🏆 Hall of fame shuffle

Good morning, Stark County. From the football field to the battlefield, Stark County's stories this week span generations of impact. Real estate developer Stuart Lichter is making power moves at Canton's Hall of Fame Village, boosting his ownership stake to 72.5% as he inches closer to taking the troubled sports destination private. It's a significant shift for the publicly-traded company that has faced financial hurdles while pursuing its ambitious vision for a football fan's paradise.

Meanwhile, health initiatives are getting a $161,000 boost as the Austin-Bailey Foundation distributes grants to 12 local nonprofits supporting everything from senior services to housing assistance. And in a heartwarming twist, 104-year-old WWII veteran Denver Moore has become an unexpected TikTok sensation after inviting former President Trump to his May 17 birthday parade. With 286,000 views and counting, this retired postal worker and Army Air Corps trainer proves you're never too old to go viral.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏟️ Developer boosts stake in troubled Hall of Fame Village. Stuart Lichter has increased his ownership in Canton's Hall of Fame Village to 72.5%, moving closer to taking the company private. This expansion comes as the sports and entertainment destination faces financial challenges. Lichter, a real estate developer, controls the stake through his network of investment entities. The move signals intensified efforts to transition the publicly-traded company to private ownership.

💰 Stark County nonprofits receive $161,000 in health-focused grants. The Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation approved funding for 17 organizations across four Ohio counties, with 12 recipients in Stark County alone. Grants support diverse health initiatives including senior services, housing assistance, and medical equipment purchases. The foundation also provides $43,000 in scholarships to students pursuing health-related degrees at nine local universities. Nonprofit organizations interested in the next grant cycle must submit applications by May 27.

🎂 104-year-old WWII veteran invites Trump to his birthday party. Denver Moore's TikTok invitation to the former president has gone viral with over 286,000 views. The Massillon, Ohio resident, who turns 104 on May 17, will celebrate with a parade featuring firetrucks and police cars at the Canal Fulton VA club. Moore, a retired postal worker who served as a trainer with the U.S. Army Air Corps, expressed surprise at the video's success. "I'd be honored to have him come," Moore said of Trump.

Modern Renovated Three-level Home: # Real Estate SpotlightThis $169,900 Plain Township home, renovated in 2020, offers a stylish interior with updated appliances, LVT flooring throughout, and multiple versatile spaces across three levels, all in a convenient location near parks and shopping.

Updated Duplex Park Access: For $199,900, this ranch style duplex in Panther Estates sits on nearly an acre lot connecting to Diamond Community Park. Each unit offers an open layout with full basements, while the primary unit includes garage access.

Sprawling rural paradise worth exploring: This country-living dreamland, listed at $699,900, features a 3,500 sq ft farmhouse with original wood trim, an event-ready barn, in-ground pool, and heated garage with woodshop—all on 5 acres with commercial potential.

🗓️ 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 downtown Massillon - a soul-stirring evening not to be missed.

🍎 Mar. 28 - Help StarkFresh Move!: Help StarkFresh settle into their new home! Lend a hand moving equipment and supplies at 321 Cherry Ave NE in Canton on March 28. Drop in for any amount of time—every bit helps!

💎 Mar. 29 - Gem & Mineral Show: Unearth treasures at the Stark County Gem & Mineral Show at the Fairgrounds on March 29! From geode cracking to dazzling crystals and jewelry, this family-friendly event has something for every budding geologist.

🎨 Mar. 29 - Cardinal Love Cutout: Express your artistic side at the Cardinal Love Cutout workshop at Painting with a Twist in North Canton! Get creative on March 29 at 3pm while enjoying this fun, heartfelt painting experience.

🎬 Mar. 29 - Twilight Zone Film Fest: Step into the fifth dimension at Canton Palace Theatre's Twilight Zone Film Fest! Enjoy classic episodes on the big screen March 29 at 7:30pm. A mind-bending evening for sci-fi lovers.

🚚 Mar. 29 - Help StarkFresh Move!: Roll up your sleeves and help StarkFresh move to their new Cherry Ave location on March 29! Drop in for any amount of time—every helping hand makes a difference. Register online to join the community effort.

💎 Mar. 30 - Gem & Mineral Show: Treasure hunters unite at the Annual Stark County Ohio Gem and Mineral Show! Explore dazzling displays, jewelry, games, and silent auctions at Canton Fairgrounds on March 30 for just $5 (seniors discounted).

🚚 Mar. 30 - Help StarkFresh Move!: Lend a helping hand as StarkFresh moves to their new Cherry Ave location on March 30! Drop in for any amount of time you can spare—just register online first to let them know you're coming.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account each time you receive your paycheck; this effortless habit can help you build a financial cushion without feeling the pinch in your daily spending.

🙏 In Remembrance

Wade C. Baddeley

Wade C. Baddeley, 85, died on March 25, 2025, after being born in Alliance on August 24, 1939, to Albert and Axie Baddeley. He worked at General Motors in Lordstown and is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Iris, along with his grandson Terry Baddeley Jr. whom he raised, five other grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Wade was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, and numerous siblings including eight sisters and seven brothers. Following his wishes, no services will be held.

Robert James Armour

Robert James Armour, 73, of Canton, unexpectedly passed away on March 14, 2025. Born in Rochester, PA in 1951, he was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from Washington High School in 1969. Rob was a passionate musician who played drums, guitar, keyboards, and sang vocals in several bands including Big Lou and the Move, The Mauds, Gutz, and River's Edge, and even produced his own album called Nu Revo. He is survived by his sisters, numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, while being preceded in death by his parents, brother, brother-in-law, and an infant niece.

Harry W. Boivin Jr.

Harry William Boivin Jr., 84, passed away on March 23, 2025, leaving behind his wife of 60 years, Carol, as well as his children, granddaughter, siblings, and extended family. A proud US Navy veteran and skilled machinist, Harry maintained his passion for his work even after retirement. He was an enthusiastic railroad enthusiast who was active in train clubs for over 40 years. Above all, Harry cherished his family, prioritizing time with them and always beginning conversations with "I love you."

Retha Faye Kwasny

The obituary is currently in the process of being updated. Readers are advised to check back later for the complete information. No specific details about the deceased individual are available at this moment. The page appears to be a placeholder until the full obituary content is finalized. Visitors seeking information about the person who has passed away will need to return to the page at a later time.

Larry Allen Miller

Larry Allen Miller, aged 80, passed away peacefully on March 17th, 2025, in Canton, Ohio after battling lung cancer. Born in 1944 in West Virginia, he was known for his courage, wisdom, and generosity throughout his life. Larry was an all-star athlete in high school, worked at Republic Steel, and served in the Vietnam War as part of the Army's 8th Artillery. After retiring in 2002, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, fixing things, and spending time with his family, leaving behind sisters, sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will carry on his legacy of living fully and loving deeply.

Alicia C. Rozlog

Alicia C. Rozlog, 62, of Canton, passed away on March 24, 2025, at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center in Akron. Born in the Philippines in 1962 to Abraham and Isabel Castillejos, she worked at Shearer's Foods for 17 years and married Jeff Rozlog in 2000. She is survived by her husband, three children, five sisters, three brothers, and two grand-puppies. Visitation will be held on March 30 at Spidell Funeral Home in Brewster, with a Celebration of Life planned for later this year.