Stark County • April 11, 2025
Good morning, Stark County. In a major boost to public safety, the Sheriff's Office has secured a $123,829 state grant to strengthen its drug task force operations—part of Governor DeWine's $3 million initiative supporting law enforcement agencies across Ohio. The funding arrives just as the county prepares to unveil its milestone 30th park this Friday, transforming a former sewage treatment plant into the sprawling 520-acre Pike Ridge Park with rolling hills, ponds, and miles of hiking trails.
On the cultural front, country star Chase Bryant is bringing more than just music to Kent State University at Stark on April 25. The 31-year-old singer will perform while sharing his personal mental health journey at Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health's 50th anniversary celebration. Bryant's candid discussions about suicide prevention complement the nonprofit's mission of serving over 4,000 local children annually—a powerful reminder that sometimes the most important conversations happen through art.
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🚔 Stark County gets major boost to fight drug crime. The Sheriff's Office received a $123,829 state grant to help its drug task force combat illegal drug activity and enforce drug laws. This funding is part of a larger $3 million initiative supporting 38 local law enforcement agencies across Ohio, announced by Governor Mike DeWine's office. Agencies can use these resources to investigate drug trafficking organizations, gather intelligence, and coordinate multi-agency efforts. The grant can also fund support for overdose victims and their families through education and treatment options.
🎵 Country star Chase Bryant brings mental health advocacy to Ohio. The 31-year-old singer will perform and share his personal struggles with suicide at Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health's 50th anniversary event on April 25. Taking place at Kent State University at Stark, the celebration includes dinner and a Q&A session with Bryant, whose journey is chronicled in his 2021 album "Upbringing." The nonprofit organization provides mental health services to over 4,000 children annually across four Stark County locations. Tickets cost $75 and are available through Monday on the agency's website.
🌳 Stark County unveils its 30th park this Friday. Pike Ridge Park, a sprawling 520-acre property in Pike Township, will open to the public with grand opening festivities from 1-3 p.m. Once a sewage treatment plant owned by the city of Canton, the land has been remediated and transformed into a natural oasis featuring rolling hills, ponds, and wildlife habitats. Previously accessible only by appointment for horseback riders, the park will now welcome hikers to miles of trails, though some paths are still under development. Stark Parks will manage the property under a 25-year agreement with Canton, offering visitors unique elevated views of southern Stark County's countryside.
Alliance Aviators maintain their perfect 6-0 record after grounding the Salem Quakers 3-1 in Eastern Buckeye action. The two teams will run it back Thursday in what's sure to be a revenge game for the 1-3 Quakers.Carrollton Warriors improved to 4-1 after fending off the visiting Marlington Dukes 4-2 in league play. The Warriors and Dukes will face off again Thursday, giving Marlington minimal time to adjust their game plan after dropping to 2-3.Jackson Polar Bears continued their dominant season with a 4-0 shutout over the struggling Perry Panthers. At 6-0, the Polar Bears are hibernating in the win column while Perry remains winless at 0-6 heading into Thursday's rematch.Lake Blue Streaks edged Washington Tigers 1-0 in a nail-biting non-league pitchers' duel. The Blue Streaks improved to 2-2 while sending the Tigers back to Massillon with a 1-4 record and likely a few sleepless nights wondering where that one crucial run went wrong.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
McKinley (4-2) | ||
vs Green | L 10-0 | |
Washington (1-4) | ||
@ Lake | L 1-0 | |
Hoover (5-2) | ||
vs GlenOak | W 2-1 | |
Jackson (6-0) | ||
@ Perry | W 4-0 | |
GlenOak (5-2) | ||
@ Hoover | L 2-1 | |
Lake (2-2) | ||
vs Washington | W 1-0 | |
Perry (0-6) | ||
vs Jackson | L 4-0 | |
Alliance (6-0) | ||
vs Salem | W 3-1 | |
Marlington (2-3) | ||
@ Carrollton | L 4-2 | |
Minerva (3-2) | ||
vs West Branch | L 3-0 | |
Sandy Valley (1-4) | ||
vs Springfield | W 10-0 | |
Fairless (5-0) | ||
@ Manchester | W 3-2 (8) |
Sandy Valley Cardinals made quick work of the Malvern Hornets Wednesday, delivering a crushing 14-0 shutout that was about as one-sided as a pancake on a flat griddle. The Cardinals improved to 5-2 with the dominant performance, while Malvern dropped to 3-6 as they search for answers before facing winless Hiland on Friday.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
McKinley (3-6) | ||
vs Green | L 13-1 | |
Hoover (7-2) | ||
@ Louisville | W 10-5 | |
Canton Central Catholic (1-4) | ||
vs John F. Kennedy Catholic | W 10-9 (8) | |
Alliance (3-4) | ||
vs Salem | L 4-2 | |
Marlington (3-1) | ||
@ Carrollton | W 13-1 | |
Louisville (2-6-1) | ||
vs Hoover | L 10-5 | |
Sandy Valley (5-2) | ||
@ Malvern | W 14-0 | |
Fairless (1-8) | ||
vs Manchester | L 14-0 |
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