Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Stark County / May 8, 2025

🏙️ Tax victory triumph

Stark County • May 8, 2025

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Good morning, Stark County. The third time proved to be the charm in North Canton, where voters finally approved a tax increase that will boost city coffers by nearly $3.7 million annually. The compromise that sealed the deal? Officials will eliminate three property tax levies, saving homeowners about $131 per $100,000 in property value while funding a much-needed fire station and critical infrastructure improvements.

Meanwhile, small-town spirit is alive and well in East Sparta, where the village of 750 residents is embracing both new beginnings and cherished traditions. As recycled playground equipment finds new homes and Boo's Brew's Coffee Trailer serves up fresh cups Tuesday through Saturday, classic car enthusiasts are polishing their chrome for Massillon's Cruise-In & Music Festival on June 7. The event returns for its second consecutive year after a COVID hiatus, promising everything from vintage Cadillacs to modern Lamborghinis alongside live music and food trucks.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🔥 North Canton voters approve tax hike after two previous rejections. The city's income tax will increase from 1.5% to 2% effective January 1, raising an additional $3.6-3.7 million annually. In exchange, city officials pledged to end collection of three property tax levies, saving homeowners about $131 per $100,000 in property value each year. Approximately $16 million from the new revenue will fund construction of a much-needed fire station, with remaining funds supporting fire department operations and street maintenance. Mayor Stephan Wilder expressed gratitude, saying voters are "helping to build a community that we all want to live in."

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🏡 East Sparta's 2025 plans bring new life to small village. The community of 750 residents will vote on two critical tax levies for fire services and road maintenance in November. Former Perry Local school playground equipment will find new homes at two village locations this summer, while Boo's Brew's Coffee Trailer has opened to serve residents Tuesday through Saturday. The 87th annual East Sparta Homecoming Festival returns June 19-21, featuring live music, activities, a parade and fireworks.

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🚗 Massillon's Cruise-In & Music Festival roars back to downtown June 7. The free event will showcase around 300 classic cars, hot rods, and motorcycles in the heart of downtown Massillon, Ohio. Running from noon to 9 p.m., the festival features live performances from three bands starting at 2 p.m. on Duncan Plaza. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, ax throwing, and displays ranging from vintage Cadillacs to modern Lamborghinis. After a COVID-induced hiatus, the 2025 event marks the second consecutive year for the popular car show that draws thousands of visitors.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

Alliance Aviators soared past the Marlington Dukes 5-1 in Eastern Buckeye action, continuing their impressive flight pattern to a 13-5 record. Meanwhile, across town, GlenOak's Golden Eagles weren't just golden but downright dominant, blanking the McKinley Bulldogs 7-0 in Federal league play to improve to 15-4. Both winning squads will face immediate rematches with their opponents tomorrow, giving the Dukes and Bulldogs precious little time to lick their wounds.

TeamOpponentScore
GlenOak (15-4)
@ McKinley
W 7-0
Alliance (14-5)
vs Marlington
W 5-1
Marlington (11-9)
@ Alliance
L 5-1
McKinley (13-7)
vs GlenOak
L 7-0

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

TeamOpponentScore
McKinley (7-15)
vs Jackson
L 16-0
Jackson (13-5-1)
@ McKinley
W 16-0
Lake (16-4)
@ Chardon
W 8-0
Marlington (11-5)
vs Salem
W 15-0

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Colonial bargain triple bedrooms: This charming $119,900 colonial-style home offers over 1,100 sq ft of living space with three bedrooms, modern finishes, a covered front porch, and a fenced yard on a double city lot.
Real estate listing image Colonial Gem Downtown Price Champion: This charming $138,500 Colonial from the early 1900s offers 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, and modern updates like luxury vinyl flooring and a refreshed kitchen, all minutes from downtown Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Real estate listing image Spacious bungalow near HOF Village: This well-maintained $159,000 bungalow near HOF Village offers 1800+ sq ft with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, updated kitchen, new roof, and renovated deck, all priced competitively for the spacious layout.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👵 May 8 - Canton Senior Expo 2025: Step into the Canton Senior Expo 2025 at Market Avenue on May 8! Discover exciting activities, live concerts, and art exhibitions for an unforgettable day out in Canton. Perfect for seniors seeking new experiences.
🌽 May 8 - North Canton Farmers Market: Discover fresh local treasures at North Canton Community Farmers Market on May 8! Browse diverse vendors and soak up the vibrant community atmosphere at 845 W Maple St for a delightful evening out.
🌇 May 8 - Akron Evening Activities: Join the community buzz at Hartville Kitchen for "Seven PM," a delightful evening of local entertainment and connection. Discover what's happening in Akron on May 8 at 1015 Edison St NW.
🏠 May 8 - Canton Open House: Step inside your potential dream home at 2533 57th St NE in Canton! Explore this charming property during our Open House on May 8, from 4PM to 6PM.
🎸 May 9 - Randy's Mother's Day Show: Groove into Mother's Day weekend with Randy's high-energy performance at Bugsy's Italian Cuisine! Enjoy three hours of entertainment alongside house-made Italian delights, including Randy & Sandy's favorite tiramisu, on May 9.
🥂 May 10 - Moms & Mimosas Celebration: Sip and paint at "Moms & Momosa's" on May 10 at Painting with a Twist in North Canton! Your $35 ticket includes a refreshing momosa, pastries, and fruit during this adults-only creative morning escape.
🛍️ May 10 - Hey Mama Market: Celebrate Mom at SidestreetMKTS' "HEY, MAMA MKT" with open-air shopping at Oakwood Square on May 10. Browse unique gifts while enjoying the spring air at 2610 Easton St NE, Canton.
🎭 May 10 - Waco Homecoming Parade: Join the festive Waco Homecoming celebration! Hop on our trailer at Amford & Waynesburg Drive (11am) for the parade, then stick around as we provide lively entertainment at Waco School on May 10.

