Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Stark County / March 20, 2025

🎨 Culture cash boost

Stark County • March 20, 2025

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Good morning, Stark County. The curtain is rising on an impressive $1.4 million arts campaign that's transforming our region into a cultural powerhouse. It's no wonder Canton-Massillon recently ranked as the eighth most arts-vibrant medium-sized metro area nationwide. The impact reaches far beyond aesthetics—the smARTS program is boosting student test scores by an impressive 30% across county school districts, proving that creativity and academic success go hand in hand.

Meanwhile, Ohio finds itself at an energy crossroads as aging power plants retire just as electricity-hungry server farms like Massillon's Bitdeer project increase demand. The power puzzle grows more complex as Massillon officials unanimously passed a resolution fighting to protect local marijuana tax revenue from proposed state legislation. With two dispensaries set to open this year, city leaders are calling the potential redirection of funds a "bait-and-switch" that contradicts voter intentions.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🎨 Stark County's $1.4-million arts campaign kicks off with ambitious goals. The 2025 ArtsinStark "Campaign for the Arts" runs through May, supporting not just the Cultural Center but organizations, artists, and education countywide. President Mo Ater highlights the smARTS program, which boosts student test scores by 30% across all county school districts. Donations are welcomed through both corporate payroll deductions and individual contributions. The campaign's importance is underscored by Canton-Massillon's recent recognition as the eighth most arts-vibrant medium-sized metro area nationwide.

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⚡ Ohio faces an electricity supply crisis at a critical moment. The state's energy landscape is shifting as aging coal and nuclear plants retire while wind energy adoption lags behind. Meanwhile, demand surges from electricity-hungry server farms like the Bitdeer project in Massillon are straining resources. Walsh University Business School Dean Marc Fusaro points to interconnected power grids as Ohio's saving grace, allowing the state to import electricity from neighboring regions. PJM Interconnection, which manages the power grid across 13 states including Ohio, plays a crucial role in this energy balancing act.

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🌿 Massillon fights to protect marijuana tax revenue from state changes. City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing Ohio legislation that would redirect cannabis tax money away from local communities. The bills would funnel funds from voter-approved programs into the state's general revenue fund instead. Two marijuana dispensaries are set to open in Massillon this year, with city officials calling the proposed changes a "bait-and-switch" that contradicts what voters supported in 2023. Other Stark County municipalities, including Canton, are considering similar resolutions against the state proposals.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

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Real estate listing image Profitable Duplex Near Meyer's Lake: Priced at $289,900, this turn-key duplex investment in Meyer's Lake offers mirrored units with updated kitchens, open floor plans, two bedrooms each, and is fully leased until May 2025.
Real estate listing image Turnkey duplex steady income: Priced at $139,900, this turnkey duplex investment features a 1-bed unit with a month-to-month tenant and a 2-bed, furnished unit leased through August, plus a front porch and spacious backyard.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👑 Mar. 20 - Women of Tomorrow Panel: Join influential women from Stark County for "Women of Tomorrow," an inspiring panel discussion celebrating Women's History Month. Hear powerful stories and experiences on March 20 at Glenoak in Canton.
🍽️ Mar. 20 - CLEO Luncheon Canton: Join the buzz at CLEO on the Go Luncheons in Canton! Savor delicious eats at Crush House on March 20th at 11:30 AM while connecting with community members. Grab your tickets now for this popular local gathering.
🎵 Mar. 20 - Legacy Five Concert: Gospel harmony comes alive when Legacy Five takes the stage at Hartville Kitchen on March 20! Join the spirited performance at 7:00 PM in this cozy Hartville venue. Tickets available now.
📚 Mar. 20 - Get It Together!: Unlock your family history at "Get It Together!" at Stark Library's Jackson branch on March 20. Learn about Ohio Genealogical Society writing contests and get tips for organizing your ancestral research.
🍳 Mar. 21 - Networking Breakfast Meetup: Kickstart your morning with like-minded professionals at Walther's Twin Tavern! Bring business cards and a friend to our bi-monthly Networking Breakfast on March 21. Connect, share, and grow your business community.
👟 Mar. 22 - Sneaker Mania Extravaganza: Step into sneaker paradise at Sneaker Mania!!! on March 22nd. The Executive Event Center in Canton transforms into a footwear wonderland where your sneaker dreams come true!
🍎 Mar. 23 - The Fruit Truck: Fresh fruit fanatics, rejoice! The Fruit Truck returns to Athens Restaurant on March 23, bringing farm-fresh produce directly from growers to your community. Reserve your goodies at MyFruitTruck.com/reserve.

