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

🏠 Privacy patrol

Stark County • April 7, 2025

​

Good morning, Stark County. A mother's battle for privacy rights has taken center stage as Catherine Smith joins a lawsuit challenging unannounced home inspections for families receiving Medicaid services. Her story highlights the delicate balance between oversight and dignity for vulnerable residents like her 6-year-old daughter Gabby, who lives with severe epilepsy—a reminder that even well-intentioned policies can sometimes feel intrusive to those navigating complex care systems.

Meanwhile, the digital landscape grows increasingly treacherous as sophisticated email scammers deploy convincing business disguises to trick unsuspecting recipients. These phishing attempts arrive just as Stark County gears up for Tuesday's primary election kickoff, where voters will weigh in on everything from a Children Services levy to North Canton's proposed income tax increase. Whether protecting your personal information or exercising your civic duty, both require the same careful attention to detail this week.

🌤 Sky Skoop

CantonWeather Icon
28°
53°
rain 84%
MassillonWeather Icon
28°
53°
rain 84%
AllianceWeather Icon
27°
53°
rain 0%
North CantonWeather Icon
28°
53°
rain 84%
LouisvilleWeather Icon
28°
53°
rain 84%
Canal FultonWeather Icon
27°
54°
rain 68%
East CantonWeather Icon
28°
53°
rain 84%
MagnoliaWeather Icon
28°
51°
rain 80%
MinervaWeather Icon
28°
51°
rain 80%
NavarreWeather Icon
28°
53°
rain 84%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

♿ Stark County mom fights for disabled daughter against unannounced home visits. Catherine Smith has joined a lawsuit challenging an Ohio policy allowing county officials to inspect homes of Medicaid waiver recipients without warning. Her 6-year-old daughter Gabby, who has severe epilepsy, receives services through the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Smith felt violated when an administrator showed up unexpectedly at her home last August, leaving her anxious and worried about potential future visits. The lawsuit argues these inspections violate privacy rights, while officials maintain they're following administrative code requirements.

Read more

🎣 Email scammers are masquerading as trusted businesses to steal your information. These sophisticated phishing attempts use authentic-looking logos and graphics to trick recipients into believing they've received legitimate communications about unauthorized transactions. Scammers create urgency, hoping you'll click suspicious links or call fake customer service numbers without thinking. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying claims independently by visiting official websites directly, never sharing personal information, and reporting suspicious emails. The Better Business Bureau advises getting a second opinion if you're unsure about an email's legitimacy.

Read more

🗳️ Early voting begins Tuesday for Stark County's May primary election. Voters will decide on a statewide infrastructure funding measure (Issue 2) and a Children Services replacement levy that would increase taxes for homeowners. North Canton residents face an income tax increase proposal that could help fund a new fire station. Those voting early in-person must bring a valid photo ID, while mail-in ballot requests must be received by April 29. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, May 6.

Read more

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Storybook bungalow on private acres: Charming $424,900 storybook bungalow offers 3 beds, 2 baths on 2.5 private acres with hardwood floors, unique features like an antique piano kitchen island, and four garage spaces just minutes from parks and trails.
Real estate listing image Bright updated ranch with extras: This updated Ranch at $349,000 features an open floor plan with fresh paint, natural light, and numerous updates including remodeled bathrooms and a modern kitchen, while a finished lower level with fireplace and fenced backyard offer additional living and entertaining space.
Real estate listing image Affordable updated ranch home awaits: This two-bedroom ranch home with updated kitchen, bathroom, and electric is listed at $120,000. The property features a recreation room, two-car detached garage, and metal roof updated in 2023.

🙏 In Remembrance

Brenda G Kuhns

Brenda Gail Kuhns, 76, of Canton, Ohio, passed away on April 4th at her home. Born in Asheville, North Carolina in 1948, she worked as a school bus driver for Plain Local School districts for many years before retiring. Known for her caring and compassionate nature, Brenda had a love for her pets, including her dog and four cats. She is survived by her daughter Terri Scott, brother James Sherlin, three grandchildren, a niece, and other family members and friends.

Brenda G Kuhns

James William Keller Sr.

James W. Keller Sr., 73, of Canton, OH, passed away on April 2, 2025. Born in 1951, Jim was a Perry High School graduate who owned Keller's Harrison and Tusc Auto until retirement. He was married to Pat, his sweetheart since 8th grade, for 46 years until her passing. Jim enjoyed racing, NASCAR, camping at Springwood Lake, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his two children, several fur grand-babies, his sister, nephew, and many other relatives and friends.

James William Keller Sr.

Patricia C Thiessen

Patricia C. Thiessen, 74, of Navarre, passed away on April 4th at Aultman Compassionate Care, just before her 75th birthday. Born in 1950 to Patrick and Claire Nelligan, Patricia was known for her love of animals and the joy she found in spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband David, two daughters, four grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and other family members. Services are being handled by the Waltner-Simchak Funeral Home.

Patricia C Thiessen

Mabel L. Foster

Mabel L. Foster, 93, of Massillon and formerly of Brewster, passed away on April 4, 2025. She was married to James W. Foster for 38 years until his death in 1996, and later spent 25 years with her companion Richard "Boone" Getz. After working at Nickles Bakery for 42 years, she retired from her office position, and was an active member of St. James Church and the Order of Eastern Star. Though she had no children of her own, she cherished her nieces and nephews, and was known for her cheerful disposition and sense of humor.

Mabel L. Foster

Sharon A. Smith

Sharon A. Smith, 74, of Brewster, passed away at home on April 4, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Canton on October 25, 1950 to William and Virginia "Kitty" Lewis, Sharon is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren, one great-grandson, a sister, and two brothers. Following her wishes, cremation has taken place with no services planned, and arrangements are being handled by Spidell Funeral Home. Those wishing to honor her memory may send flowers or plant a tree through the funeral home's floral store.

Sharon A. Smith

Dr. Richard Allen and Doris J. Langsdorf

Doris Jean Langsdorf (84) and Dr. Richard Allen Langsdorf (85), a devoted couple married for 65 years, passed away peacefully on March 31 and April 2, 2025, respectively. Doris was known for her generosity, wit, and artistic talents, while Richard was respected for his compassion and dedication as a pediatrician for nearly 50 years. Together, they shared a life filled with travel, church involvement, and deep commitment to their three daughters and grandchildren. They are survived by their daughters Laura, Lynn, and Lisa, their grandchildren, and extended family members, with a celebration of their lives scheduled for April 10, 2025, at Cherry Blossom Banquet Hall.

Dr. Richard Allen and Doris J. Langsdorf
{% if subscriber.rh_reflink != blank %}

Share with friends, get cool stuff, grow local!

Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome local reward when they subscribe.

{{subscriber.rh_reflink}}

PS: You have referred {{subscriber.rh_totref}} people so far

{% endif %}
Instagram

Interested in advertising? Get in touch.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

← Previous
🏙️ Border battles
Next →
🍷 Vineyard victory