🔍 Hidden troubles

Good morning, Summit County. Behind closed doors at a Brimfield Super 8 Hotel, a troubling discovery unfolded when 26-year-old Krystian Hastings was found dead under a bed in Room 212. With no visible trauma but evidence suggesting drug involvement, investigators are awaiting toxicology results while a person of interest has been arrested on an unrelated warrant—adding another layer to this developing mystery.

Meanwhile, Akron's industrial heritage hangs in the balance as the historic 114-year-old Firestone building faces possible demolition, with preservation costs estimated at $5 million more than razing it. The clock tower's fate remains uncertain as preservationists rally to save this piece of the city's manufacturing legacy. Elsewhere in Akron, a mother's desperate battle against water damage and suspected mold in her rental home continues, with authorities now involved after her landlord repeatedly ignored pleas for repairs.

🌤 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

💀 Akron man found dead under hotel bed in mysterious circumstances. Krystian Hastings, 26, was discovered in Room 212 of a Super 8 Hotel in Brimfield on June 27, with police finding no visible trauma but evidence of possible drug use. The body has been sent to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office for toxicology testing and autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Investigators identified Joshua Bock, 30, as having been in the room when it was rented, and he was later arrested in Kent on an unrelated abduction warrant from Lorain County.

🏭 Akron's historic Firestone building faces demolition after 114 years. The city's Urban Planning Department recommends tearing down the former tire factory due to high maintenance costs and limited redevelopment potential. While the building became an Akron Historic Landmark in 2013 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, officials estimate preservation would cost $12.3 million compared to $7.3 million for demolition. The Historic Preservation Commission is requesting more information before making a final decision, with some members and preservationists hoping to at least save the iconic clock tower. The factory's rich history includes manufacturing for both World Wars, making it deeply significant to Akron's industrial heritage.

💧 Akron mother battles water invasion and suspected mold in rental home. Rhyannon Schenck discovered extensive water damage in her son's bedroom where a large bubble burst through the wall, exposing wood that's now saturated. The concerned mother believes black gunk appearing throughout the damp house is mold, posing serious health risks to her family of three. Despite multiple pleas to her landlord, who hung up when contacted by local news, repairs haven't been made to address the deteriorating conditions. Schenck is now working with housing authorities and the health department to escape her lease and protect her family from the unhealthy living environment.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎵 Jul. 2 - Blossom Salute to America: Celebrate America with patriotic tunes and spectacular fireworks at the Blossom Music Festival! Join the festivities on July 2 at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls for this star-spangled musical tribute.

📆 Jul. 02 - Full Day Wednesday: Bounce into summer fun at Super Ninja World's One Full Day Wednesday on July 2! Kids can leap, climb, and play all day at their exciting facility on Graham Road in Cuyahoga Falls.

📅 Jul. 03 - Afternoon Half Day Session: Bounce into summer fun at Super Ninja World's One Full Day Thursday! Kids can leap, climb, and play from 12:30-4:00 PM on July 3rd at 69 Graham Rd A, Cuyahoga Falls.

⚾ Jul. 4 - RubberDucks vs. Sea Wolves: Cheer on the RubberDucks as they face the Erie Sea Wolves this Independence Day at Canal Park! Enjoy America's favorite pastime right in downtown Akron on July 4th.

🚀 Jul. 4 - Akronauts at Lock 3: Blast off with the Akronauts at Lock 3 Park this Independence Day! Enjoy this exciting local event on July 4th at 3:00 PM in downtown Akron, perfect for kicking off your holiday celebrations.

🎵 Jul. 4 - Umojah Nation Festival: Groove to the reggae rhythms of Umojah Nation at the Soul Of The City Festival! Join the celebration on July 4th at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron for this free, vibrant summer performance.

🎉 Jul. 5 - Akron Bicentennial Parade: Celebrate Akron's 200th birthday with a festive downtown parade at Lock 3 Park on July 5! Join the community as colorful floats and performers wind through South Main Street in this historic celebration.

🍽️ Jul. 5 - Sample the City: Tantalize your taste buds at Sample the City on July 5, 2025! Embark on a flavorful journey through Akron's best local cuisine at Lock 3 Park, 200 S Main St.

🙏 In Remembrance

Paul Ray Shaver

Paul R. Shaver passed away peacefully on Saturday morning surrounded by family. He was passionate about motorcycles, especially enjoying riding and working on them with his grandson Jacob, and also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and fishing in his younger years. Throughout his life, he worked at Gulf Gas Station, Chadima's BSA Sales, and General Die Casters. As a loving father, grandfather, and husband, he is survived by his wife Sheila, three daughters, grandson Jacob, and several other family members. A memorial service will be announced at a later date, with arrangements handled by Adams Mason Funeral Home.

