Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Summit County / June 25, 2025

🏠 Tenant turnaround

Summit County • June 25, 2025

Local Brew Logo
​

Good morning, Summit County. A vital lifeline is being extended to Akron residents facing housing insecurity this fall. The new "Right to Counsel" program launching in September will provide free legal services to tenants navigating eviction proceedings, prioritizing families with children. With $250,000 in annual funding and a dedicated legal team, this three-year pilot aims to prevent homelessness while creating more stability for both tenants and landlords alike.

The Akron community is mourning the unexpected loss of Detective Clay Cozart, whose nearly 30-year career with the police department leaves behind a profound legacy of service. Meanwhile, musical excellence takes center stage as the Kent Blossom Music Festival returns for its 57th season, featuring 42 talented young artists and culminating in a rare side-by-side performance with the Cleveland Orchestra—a collaboration that stands as the only one of its kind between a major American orchestra and a public university.

🌤 Sky Skoop

AkronWeather Icon
70°
87°
rain 88%
Cuyahoga FallsWeather Icon
70°
87°
rain 88%
StowWeather Icon
69°
84°
rain 84%
BarbertonWeather Icon
70°
86°
rain 89%
GreenWeather Icon
71°
86°
rain 89%
HudsonWeather Icon
68°
83°
rain 83%
TallmadgeWeather Icon
70°
85°
rain 85%
MacedoniaWeather Icon
68°
83°
rain 83%
TwinsburgWeather Icon
68°
83°
rain 83%
NortonWeather Icon
70°
86°
rain 89%
Munroe FallsWeather Icon
69°
84°
rain 84%
FairlawnWeather Icon
70°
87°
rain 88%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

🏠 Akron launches legal lifeline for residents on the brink of eviction. The "Right to Counsel" program will provide free legal services to help tenants navigate eviction proceedings, with priority given to low-income families with children. Set to begin in September, the three-year pilot program will operate with an annual budget of $250,000 and include a dedicated legal team. Mayor Shammas Malik emphasized the program will benefit the entire community by preventing homelessness and reducing the harmful impacts of evictions on both tenants and landlords.

Read more

👮‍♂️ Akron detective dies unexpectedly after nearly 30 years of service. Detective Clay Cozart, who joined the Akron Police Department in 1995, passed away suddenly, leaving the department in mourning. He served as president of the Fraternal Order of Police from 2020-2023 and most recently worked in the Juvenile Unit making a lasting impact on young lives. Akron Police Chief Brian Harding called Cozart's death "a profound loss" for both the department and community, describing him as "not only a dedicated public servant but also a friend and mentor to many."

Read more

🎵 Kent Blossom Music Festival returns for its 57th season this summer. The festival, running June 25 to July 27 at Kent State University, features 42 young artists including five Kent State alumni. Four faculty concerts will showcase renowned musicians like pianist Jon Kimura Parker, Grammy winners Imani Winds, and cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia. The season culminates with a special side-by-side performance with the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center on July 26. This unique festival represents the only collaboration of its kind between a major American orchestra and a public university.

Read more

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Vaulted ceilings future potential home: Priced at $350,000, this first-floor living home features vaulted ceilings, three bedrooms (one converted to an office), and an unfinished lower level with future potential.
Real estate listing image Lakeside fixer with potential: This fixer-upper ranch in Springfield is listed at $79,900, offering a bright living area, two bedrooms, and a garage on a double lot near the lake—a solid opportunity for investors seeking a manageable renovation project.
Real estate listing image Vintage bungalow needs love: A fixer-upper bungalow estate auction with no list price features a 1950s home with 4 bedrooms, updated bath, detached garage, and gas furnace with central air. Auction begins July 14, 2025, with viewing at 11:30 am.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌞 Jun. 25 - Half Day Wednesday Afternoon: Bounce into summer fun at Super Ninja World's Half Day Wednesday! Kids can jump, climb, and play at 69 Graham Rd in Cuyahoga Falls from 12:30-4:00 PM on June 25.
🎷 Jun. 26 - Brickstreet Jazz & Wine: Sip and swing at the Brickstreet Jazz and Wine Festival on June 29! St. Sebastian Parish School transforms into a lively jazz haven from 5-9PM, offering the perfect blend of music and vino.
📚 Jun. 27 - Library Hosts Development Dept: Connect with Summit County Department of Development at Maple Valley Branch Library on June 27! Stop by this welcoming community gathering place at 1187 Copley Rd to learn about local resources and enjoy artwork by area artists.
🎵 Jun. 27 - Warrenton Town Limits Festival: Rock out under the summer sky at Warrenton Town Limits Festival! Groove to live music on the WARF fields at 800 Waterloo Road on Friday, June 27, from 4-10 p.m.
🍻 Jun. 27 - Monthly Tavern Hangout: Unwind at Mercedes Neighborhood Tavern for their monthly Last Friday celebration on June 27! Stop by this Akron hotspot on West Market Street for good drinks, great company, and neighborhood vibes.
🎵 Jun. 28 - Musicfest at Akron FOP: Rock out at Musicfest 2025 at Akron FOP Lodge No. 7! Gates open at 5pm on June 28, featuring Big Johnson, food trucks, and flowing beer. Grab tickets at the gate or in advance for family fun.
🎆 Jun. 28 - FreedomFest Family Fireworks: Light up the sky at FreedomFest in Boettler Park! Bring the whole family for a day of July 4th celebrations on June 28, culminating in North Canton's spectacular annual fireworks display.
🗣️ Jun. 28 - Spanish Language Meetup: Practice your español at the Summit County Spanish Language Meetup! Join 8-10 friendly regulars every week at Panera Bread's party room on Howe Ave, no RSVP needed. Just show up on June 28!

