Good morning, Stark County. Nature is getting a remarkable upgrade in Bethlehem Township, where a once-failing ditch is transforming into a thriving fen wetland with 71 native plant species. The park's new "wind phone" installation offers something equally meaningful—a space where visitors can speak to departed loved ones through an unconnected rotary phone, creating a poignant intersection of nature and remembrance as residents prepare for higher electric rates starting May 1.
The spirit of community support continues to flourish across the county, with Spectrum awarding grants to the Marlboro Women's Club and Jackson Bear Hugs for their essential community work. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Rachel Doty exemplifies local impact through her role at The Workshops Inc., where she helped secure a $170,000 Lowe's grant for facility renovations while creating opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities—proving that career changes can sometimes lead to the most fulfilling paths.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🌿 Bethlehem Township unveils wetland restoration and wind phone for 2025. The Navarre-Bethlehem Township Community Park has planted 71 new Ohio native plant species to transform a failing ditch into a thriving fen wetland area. A memorial "wind phone" booth has been installed where visitors can speak to deceased loved ones through an unconnected rotary phone. Township residents will see electric aggregation rates increase to 8.390 cents per kilowatt/hour starting May 1, up from the current 6.325 cents. Community events planned for 2025 include an Easter egg hunt, a Large Item Recycle Day, and summer yoga sessions in the park.
🏙️ Stark County buzzes with community grants and upcoming events. Two local organizations recently received Spectrum Employee Community Grants - Marlboro Women's Club got $5,000 for basic necessities and Jackson Bear Hugs received $2,500 for student formal attire. Several events are on the horizon, including a youth fishing derby on April 26, a community basketball game on May 3, and Project REBUILD's breakfast on April 24. The Massillon Road roundabouts project earned national recognition for improving safety and saving the city $1.2 million. Nature enthusiasts can attend programs on drought resilience, wildflowers, and wildlife through Stark Parks.
👩💼 Marketing manager Rachel Doty transforms lives at nonprofit workshop. The 29-year-old left her radio career to make a difference at The Workshops Inc. (TWi), which provides employment services for adults with developmental disabilities. Doty secured a $170,000 Lowe's Hometowns grant that contributed to a $250,000 renovation of their Massillon facility. She views marketing as "education, advocacy and relationship building" rather than just social media management. Doty loves her diverse role that includes planning dances and overseeing renovations while working with a team committed to empowering others.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
In a nail-biter at Powell, Olentangy Liberty edged North Canton Hoover 2-1, improving to 6-3 on the season. The Patriots' pitching staff came through when it mattered most, setting up what promises to be an intriguing matchup with Upper Arlington next time out.Lake Blue Streaks made short work of Marlington in a commanding 10-0 shutout victory that was never in doubt. The Blue Streaks (3-2) flexed their offensive muscles while their pitching staff completely silenced the Dukes' bats, giving Perry something to think about before their upcoming Federal battle.Perry Panthers finally broke into the win column with a dominant 12-1 thrashing of Salem, improving to 1-7 and giving their fans something to cheer about. After seven frustrating losses to start the season, the Panthers' bats came alive at just the right time as they prepare to face a confident Lake squad fresh off their own blowout victory.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
McKinley (7-2) | ||
vs Ellet | W 11-2 | |
Hoover (5-4) | ||
@ Olentangy Liberty | L 2-1 | |
@ Dublin Coffman | L 5-2 | |
GlenOak (6-2) | ||
@ Mentor | W 3-2 | |
Lake (3-2) | ||
vs Marlington | W 10-0 | |
Perry (1-7) | ||
@ Salem | W 12-1 | |
Marlington (3-4) | ||
@ Lake | L 10-0 | |
Louisville (5-3) | ||
vs New Philadelphia | W 2-1 | |
Minerva (3-3) | ||
vs East Liverpool | L 5-2 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
The Riverside Beavers gnawed their way to a 4-2 victory over Hoover Vikings, improving to 9-2 on the season. The Beavers continue to build their dam of success while the Vikings sail back to port with a 7-4 record.Mentor Cardinals squeezed past Hoover Vikings 4-3 in Saturday's nail-biter, giving the Cardinals something to sing about as they improved to 5-6. The Vikings, now 7-4, will need to sharpen their horns before facing Archbishop Hoban on Monday.Independence Blue Devils outgunned Perry Panthers 13-10 in a wild offensive showdown, keeping their perfect 6-0 record intact. The Panthers slumped to 1-7, proving that in softball, as in life, independence has its advantages.Marlington Dukes sailed past Lakeview Bulldogs 10-5, showing why they're the royalty of the diamond at 4-1. The Bulldogs, now 5-2, will need to find their bite before facing Poland Seminary in their next Northeast Eight Athletic test.Boardman Spartans defended their home field with warrior-like precision, dispatching the GlenOak Golden Eagles 5-1. At 9-2, these Spartans are proving to be the
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Washington (5-4) | ||
vs Columbia | L 10-9 | |
Hoover (7-4) | ||
@ Riverside | L 4-2 | |
@ Mentor | L 4-3 | |
GlenOak (5-3) | ||
vs Boardman | L 5-1 | |
@ Copley | W 12-10 | |
Perry (1-7) | ||
@ Independence | L 13-10 | |
Alliance (3-7) | ||
vs Field | L 7-6 | |
vs Field | L 26-4 | |
Marlington (4-1) | ||
@ Lakeview | W 10-5 | |
Louisville (4-7-1) | ||
vs Medina | W 9-2 | |
vs Manchester | L 8-4 | |
Fairless (2-8) | ||
@ Malvern | W 16-0 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Fresh split-level home near park: Priced at $235,000, this 3-bed, 1.5-bath split-level home features fresh carpeting, updated electrical, and three garage spaces, all within walking distance to Al Leno Park and a short drive to Oakwood Square.
Luxurious wooded pool paradise: This Jackson Township retreat asks $549,000 for a spacious 4-bedroom home with an in-ground pool, private yard, and luxury updates including granite countertops and new flooring, all nestled on 1.6 wooded acres.
Rural paradise awaits smart buyers: A countryside retreat at 410000, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home on an acre of land offers peaceful living with a partially finished basement, 2-car garage, deck, and above-ground pool in the Marlington school district.🙏 In Remembrance
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