Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Stark County / March 21, 2025

🏈 Football fantasy paused

Stark County • March 21, 2025

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Good morning, Stark County. The vision of a "Disneyland of football" in Canton faces uncertainty as Hall of Fame Village CEO Michael Crawford steps down with key attractions still on the drawing board. While significant progress has been made since 2018, the much-anticipated football-themed waterpark and hotel remain unfinished dreams for this ambitious Ohio sports destination. The transition comes at a pivotal moment for a project that has captured the imagination of football fans nationwide.

Meanwhile, local infrastructures showed both vulnerability and resilience yesterday when Canton's 911 system temporarily crashed, routing emergency calls through the county sheriff until being restored by early afternoon. On a positive note, Jackson teachers have secured a solid financial future with their new three-year contract featuring 3% annual raises and unchanged medical benefits. The agreement, which extends through 2028, also includes plans for a Military Honors Wall at the high school—proving that honoring commitments extends beyond the classroom.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏈 Hall of Fame Village CEO exits with key projects still unfinished. Michael Crawford, who joined in 2018 to create the "Disneyland of football" around Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame, is stepping down from his leadership role. While the development has made significant progress during his tenure, some of the most anticipated attractions remain incomplete. The football-themed waterpark and adjacent hotel—centerpieces of the ambitious project—have yet to be completed. Crawford's departure marks a transition point for the high-profile Ohio sports destination.

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🚨 Canton's 911 system temporarily crashed, sending calls to sheriff instead. City officials assured residents they could still call 911 for emergencies, with Stark County sheriff dispatchers answering and routing calls to appropriate agencies. The system outage only affected Canton, with no other emergency dispatch centers reporting problems. Non-emergency calls could be made to 330-649-5800, though callers were advised to try again later if not promptly answered. As of 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Canton's 911 system was restored and is accepting calls again.

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💰 Jackson teachers secure 3% annual raises in new three-year contract. The agreement, effective from July 1 through June 30, 2028, includes no changes to medical benefits and offers a one-time 1% bonus for new teachers. Administrators will receive identical terms, including the signing bonus for newcomers. The Jackson Local Schools Board of Education approved these measures during their Tuesday meeting. Additionally, the board announced plans for a Military Honors Wall at the high school, expected to be completed by Veterans Day 2027.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Country Estate Needs Love: This estate auction boasts a private country home on .54 acres with 2,040 sq. ft., featuring an in-law suite, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and a 2-car garage. The property offers move-in potential or cosmetic renovation opportunities.
Real estate listing image Remodeled dream home new kitchen: $209,000 gets you a fully remodeled Perry Township home with new kitchen, updated systems, and a spacious upstairs bedroom featuring a walk-in closet. The fenced backyard and renovated garage complete this charming property.
Real estate listing image Perry bungalow with spacious yard: This $150,000 Perry bungalow offers a freshly painted living room with fireplace, eat-in kitchen, two main-floor bedrooms, and a spacious third bedroom upstairs, plus a single-car garage and deep backyard with shed.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🥐 Mar. 21 - Business Networking Breakfast: Power up your professional connections at Walther's Twin Tavern's Networking Breakfast! Bring business cards and a friend every 1st and 3rd Friday to mingle with like-minded local entrepreneurs. March 21, 430 Applegrove St NW.
🐇 Mar. 21 - Wonderland Cocktail Adventure: Fall down the rabbit hole at the White Rabbit Cocktail Party! Sip enchanted drinks and discover Wonderland-inspired surprises on March 21 at Ninth Street Event Center in Massillon.
👟 Mar. 22 - Sneaker Mania Extravaganza: Step into sneaker paradise at Sneaker Mania!!! on March 22nd. The Executive Event Center in Canton transforms into the ultimate footwear extravaganza where sneakerheads' dreams come true.
🏈 Mar. 22 - Breakfast with NFL Legend: Break bread with football legend Aeneas Williams at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on March 22! Your exclusive breakfast ticket includes full museum admission, offering a morning of gridiron stories and memorabilia.
🍎 Mar. 23 - The Fruit Truck: The Fruit Truck rolls into Athens Restaurant on March 23, bringing farm-fresh fruit directly from growers to your table! A decade-long community favorite—reserve your seasonal bounty at MyFruitTruck.com/reserve.

💰 Financial Friday

Take a moment to review your insurance policies annually; shopping around for better rates or coverage options can potentially save you money and ensure you have the right protection for your needs.

🙏 In Remembrance

Marcia Lynn Anatra

Marcia L. Anatra, 86, of Massillon, passed away on March 18, 2025, after being born in Canton on January 22, 1939, to Roy and Isabel Boyd. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert V. Anatra and her brother David Lee Boyd, and is survived by her three children and three grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Paquelet Funeral Home on March 28th, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Church on March 29th. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the food ministries at St. Joseph Parish.

Marcia Lynn Anatra

Barbara Lee "Bobbie" Muhlbach

Barbara "Bobbie" Lee Muhlbach, 78, passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2025, in Columbus after living most of her life in Massillon, Ohio. A graduate of Otterbein University with a master's from Ohio State, Bobbie served as an English teacher and Speech and Debate coach at Washington High School for 28 years, earning multiple teaching awards. She was active in her community through the Massillon Museum, Woman's Club, and St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, while enjoying pottery, photography, and various outdoor activities. Bobbie's greatest joy was her family, including her husband of 56 years, John, her two daughters, and five grandchildren.

