💰 Budget bonanza

Good morning, Stark County. Canton's budget just hit a staggering $343 million for 2025—that's roughly $860 for every resident in the city. The 6% increase, approved Monday night, allocates $76.6 million to the general fund with special attention to railroad crossings, bridge replacements, and programs supporting homeowners and youth entering the workforce. Meanwhile, a bizarre incident at Sippo Lake Park has left a 150-foot boardwalk bridge damaged after a 40-year-old man allegedly set it ablaze in the early morning hours, potentially causing up to $60,000 in damage.

As we approach the holiday season, the Stark County Hunger Task Force is launching its timely "Hunger at Home" campaign with a special event Tuesday evening at the Ken Weber Community Campus. The gathering offers residents a chance to learn about local food insecurity while enjoying refreshments and a facility tour. With both major infrastructure investments and community support initiatives underway, the county continues to balance immediate needs with long-term community development.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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Massillon

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Alliance

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Louisville

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Canal Fulton

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East Canton

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Magnolia

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Navarre

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

💰 Canton's 2025 budget soars to a whopping $343 million. The spending plan, approved by City Council Monday night, represents a 6% increase from last year. Of the total budget, $76.6 million is allocated to the general fund, with an additional $240,000 added to the capital side for railroad crossing and bridge replacement projects. Councilwoman-at-Large Crystal Smith emphasized the importance of improvement incentives for homeowners and businesses, as well as supporting youth entering the workforce.

🍽️ Stark County launches campaign to tackle hunger at home. The Hunger Task Force will kick off its annual Hunger at Home campaign with a special event Tuesday evening at the Ken Weber Community Campus in Canton. Attendees will hear presentations from staff about the organization's mission and impact while enjoying light refreshments and a facility tour. The event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and interested community members can reserve their spot online at starkhunger.org or by contacting the organization directly.

🔥 Canton man torches 150-foot boardwalk bridge at Sippo Lake Park. The 40-year-old suspect was charged with felony arson and vandalism after the suspicious blaze erupted around 2 a.m. Tuesday. Perry Fire Chief Larry Sedlock reported that the fire damaged a wood-composite section of the popular walking and biking trail between Exploration Gateway and the Sippo marina. Authorities discovered social media photos showing the suspect apparently setting the fire, though his motive remains unclear. Damage to the park structure could cost between $50,000 and $60,000 to repair.

Updated colonial priced to sell: This charming colonial at $185,000 offers an elegantly updated interior with open-concept living, three bedrooms, and a bonus lower level, all complemented by premium upgrades and a lovely backyard patio.

Spacious Countryside Home Wedding Oasis: This $699,900 Plain Township farmhouse offers country charm on five acres with a wedding-ready barn, 20x40 pool, and heated 5+ car garage, while the interior boasts 3500 sq ft of renovated space including a master suite and dual rec rooms.

Ranch Gem Loaded With Upgrades: This adorable ranch-style home in Plain Local school district, priced at $174,000, features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and boasts numerous recent upgrades including a new roof, furnace, AC and windows.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎵 Mar. 28 - The Inspirations Live: Gospel legends The Inspirations bring their heavenly harmonies to Lions Lincoln Theatre on March 28! Catch their uplifting performance at 7:00 PM in Massillon – an evening of soul-stirring music awaits.

🚚 Mar. 28 - Help StarkFresh Move!: Lend a helping hand as StarkFresh moves to their new Cherry Ave location! Drop by on March 28th to help with the transition—even an hour makes a difference. Register online to join this community effort.

💎 Mar. 29 - Stark County Gem Show: Dig into dazzling treasures at the Stark County Gem & Mineral Show! Explore crystals, jewelry, and geode cracking at the Stark County Fairgrounds on March 29—fun activities for the whole family.

💖 Mar. 29 - Cardinal Love Cutout: Get creative with a charming Cardinal Love Cutout at Painting with a Twist in North Canton! Express your artistic side on March 29 at 3pm while enjoying this heartwarming painting experience.

🎬 Mar. 29 - Twilight Zone Film Fest: Step into the fifth dimension at Canton Palace Theatre's Twilight Zone Film Fest! Enjoy spine-tingling classics on the big screen March 29 at 7:30pm. 605 Market Ave N, Canton.