🙏 In Remembrance

Derick D. Parsons

Derick D. Parsons, 42, of Canton, passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2025. Born in 1982 and a McKinley High School graduate, he enjoyed being a Denver Broncos fan, fishing, and playing pool. He is survived by his parents, two daughters, a granddaughter, sister, nephew, niece, other extended family members, his girlfriend, and his rescued cat Pedro. Derick was preceded in death by his close cousin Justin Laird, his grandparents, and an uncle, with cremation taking place and a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

Derick D. Parsons

Gloria Deanna Hoskinson

Gloria D. Hoskinson, 85, of Perry Township, passed away on March 16, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. Born on September 9, 1939, in Belmont County, OH, she was preceded in death by her husband Eugene, her parents, and four siblings. Gloria is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and her brother John Gatten. Following her wishes, private services will be held, and she will be inurned at East Union Lawn Cemetery alongside her husband.

Gloria Deanna Hoskinson

Jack Sheldon Lash Jr

Jack Sheldon Lash Jr., who was born on October 18, 1951, passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age of 73. No details were provided about his life accomplishments, family, or career in the brief obituary. The cause of death was not mentioned in the information given. No information was shared about funeral arrangements or memorial services. His legacy and surviving family members were also not included in this brief death notice.

Charles R. Puhl

Charles R. Puhl, 87, passed away on March 17, 2025, after being born in Alliance on January 25, 1938. He worked at Transue and Williams for 30 years and enjoyed golfing, home projects, and frequently upgrading his cars. Charles is survived by his wife Judy, four children, eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and two sisters, while being predeceased by his parents and brother Raymond. A funeral service will be held on March 21st at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home.

Phillip M. White

Phillip Masahiro White, 74, of Massillon, passed away on March 16, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Japan in 1951, he worked in construction and steel manufacturing before retiring from Timken Company in 2016. Phil enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, and had a passion for military aircraft, BBQ, and cooking. He is survived by his wife Patricia, three daughters, multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, step-children, and siblings, while being preceded in death by his first wife Pamela and several family members.

Phillip M. White

Ralph R. Rennie

Ralph R. Rennie, 82, of Magnolia, passed away on March 15, 2025, after a lifetime in the area where he graduated from Sandy Valley High School and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He worked at The Timken Co. for 33 years and was active in many community organizations, including as a 32-degree Mason. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Sally, a grandson, and two brothers, and is survived by three sons, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one brother. Services will be held Saturday at the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home with interment at Magnolia Cemetery.

Ralph R. Rennie

Sharon Masalko

Sharon L. Masalko, 86, of Perry Twp., passed away on March 16th, 2025. Born in Coldwater, Alabama in 1939, she was a devoted member of multiple Catholic parishes throughout her life and a longtime member of The McKinley Eagles. Sharon was active in her community, serving on the Richville Park Association Board, supporting Boy Scout troops, and participating in bowling leagues and a card club. She cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and is survived by her five children, nine grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 21, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.

Sharon Masalko

Lucinda Mae "Cindy" Sohar

Lucinda Mae "Cindy" Sohar, 72, of Kidron, Ohio, died on March 17, 2025, at her home after an extended illness. Born in 1952 in Maryland, she married Jan Sohar in 1972 and settled in Kidron in 1976, where she is survived by her husband, son Michael, and several siblings. As an active member of Salem Mennonite Church of Kidron, Cindy served as church librarian for 35 years and participated in numerous sewing and quilting projects. She was an accomplished knitter who enjoyed various crafts, with memorial services scheduled for March 24, 2025, at Salem Mennonite Church.

Lucinda Mae Cindy Sohar

Ruth A. Sampson

Ruth A. Sampson, born on February 14, 1942, passed away on March 17, 2025, at the age of 83. After graduating from Lincoln High School and Aultman Hospital School of Radiologic Technology, she worked as an X-ray technician for Canton Orthopedics and later for Dr. Tetsuo Tatsumi until 1996. In retirement, Ruth worked at the Stark County Board of Elections and volunteered extensively, including with the Aultman Woman's Board, The Canton Woman's Club, and Christ Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her daughter Julia Frankland, several cousins, and a close friend, while being preceded in death by her husband David Sampson and other family members.

Ruth A. Sampson
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