🙏 In Remembrance

Thomas W. DeHaven

Thomas William DeHaven, 69, of North Canton, passed away on May 5, 2025, at Aultman Hospital. Born in Altoona, PA in 1955, he worked as an auditor at AEP for over forty years and was an active member of Little Flower's Men's Club and finance committee. He is survived by his wife Beverly, having been preceded in death by his parents William and Margaret and his brother Richard. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on May 9, 2025, at Little Flower Catholic Parish, with entombment to follow at North Lawn Cemetery.

Thomas W. DeHaven

Robert E. Greer Sr.

Robert E. Greer, Sr. passed away on May 2, 2025, at age 91, leaving behind his wife of 69 years, Helen Marie Breedlove Greer, along with two sons, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A Navy veteran and award-winning industrial photographer, Bob was known for his sense of humor, work ethic, and genuine concern for others. He was an active member of Canton Baptist Temple, serving as a deacon, head usher, and on the counting team. His memorial service will be held on May 8, 2025, at the Canton Baptist Temple Henniger Ministry Center, followed by interment at North Lawn Cemetery.

Robert E. Greer Sr.

Richard Miller

Richard G. Miller, 75, of Canton, passed away on May 4, 2025, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. A proud Perry High School graduate, he was an avid sports enthusiast who played softball, baseball, fumble ball, and golf, and was inducted into the Greater Canton Amateur Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. Rick is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lorie, their children Alexandra and Noah, his brother Timothy, and many friends and loved ones. Known for his friendly nature and love of family, Rick enjoyed Ohio State Buckeyes games and watching the Cleveland Browns with his family every Sunday. Funeral services will be held on May 9-10, with donations requested to Gigi's Playhouse or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Richard Miller

Barbara I. Schumacher

Barbara Irene Schumacher, 83, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away on May 3, 2025, after living most of her life in Massillon with her husband David of 53 years. A devoted educator for nearly 30 years, she taught elementary school in the Tuslaw Local School District after graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Education in 1963. Barbara was an active member of Stanwood Community Church for 60 years and embraced creative pursuits including music, art, and reading. She is survived by her two daughters, four grandchildren, her brother, and extended family, while being preceded in death by her husband David and several siblings.

Barbara I. Schumacher

June M. Solomon

June M. Solomon, born June 25, 1954, passed away on April 30, 2025, at Cleveland Clinic after a brief illness. She worked in healthcare for over 40 years and was married to Ernest L. Solomon Sr. for 45 years, with whom she had six children. June is survived by her husband, children, numerous siblings, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members. Known for her love of shopping, talking on the phone, and getting her hair done, June will be remembered fondly by all who loved her.

June M. Solomon

Ann Zampino

Ann L. Zampino, 69, of Canton, passed away on May 2, 2025, after a life characterized by her unique personality, tardiness she excused with a simple "OOPPS," and love for flowers. She was a 1974 Lehman High School graduate who retired from Cedar School as a lunch aide but continued working as a waitress, and was known for being an overprotective mother to her daughter Megan. Ann is survived by her husband of 43 years, Ben Zampino, her daughter, stepson, granddaughter, three great-grandchildren, and other family members, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Ann Zampino

Olive J. Hartenstein

Olive J. Hartenstein, 82, passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2025, after a lifetime in Canton where she was born in 1942. She was a dedicated caretaker who loved children, serving as a supportive sports mom to her own children and a craft-loving grandmother. Olive, who enjoyed shopping and collecting porcelain dolls, is survived by her husband of 60 years, William, two children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three siblings. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date through Sanders Funeral Homes.

Olive J. Hartenstein

James Edward Cobb Sr.

James Edward Cobb Sr. "Ed" of Canal Fulton, Ohio, passed away on April 17, 2025, survived by his children, stepson, granddaughters, and extended family members. He was a master boat builder for over 60 years, crafting specialized vessels including undercover boats for the U.S. Border Patrol and a Corvette replica for actor Tim Allen. As a professional racer for a time, he combined craftsmanship with passion on the water, creating lasting memories with his family during summer boating adventures. Respected by peers and community alike, he leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength and dignity, deeply missed by all who knew him.

James Edward Cobb Sr.

John Royer

John E. Royer, 80, of Louisville, Ohio, passed away on April 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service and music. As a dedicated member of Zion United Church of Christ, he served as financial secretary, continuing a family tradition. John's commitment to helping others was evident in his career with the Louisville Fire Department, where he advanced from EMT to captain. A lifelong music enthusiast who once toured with a band, John is survived by his four children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with memorial services scheduled for May 17 at Zion United Church of Christ.

John Royer
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