🧃 Mar. 29 - Help StarkFresh Move!: Roll up your sleeves and help StarkFresh move to their new home on March 29! Drop by 321 Cherry Ave NE in Canton to lend a hand—come for an hour or stay all day. Register online.

💎 Mar. 30 - Stark County Gem Show: Treasure hunters unite at the Annual Stark County Ohio Gem and Mineral Show! Browse dazzling displays, jewelry, and dealer booths at the Stark County Fairgrounds on March 30. Adults $5, with food trucks on-site.

🚚 Mar. 30 - StarkFresh Moving Day: Roll up your sleeves and help StarkFresh relocate to their new Cherry Ave home on March 30! Drop in for any amount of time—every helping hand makes a difference. Register online to join the moving crew.

🙏 In Remembrance

Mary L. Roebuck

Mary L. Roebuck, 91, of Massillon, OH, passed away on March 24, 2025, after demonstrating a remarkable fighting spirit throughout her life. Born in 1933 as the youngest of ten siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband Pete, whom she married in 1951. Mary is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She was known for her love of card games, auctions, the Game Show Network, and her title as "Bingo Queen" at her nursing facility, where she formed special bonds with her caretakers.

Dolores Mary Janini

Dolores Mary Janini, 90, formerly of Green, Ohio, passed away on March 22, 2025, after a distinguished career in nursing education that included teaching at St. Thomas Hospital School of Nursing and Kent State University. Born in 1935 and raised by her grandmother after her mother's death, Dolores earned both bachelor's and master's degrees before retiring in 2000. She was married to Dr. Dominic Janini for nearly 60 years, with whom she raised five children and enjoyed many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dolores treasured family camping trips to Maine and took great pride in her family's educational achievements.

Mary Craddock

Mary L. Craddock, age 86, passed away on March 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service and family. Born in Canton in 1939, she was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and retired from Canton City Schools as a "lunch lady." Throughout her life, Mary engaged in various entrepreneurial ventures with her husband Tom and volunteered extensively at First Christian Church and Canton Christian Home. She is survived by her four daughters and their families, including numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, while her husband of almost 64 years preceded her in death.

Dennis Duane Harwig, Sr.

Dennis Duane Harwig, Sr., an 82-year-old Massillon native, passed away on March 24, 2025. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he had a distinguished career with the Massillon Police Department from 1964 to 1991, retiring as Chief of Police, and later owned Harwig Bail Bonds and served as Massillon City Council President. Denny was deeply involved in his community through Divine Mercy Parish and numerous local organizations including the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Massillon Lions Club. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, four children, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity.

Beverly J Mason

Beverly J. Mason passed away on March 23, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who dedicated her life to her family and was a lifetime member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, siblings, and two grandchildren. She is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and one sister. Services will be held on March 31 at Arnold & Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home in Canton, followed by committal at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Ernest James "Ernie" Zwick

Ernest "Ernie" James Zwick, 89, of Louisville, OH passed away on March 22, 2025, at home. A Marine Corps Reserves veteran and longtime carpenter/superintendent for Hammond Construction Co., he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and local fraternal organizations. Ernie is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marilynn, five children, 11 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, March 28, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with interment at St. Joseph Parish Cemetery.

Larry A Shaw Sr.

Larry Shaw, Sr., a 79-year-old Akron native and U.S. Army Green Beret who served in Vietnam, passed away on March 23rd. A sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching the Cavs, Ohio State, Browns, and Yankees, Shaw was also a member of the Softball Hall of Fame and devoted member of Firestone Park Presbyterian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Thelma Shaw, his brother Charles, and sister Louise. Shaw is survived by his wife Erica, son Larry Jr., and several family friends, with a memorial service scheduled for March 29 at Firestone Park Presbyterian Church.

Fritznel Ducasse

Fritznel, who was born on September 25th, 1983, passed away on March 22nd, 2025, at the age of 41. No details were provided about his life accomplishments, family members, or cause of death. The obituary only contained basic birth and death information. This brief notice marks the passing of Fritznel but offers no additional context about his life or legacy.