Barbara Lee Bobbie Muhlbach

Gerald Ronald Montague

Gerald Ronald Montague, 93, of Massillon, passed away on March 14, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in 1931 in Alliance, OH, Jerry served in the Army during the Korean War and worked as a Master Plasterer and Ceramic Tile Setter, owned nursing homes with his wife Mary, built homes, and worked in real estate. He was dedicated to helping others through his church involvement, including starting a food pantry and serving on various committees. Jerry is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary, their five children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Gerald Ronald Montague

Eileen R. Jones

Eileen R. Jones, 96, of North Canton, passed away on March 17, 2025, after a life filled with family, faith, and simple joys. Born in 1929, she was a devoted wife to Jay Jones for 68 years until his passing in 2016, and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured time with her family. Eileen enjoyed cats, reading her Bible, coloring, shopping, and was an avid sports fan who loved beach trips. She is survived by her two daughters, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous siblings, and extended family members.

Eileen R. Jones

Carol E. Alessandrini

Carol E. Alessandrini, born July 13, 1938, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband Antonio, her parents, two brothers, and a sister. Carol, a Canton native and Central Catholic High School graduate, lived a life filled with family, friendship, and crafting, finding joy in simple things and sharing that happiness with others. She is survived by her three children, sister Nancy, and various grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be held on March 23 at Lamiell Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial on March 24 at St. Paul Catholic Parish, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.

Carol E. Alessandrini

Mildred "Millie" Scales

Mildred "Millie" Rebecca Scales, 97, of North Canton, passed away on March 15th surrounded by family. Born in Virginia in 1927, Millie was a devoted wife to William Scales, with whom she raised a family in Geneseo, Illinois after his military service. Throughout her life, she worked as a head cashier at A&P, a school bus driver for 29 years, and a church custodian before retiring in 2013. A woman of strong faith and a love for travel, Millie is survived by her son Mike, daughter Lisa, sister Linda, seven grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and many friends.

Mildred Millie Scales

Robert John Warner Sr.

Robert John "Bob" Warner Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of family dedication. As the eldest of 11 children, Bob served in the U.S. Army and National Guard before returning to work in and eventually run the family business, Warner's Garage and equipment, until 1993. Bob married Trudy Bowman, with whom he had one son, Rob, and cherished family traditions like spending Christmas in Key Largo. He is survived by his son, five grandchildren, and nine siblings, while being preceded in death by his wife Trudy, two step-sons, and several other family members.

Robert John Warner Sr.

Daniel R. Meadows

Daniel R. Meadows, 79, of North Canton passed away on March 18, 2025, after a life dedicated to education, having worked as a math teacher at Jackson Local Schools and as the Math Coordinator for the Stark County Board of Education. Born in Kentucky in 1945 and a graduate of Muskingum College, he was an active member of John Knox Presbyterian Church and served on the national board of Camps Farthest Out. He enjoyed coaching baseball, bowling, golfing, and cherished time with his family, including his wife Martha, his children, and eight grandchildren. A graveside burial will take place on March 21, followed by a memorial service on March 22 at John Knox Presbyterian Church.

Daniel R. Meadows

Kendra Gregg

Kaye Gregg, 84, of Zoar, passed away on March 12, 2025, after a life dedicated to education as a guidance counselor at Buckeye Career Center. She was married to her high school sweetheart, James Gregg, for 64 years and was known for her contagious passion for life, generosity, and love of family, travel, dining out, and shopping. Kaye is survived by her husband, two siblings, daughter Julie, son Jeffrey, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, having been predeceased by her son Joel. Her kindness, humor, and adventurous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Kendra Gregg

James W. Weldon, Jr.

James W. Weldon, Jr., a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, passed away at age 85 on March 17, 2025, in Massillon. After his military service at the Pentagon and Andrews Air Force Base, he worked as Director of House Keeping at Oshawa General Hospital in Canada. A member of First Assembly of God in Massillon, James enjoyed golfing, gardening, and Bible reading. He is survived by his wife Martha, three children, four grandchildren, a sister, and two nephews, while being preceded in death by his parents, a previous wife Judy, and his sister Helen.

James W. Weldon, Jr.

Stacey M. Spears

Stacey M. Spears passed away on March 17, 2025, at age 51, leaving behind her children Riley and Reese Spears, who were her greatest joy in life. Born in Youngstown, OH in 1974, she was known for her kindness, strength, and warm spirit that touched everyone she met. Stacey worked at Metallus (TimkenSteel) for 15 years and is survived by her children, parents, and many other loved ones. Her life will be celebrated at a future gathering where family and friends will honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable impact.

Stacey M. Spears

Sharon Yoder

Sharon Kaye Kandel Yoder, born September 24, 1944, passed away on March 17, 2025, at age 80. She married Cal Yoder in 1966 after meeting at Eastern Mennonite College, and together they served in education, with Sharon teaching for 32 years. A devoted member of Berlin Mennonite Church, Sharon leaves behind her husband, three children, six grandchildren, and seven siblings. Her family remembers her deep faith and joy in sharing Jesus with others, with memorial services scheduled for March 21-22, 2025, at Berlin Mennonite Church.

Sharon Yoder

Joseph Paul Harlett

Joseph Paul Harlett, 86, passed away on March 17, 2025, after a life dedicated to his trade as an electrician and carpenter for 45 years. A U.S. Army veteran and lifelong Ohio resident, Joseph found joy in his family farm, furniture making, and beekeeping, while also volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. His faith was central to his life as he served as a Lector at St. Paul Catholic Church for over 40 years. Joseph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary, their three children, five grandchildren, and siblings, with services to be held at St. Paul's Catholic Parish on March 22, 2025.

Joseph Paul Harlett
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