Mary Stupak

Mary Stupak, 96, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, just three weeks after her husband Ernie's death. A retired Coastal Tank Lines employee, Mary was known for her love of dancing with Ernie, especially polka, waltz, and jitterbug, as well as her cooking talents and enjoyment of family card games. She is survived by her daughters Carolyn and Marlene, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on July 12 at West Hill Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio.

Vicky Pearl Ferrell

Vicky Pearl Ferrell, 69, of Barberton, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2025. A dedicated employee of Barberton City Schools, she enjoyed camping, games, reading, and gardening, and cherished time with her family and her dog, Emma Lou. Known for her unconditional love, kindness, and positive outlook despite health challenges, Vicky is remembered as a strong and courageous inspiration who left a legacy of love and compassion. She is survived by her children Aaron, Beau, and Andrea, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two brothers, and an extended family, having been preceded in death by her parents, husband Jessie, former husband Gerald, and a great-grandson.

Laura Jane Knoyer

Laura Jane Knoyer, 83, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away on June 13, 2025, after being born in Akron, Ohio in 1941. She was predeceased by her parents Howard and Gwendolyn Faris, her husband George Richard Knoyer, and her sister Suzanne Shadley. Laura spent her retirement years in California enjoying jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, caring for her dog Tinkerbell, and spending time with family. She is survived by her children Kathleen and Gregory, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and other extended family members, with a small graveside service held on June 30, 2025, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Mary Angela Fitzpatrick

Mary Angela Fitzpatrick, known as Mamie, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at age 73. Born in Norwood, MA in 1951 and raised in Ohio, she graduated from Ohio University in 1974 before living in Boston and later spending over two decades in California, eventually returning to Ohio. Though never married, Mary was a devoted aunt and great-aunt who cherished family relationships and maintained friendships across the country. She had a passion for music, held strong political convictions, and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that touched many lives.

Glennis Nyles Wisdom

Glennis N. Wisdom, known as "Glen," passed away at age 81 on June 29, 2025, in Brimfield Township, Ohio, after a long battle with diabetes. Born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Glen was remembered for his gentle nature, love of sports, and as a pillar of his hometown of Sellersburg, where he played Santa Claus and supported many local organizations. He was preceded in death by his wife Carole, his parents, and two siblings, and is survived by his two sons and their families, including five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A celebration of Glen's life will be held on July 19, 2025, at Grace Community Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.

William Wert Wilcox

William W. Wilcox, 93, passed away on June 30, 2025, after spending most of his life in Akron and serving 33 years with the Akron Police Department until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of several police organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police and Akron Area Police and Fire Retirees. William was preceded in death by his wife Carol, daughter Kristine, parents, and sister, but is survived by his three sons, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a niece, and great-nephews. His funeral service will take place on July 3, 2025, at the Billow Fairlawn Chapel with interment at Hillside Memorial Park.

Marlene K. Mercurio

Marlene K. Mercurio (1939-2025) of Cuyahoga Falls, OH passed away on June 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. A graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School and Heidelberg College with a degree in elementary education, she devoted her career to teaching and helping children with learning disabilities in the Ashland City Schools, Falls Savings Bank, and Swift First Aid. Marlene was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls and found inspiration at Grace Cathedral where her son served as a reverend. She is survived by her children, step-children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, who will deeply miss her loving presence.

Rosemary Ann Kungl

Rosemary Ann Kungl passed away on June 29, 2025, at age 83 after battling dementia, survived by her three children and eight grandchildren. Born in Green, Ohio, to Martin Kurosky and Katherine Ann Stehler, she married Martin Kungl in 1960 following their meeting at the German American Club in 1958. She was known for her bubbly personality, love of dancing, cooking skills (especially her buckeye candies), and dedication to her family and faith. A funeral service will be held on July 12, 2025, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Akron, with donations requested to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.

Helen M. DiGiammarino

Helen M. DiGiammarino, 88, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2025, reuniting with her husband Joseph after 57 years of marriage. She is survived by her children Jon and Debbie, several siblings, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. After retiring from the Police Credit Union in 1995, Helen enjoyed playing various games, cooking large meals, and baking Christmas cookies. Calling hours will be held on July 2 at Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home, with a private burial service following on July 3.

Donald E. Cole

Donald Earle Cole, a deeply religious man with a passion for learning, passed away at age 84 on June 27, 2025. After graduating from Falls High School and attending Wheaton College, he pursued both theological education at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and dental training, eventually working as a dentist in Chicago, Switzerland, and at military bases. His retirement years were marked by health challenges, spending his final seven years in a nursing home alongside his wife Nancy until her passing in November 2024. Donald is remembered for his humor, intelligence, and faith, leaving behind brothers Robert and Edward, as well as many nieces and nephews.