Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Stark County / March 7, 2025

🧑‍⚖️ Bench swap

Stark County • March 7, 2025

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Good morning, Stark County. When one door closes, another opens—and in Canton's legal world, that's quite literally the case. Longtime prosecutor Dennis Barr is trading his familiar position in front of the bench for the judge's seat at Canton Municipal Court, bringing 35 years of courtroom experience to his new role after Governor DeWine's appointment. Meanwhile, Hall of Fame Resort has bought itself some breathing room with a Nasdaq deadline extension until June 30, as it contemplates a potential private buyout offer that's more than double its current trading price.

The symphony world is facing its own transition as conductor Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz surprisingly announced his departure effective next May. Having stepped in following Gerhardt Zimmermann's passing in 2023, Jaroszewicz provided much-needed stability during a difficult time. Though he's leaving his primary role, he'll continue his work with the Youth Symphony, ensuring his musical influence remains in Canton even as guest conductors prepare to take the podium.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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⚖️ Longtime prosecutor takes the bench in Canton Municipal Court. Governor DeWine has appointed Dennis Barr, head of the criminal division in the Stark County Prosecutor's Office, as the new judge of Canton Municipal Court. Barr replaces Judge Curt Werren, who has moved to become the Stark County probate judge. A veteran prosecutor since 1989, Barr previously ran unsuccessfully for the same judicial seat in the November 2023 election. He transitions from his familiar position in front of the courtroom to presiding over it after years of leading criminal prosecutions.

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🏈 Hall of Fame Resort gets Nasdaq deadline extension to avoid delisting. The company now has until June 30 to hold its annual shareholder meeting, according to a recent SEC filing. The delay comes as the company reviews a proposal from majority shareholder Stuart Lichter to take the company private at $1.98 per share, significantly above its current trading price of about $0.95. The 100-acre development in Canton includes several completed venues, but has struggled to secure financing for its water park and hotel projects. An amendment also increased the company's borrowing limit by $1 million to $5.15 million for general corporate purposes.

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🎭 Canton Symphony's conductor Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz announces surprise departure. The music director submitted his resignation effective May 19, 2025, concluding his leadership at the end of the upcoming season. Jaroszewicz stepped in following Gerhardt Zimmermann's unexpected passing in 2023, providing stability during a challenging transition. While leaving his main role, he will continue working with the Youth Symphony Advanced Orchestra. The symphony has already arranged for guest conductors next season, including Buffalo Philharmonic's JoAnn Falletta.

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🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

The Spartans showed no mercy on their home court, dispatching Canton Central Catholic 77-59 in Wednesday's non-league clash. Richmond Heights (17-9) controlled the tempo throughout, leaving the Crusaders (18-7) searching for answers as their impressive season hit a roadblock. The victorious Spartans now set their sights on Lutheran East, who bring a formidable 22-4 record into Saturday's showdown.

TeamOpponentScore
Canton Central Catholic (18-7)
@ Richmond Heights*
L 77-59

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Fresh Affordable Renovated Home: This charming abode, priced at $135,000, features a completely renovated kitchen and bathrooms, along with fresh flooring and paint throughout the entire space.
Real estate listing image Cozy updated bungalow with den: This charming $125,000 bungalow boasts 2-3 bedrooms, including a first-floor main bedroom, plus a bonus den and modern updates like a high-efficiency furnace (2022) and hot water tank (2022).
Real estate listing image Updated bargain with modern finishes: This chic pad priced at $135,000 offers a completely renovated living space with brand-new kitchen, updated bathrooms, fresh flooring, and various other modern enhancements throughout the home.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎭 Mar. 7 - Canton First Friday Celebration: Kick off spring at Canton First Friday! Stroll through Centennial Plaza on March 7 from 5-9pm for live music, mouthwatering food, local art, and downtown shopping in this vibrant monthly celebration.
🥊 Mar. 8 - THE BRAWL III: Step into the ring for THE BRAWL III! United Boxing Club brings electrifying Pro/Am boxing action to Canton Memorial Civic Center on March 8. Don't miss this knockout night of high-stakes fights!
🍹 Mar. 8 - NOLA Cocktail Experience: Transport yourself to the Big Easy at The Barrel Room's NOLA Nights! Sip and learn during this New Orleans cocktail master class on March 8th in North Canton. Your taste buds will thank you!
🎭 Mar. 8 - Kids Doing Comedy: Young comedians take the stage at Canton Comedy Boom for "Kids Doing Comedy" on March 8! Laugh along as budding jokesters showcase their humor at this family-friendly event in downtown Canton.
👜 Mar. 8 - Perry's Purse Bingo Bash: Bag the perfect night out at Perry Helping Perry's 2nd Annual Purse Bingo! Score designer handbags while enjoying food, drinks, and 10 bingo games at Canton McKinley FOE on March 8. Your ticket includes everything you need!
🎾 Mar. 9 - North Canton Racquet Club: Grab your racquet and head to North Canton Racquet Club on March 9! Enjoy a day of friendly competition and community connection at 6330 Promway Ave NW in Canton.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account each month; even a small amount can add up over time and help you build a financial cushion without even thinking about it.