🙏 In Remembrance

Elizabeth M. Hicks

Elizabeth Marie Hicks, born in Akron, Ohio in 1989, passed away on June 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and generosity. Known as the "Crock Pot Queen" for her culinary talents, Elizabeth was a 2007 graduate of Springfield High School who was renowned for her patience, kindness, and willingness to help others in need. She is survived by her husband Robert Harper, her mother Julie, grandmother Erma, siblings, and extended family, though she was preceded in death by her daughter Aubrey, her father Terry, and other relatives. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 2, 2025, at Springfield Lake Pavilion to honor her memory and share stories of her indomitable spirit.

Elizabeth M. Hicks

Jody Rae LaFollette

Jody Rae LaFollette, 73, passed away on June 20, 2025, secure in her Christian faith. Born on August 24, 1951, in Akron, Ohio, Jody was a 1969 graduate of Green High School who was known affectionately as "Junk Food Jo Jo" for spoiling her nieces and nephews. She devoted many years to singing and playing piano at Grace and Truth Church in Wadsworth, Ohio, and directed popular children's Christmas plays. Jody is survived by her siblings Gary, D'Ann, and Vona, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, with a family celebration of her life planned for a later date.

Jody Rae LaFollette

John William Bailey

John William Bailey, 64, passed away on June 13, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, where he was born to Jack and Patricia Bailey in 1960. He was a dedicated member of The Full Gospel Tabernacle, where he played the harmonica, and was known for his willingness to help others and his pride in all his undertakings. John is survived by his mother Patricia, four siblings, and numerous extended family members, while being preceded in death by his father Jack. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 12, 2025, at The Full Gospel Tabernacle in Akron, with burial at Coens Cemetery in West Virginia.

John William Bailey

Eugene F. Horning

Eugene F. (Gene) Horning, born September 6, 1950, passed away on June 17, 2025, leaving behind his wife Kate, four children, and six grandchildren. A graduate of Kent State University, Gene worked in manufacturing management where he utilized his problem-solving and teaching skills. Known for his quiet comedic wit and woodworking abilities, Gene is remembered fondly by his family, including his three brothers. A Memorial Mass celebrating his life will be held on July 5, 2025, at The University Parish Newman Center in Kent.

Christine J. Havel

Christine J. Havel, 71, passed away peacefully at home on June 18th, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1954, she is survived by her husband Dale of 53 years, five children, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, her sister Delphine, and three nieces/nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Irene, brother Ronald, and great-granddaughter Eleanor. Visitation will be held on June 30th at Billow Falls Chapel, with a Memorial Mass on July 1st at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Cuyahoga Falls.

Christine J. Havel

Marilyn Elizabeth Andrico

Marilyn Elizabeth Andrico, 72, passed away on June 16, 2025, joining her husband Trifon John Andrico in eternal life. Born in Texas and raised in Ohio, she dedicated herself to homeschooling her four children and some of her grandchildren. Marilyn is survived by her children, thirteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. Remembered as a loving and kind woman devoted to her faith, the family suggests donations to Ohio Valley CSB Ministries in lieu of flowers.

Marilyn Elizabeth Andrico

James Joseph Belinsky

James J. Belinsky, 92, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2025, surrounded by family. A Korean War veteran, Jim worked at General Tire and later the University of Akron as a painter before retiring. He was devoted to his wife Judy of 67 years and enjoyed dancing, Pittsburgh Steelers football, and spending time with his five children, thirteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Jim was known for his sense of humor, love of the outdoors, and creating special memories during family trips to Florida. A funeral service will be held on June 26th at St. Paul Catholic Church in Akron.

James Joseph Belinsky

Dorrence O. "Don" Hess

Dorrence "Don" O. Hess, 84, passed away on June 21, 2025, after being born in Meigs County, Ohio in 1940. A Vietnam-era Marine Corps veteran who retired from Goodyear after 36 years, Don was a member of Liberty Free Will Baptist Church and the Austin-Healey Club who enjoyed fishing, reading, and quoting Shakespeare. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Donna, his three children, two grandchildren, and an expected great-granddaughter, with funeral services scheduled for June 27 at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to One of a Kind Pets.

Dorrence O. Don Hess

Susan Mae Richards

Susan "Sue" Richards, age 77, passed away on June 21, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, where she was born in 1947. A member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness and the Akron Chargers Car Club, Sue enjoyed traveling, gardening, car shows, and was recognized for her hula hooping skills. She was married to David for 51 years until his passing in 2018 and is survived by her children, son-in-law, grandchildren, and brother. Visitation will be held on June 30, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home before she is laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Susan Mae Richards
{% if subscriber.rh_reflink != blank %}

Share with friends, get cool stuff, grow local!

Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome local reward when they subscribe.

{{subscriber.rh_reflink}}

PS: You have referred {{subscriber.rh_totref}} people so far

{% endif %}
Instagram

Interested in advertising? Get in touch.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

← Previous
🌡️ Meltdown Monday
Next →
🌊 Beat the heat