Good morning, Portage County. Northeast Ohio is saying goodbye to a true local legend this week. Richard Barnes, who ran Barnes Sawmill for nearly six decades after returning from Army service, has passed away at 85. The Chester Township resident wasn't just a sawmill operator – he was an award-winning maple syrup producer who also found time to tear up drag racing tracks in the 1960s, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in the region's agricultural heritage.
The area's cultural calendar is filling with noteworthy events, including acclaimed Akron jazz guitarist Dan Wilson bringing his soulful sounds to Happy Days Lodge on April 16. Wilson, who's toured with jazz luminaries like Christian McBride, offers a rare opportunity to experience world-class music in the rustic setting of Cuyahoga Valley. Meanwhile, University Heights officials continue wrestling with facility upgrade decisions as they weigh options for addressing aging infrastructure against budget constraints.
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84%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🪓 Lifelong sawmill owner Richard Barnes passes away at 85. The Chester Township resident ran Barnes Sawmill for nearly 60 years, taking over the family business after returning from Army service in 1965. An award-winning maple syrup producer, Barnes also enjoyed drag racing in the 1960s and proudly watched his son continue both family traditions. The father of two and grandfather of one died on April 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in Geauga County's agricultural heritage.
🎸 Jazz guitarist Dan Wilson brings soulful sounds to Cuyahoga Valley. The accomplished Akron musician, who has toured with Christian McBride and Joey DeFrancesco, will perform at the intimate Happy Days Lodge on Wednesday, April 16. Wilson, who studied Brazilian music for his master's thesis, will be joined by vocalist Jessica Yafanaro, a classically trained singer with a decade of performance experience. Though Wilson has released four albums and performs at jazz festivals nationwide, he maintains strong connections to northeast Ohio's vibrant music scene. The 7:30pm concert offers a rare opportunity to experience world-class jazz in the rustic setting of a national park.
🏢 University Heights faces facility upgrade stalemate amid financial concerns. Mayor Brennan wants to acquire the former Wiley School for a community center and service department, while council members like Vice Mayor Weiss argue the city can't afford the purchase. The building has significant maintenance issues including water damage and asbestos. Council approved exploring three options presented by FGMA Architects, including keeping facilities at their current location or using part of the Wiley property. Weiss, who is running to replace the outgoing Brennan, wants to limit spending to $30 million for essential police, fire and service facilities.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
LaBrae's Vikings sailed to a 3-0 season start after outdueling Garfield's G-Men 7-5 in Monday's Mahoning Valley showdown. The rivals won't have to wait long for a rematch, as they'll square off again Tuesday in what promises to be a spicy sequel.Meanwhile, Lowellville's Rockets blasted off to a 9-7 victory over the winless Waterloo Vikings in league play. The Rockets evened their record at 2-2 and, in a scheduling quirk that's becoming the week's theme, will immediately travel to Waterloo Tuesday for round two of this budding rivalry.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Garfield (4-1) | ||
@ LaBrae | L 7-5 | |
Waterloo (0-2) | ||
@ Lowellville | L 9-7 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
LaBrae Vikings edged the Garfield G-Men 8-6 in a seesaw Mahoning Valley Athletic showdown that left both teams eager for Tuesday's rematch. The Vikings improved to 6-1 while the G-Men dropped to 3-3, setting up what promises to be an intriguing immediate rematch in this budding rivalry.Meanwhile, Rootstown's Rovers dominated John F. Kennedy Catholic 11-2, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about in non-league action. The win improved Rootstown to 2-3 while the Eagles fell to 0-3, continuing their search for the season's first victory before facing undefeated Mogadore (5-0) in their next test.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Crestwood (0-6) | ||
@ Berkshire | L 13-1 | |
Tallmadge (3-5) | ||
@ Roosevelt | W 10-1 | |
Garfield (3-3) | ||
@ LaBrae | L 8-6 | |
Rootstown (2-3) | ||
vs John F. Kennedy Catholic | W 11-2 | |
Roosevelt (1-5) | ||
vs Tallmadge | L 10-1 | |
Windham (1-5) | ||
vs Lordstown | W 20-1 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Upgraded three-bedroom manufactured bargain: Priced at just $44,900, this well-maintained 3-bedroom manufactured home in P & M Mobile Estates features a spacious layout, new flooring, and modern kitchen updates, plus a freshly painted interior and new roof installed in 2020.
Modern Cape estate chef-ready: Priced at $450,000, this Cape-style home on 2 acres boasts a chef's kitchen with quartz counters, first-floor owner's suite, sunroom, and expansive deck—all freshly updated with modern finishes.
Spacious luxury home great neighborhood: Priced at $480,000, this spacious 5-bedroom home features an open-concept layout with a gourmet kitchen, luxurious owner's suite, finished basement, and multiple flex spaces in the desirable Meadow View neighborhood.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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