for military history, music, guns, U of M football, fishing, and cars. Calling hours will be held at Wedgewood United Methodist Church on June 22, with funeral services on June 23, followed by burial at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park.

Diana (Dee Dee) Lynn Lower

Diana "Dee Dee" Lynn Lower of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away on May 24, 2025, after battling several illnesses. Born in Stow on February 23, 1963, she was a talented musician who played piano for bands and churches, and enjoyed attending local music events. Her other passions included gardening, cooking, and cheering for Cleveland sports teams. Dee Dee is survived by her sisters, numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat Olive, all of whom will remember her deep commitment to family.