🙏 In Remembrance

James I. Sanders

James "Jim" Sanders, nicknamed "Colonel" by fellow miners, passed away on February 27, 2025, in North Canton, Ohio at age 80. Born in Denver, Colorado, he worked in Silverton mines from 1970 before becoming a paddle wheeler captain in Lake Havasu City, Arizona until his retirement in 2005. Known as a hard worker and loving father and grandfather, Jim is survived by his three children, four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. His cremains will remain in Colorado following a future Celebration of Life.

James I. Sanders

Denise Ann Lindeman

Denise "Neesee" Lindeman passed away on March 3rd, leaving behind her siblings Kirk, Eric, and Troy, along with their spouses and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces. Known for taking care of everyone, especially children, Neesee enjoyed the beach, Ohio State football, cooking, dogs, and reading, among other interests. Her life adventures included co-owning a pizza and pie shop in Amish country and traveling to destinations like the Outer Banks, Siesta Key, and Las Vegas. Despite facing health complications in recent years, Neesee maintained her friendly spirit, never meeting a stranger, and donations in her memory can be made to the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

Denise Ann Lindeman

Linda Francis Finley

Linda Francis Finley, an 80-year-old lifelong Massillon resident, passed away on March 3, 2025, and is survived by her husband of 63 years, Donald, along with her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She worked in Massillon City Schools' kitchen, was a dedicated Red Cross volunteer who donated blood 100 times, and served as notary and secretary for the Massillon Amateur Radio Club. Linda enjoyed camping, water skiing, playing bingo, baking, and spending time with her great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held at Paquelet Funeral Home on March 12th, followed by a graveside service at Brookfield Cemetery and a celebration of life at Moose Lodge 1102.

Linda Francis Finley

Sharon J Clark

Sharon J Clark, 73, of Massillon, passed away on February 26, 2025. She was the daughter of Dean and Vivian McGrady and daughter-in-law of James and Phyllis Clark. Sharon is survived by her husband, James D Clark, along with family and friends who will greatly miss her. Private services will be held at the family's convenience, with online condolences available at Reed Funeral Home's website.

Sharon J Clark

Flement "Punk" Mayle

Flement "Punk" Mayle, 72, of Canton, passed away on March 2nd at his home. Born in West Virginia in 1952, he was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings. Punk enjoyed old cars and eating, but his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his significant other of over 50 years, Nettie Mayle, as well as two sons, four sisters, one brother, three grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on March 7th at the New Covenant Church in Canton, with burial to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Flement Punk Mayle

Very Rev. Dr. Michael Massouh

The Very Reverend Dr. Michael Massouh, born in 1939, passed away on February 18th after a brief illness. He had a distinguished academic career, holding leadership positions at several universities before entering the Orthodox priesthood at age 60, following in his grandfather's footsteps. Throughout his life, Michael balanced his academic pursuits with his faith, maintaining a radio show on religion and giving lectures on science and religion even in his final months. A devoted family man, he was married to Virginia Jacox for nearly 60 years, raised four children, and is survived by his siblings, children, and five grandchildren.

Very Rev. Dr. Michael Massouh

Linda M. Gattuso

Linda (Kennedy) Gattuso, 64, passed away on February 23, 2025, after a life filled with simple joys including gardening, yard sales, and cooking shows. Born in 1960, she graduated from McKinley High School in 1978 and was married to Donald Gattuso from 1984 until his passing. She is survived by her three sisters and numerous nieces and nephews, while being preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother. Linda's warm and generous spirit, evident in how she made gatherings special, will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Linda M. Gattuso

Jeffery S. Salewsky

Jeffery "Jeff" Salewsky, a lifelong Canton, Ohio resident and owner of Salewsky Welding and Custom Fabricating, passed away on March 1st, 2025 at age 41. Born in 1983, Jeff graduated from Canton South High School before pursuing welding and launching his own business in 2013. Known as a "gentle giant" with an infectious laugh and heart of gold, Jeff enjoyed outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and four-wheeling, while always being available to support family and friends. He is survived by his mother, numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews, with a Celebration of Life to be announced later in place of a formal funeral.

Jeffery S. Salewsky
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