🚔 Badge backstage

Good morning, Stark County. Ever wondered what happens behind the badge? Canton police are pulling back the curtain with their seven-week citizens academy, offering residents a rare glimpse into everything from use of force to crime lab operations. Applications close Friday for this hands-on program that culminates with the "We Believe in Canton" community event—perfect timing as the county prepares for a rollercoaster weather week ahead.

Mother Nature seems determined to remind us that spring in Ohio means expecting the unexpected. Today's near 70-degree warmth will give way to potentially severe thunderstorms by evening, followed by a midweek temperature plunge and weekend showers. Meanwhile, drivers might want to rethink their usual routes as construction season kicks into high gear—with Orion Street NW closing for four months and various projects reducing I-76 to a single lane through Akron's Central Interchange.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Canton

39°

48°

85%

Massillon

39°

48°

85%

Alliance

37°

50°

89%

North Canton

39°

48°

85%

Louisville

39°

48°

85%

Canal Fulton

39°

48°

85%

East Canton

39°

48°

85%

Magnolia

39°

48°

85%

Minerva

39°

48°

85%

Navarre

39°

48°

85%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

👮‍♂️ Canton police invite citizens behind the badge for seven-week academy. The program offers a deep dive into police operations, covering everything from use of force to the crime lab. Participants will attend classes every Thursday from May 1 through June 5 at the Thomas Wyatt Training Academy. Graduation will coincide with the "We Believe in Canton" community event on June 11. Interested residents must submit applications by Friday, with options to apply in person, by mail, email, or online.

🌩️ Stark County braces for severe storms and temperature swing. A storm system moving alongside a cold front is expected to disrupt Monday's warm temperatures near 70 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook, warning of potentially severe thunderstorms this evening and wind gusts up to 40 mph on Tuesday. After the cold front passes, temperatures will drop to highs around 50 degrees midweek before warming back up to near 70 by Friday. Weekend forecasts show continued unsettled weather with a 70% chance of showers on Saturday.

🚧 Orange barrels signal major road projects across Northeast Ohio. Plain Township is closing Orion Street NW for four months beginning Monday to completely rebuild the problematic roadway with new storm sewers and updates. In the Alliance area, two weeklong culvert replacement projects are starting on Beechwood Avenue in Washington Township and Freshley Avenue in Lexington Township. Meanwhile, drivers in Akron will face more congestion as eastbound I-76 through the Central Interchange joins westbound lanes in limiting traffic to one lane.

Team	Opponent	Score
Jackson (8-0)
	vs Stow-Munroe Falls	W 6-0

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Two homes poolside paradise: For $449,900, this ranch home offers flexibility with 3 beds, 2.5 baths, plus a separate guest quarters with 3 more beds and 2 baths—complete with pool, deck, and dual 2-car garages in the desirable Lake Cable area.

Spacious updated home countryside living: Priced at $219,900, this charming 3-bedroom home sits on nearly an acre with updated bathrooms, wood and LVT flooring throughout, and a full basement ready to be transformed into additional living space.

Luxurious spacious versatile dream home: The Corsica, listed at $578,990, offers 4,009 square feet of luxury with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, an owner's suite with Roman shower, and versatile spaces including a finished basement and three-car garage.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍽️ Apr. 16 - Dinner: Grab a seat at Tim's Tavern for a cozy dinner gathering on April 16! Join fellow community members at 3323 Parkway St NW in Canton for good food and better company.

🍽️ Apr. 16 - Taste of Hope 2025: Savor culinary delights at Taste of Hope 2025! Join community advocates and sample incredible dishes from top local restaurants, featuring a celebrity Food Network chef on April 16 at 601 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton.

🍹 Apr. 16 - Charity Guest Bartending: Join Chris behind the bar at Town Tavern on April 16! Stop by 101 E Main Street for drinks with a purpose—all tips benefit Lake and Trails, teaching kids hunting and fishing skills.

✍️ Apr. 16 - Writers Circle Meetup: Unleash your inner wordsmith at the Creative Writing Club! Join fellow writers at Stark Library's Main Branch on April 16 to share ideas and celebrate the power of words in a supportive community.

🍷 Apr. 17 - First Ladies Wine Night: Raise your glass at the First Ladies National Historic Site for the final Third Thursday Wine & Cheese event showcasing "Leaders in Literacy" exhibit on April 17. Don't miss this last chance to sip and explore!

🥐 Apr. 18 - Morning Business Networking: Kickstart your morning with like-minded professionals at Walther's Twin Tavern's Networking Breakfast! Bring business cards and a friend every 1st and 3rd Friday—next gathering April 18 at 430 Applegrove St NW.

🐰 Apr. 19 - Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza: Hop on over to Waco School in East Canton for the exciting East Egg Hunt on April 19! Join the community for a springtime tradition where little ones can search for colorful treasures.

🐰 Apr. 20 - Easter Celebration Brunch: Hop over to Gridiron Gastropub for a festive Easter Brunch on April 20! Enjoy springtime flavors at this Canton hotspot located at 2101 Hall Of Fame Way NW.

🙏 In Remembrance

Dustin Alan Zimmer

Dustin Alan Zimmer, age 33, passed away unexpectedly on April 8, 2025, after having overcome significant health challenges including a liver transplant at age three. He resided at the NDSI group home in North Canton, where he received loving care, and was a graduate of Southgate School who also worked at Amore Services. Dustin is survived by his mother Susan, sister Karen, and several extended family members, while being preceded in death by his father Ted and his grandmothers. Known for his loving personality, sense of humor, and love of Burger King, Dustin's memory will be honored through donations to charities supporting individuals with disabilities in lieu of flowers.

Robert Louis Leone

Robert Louis Leone, 84, of Massillon, passed away on April 11, 2025, at home. Born in Flushing, OH in 1940, he was a US Army veteran who worked for Massillon Steel Castings for 21 years and later for the Village of Navarre until his retirement in 2006. Bob enjoyed lawn care, gardening, fishing, cards, traveling, making wine, and taking care of his 2015 Chevy Truck. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Roselynn, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his sister, while his parents and several siblings preceded him in death.