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🌞 Solar sunset

Stark County • May 16, 2025

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Good morning, Stark County. The lights have officially dimmed on Stark Solar's ambitious $200 million project after the company abandoned plans following state rejection. The 150-megawatt solar farm, which would have transformed 555 acres of Washington Township, faced significant pushback from locals and officials alike. While Commissioner Richard Regula acknowledged the project's good intentions, sometimes location truly is everything—and this one simply didn't fit.

Meanwhile, two notable figures are making waves across different sectors. Joanna Escobar continues breaking barriers as president of Stark, ¡Sí Se Puede!, championing Latino representation through cultural initiatives despite recent challenges to her community events. And in a homecoming of sorts, football legend Charles Woodson has joined the Browns ownership group, bringing the Ohio native and former "Mr. Football" back to his roots—though his stake might be small, his commitment appears anything but.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🌞 Stark Solar abandons $200 million solar farm after state rejection. The company announced it will not appeal the Ohio Power Siting Board's April decision to deny permission for the 150-megawatt project in Washington Township. The proposed facility would have occupied 555 acres of an 860-acre project area, but faced strong opposition from local governments and nearby residents. County Commissioner Richard Regula acknowledged the project's intentions but agreed it wasn't the right location. Stark Solar has already terminated all agreements with landowners, effectively ending the controversial development.

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🌮 Latina leader champions representation in growing Stark County community. Joanna Escobar, 30, serves as president and CEO of nonprofit Stark, ¡Sí Se Puede!, promoting Latino art and culture while breaking barriers. The first-generation American founded Canton Latino Fest and launched free language courses to bridge cultural divides. Despite canceling the 2025 festival due to anti-immigrant concerns, Escobar remains determined to advocate for her community. "Representation matters, and you could be the one who opens the door for someone else," she advises young professionals.

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🏈 Football legend Charles Woodson joins Browns ownership group. The Hall of Famer and Ohio native has purchased a small stake from Jimmy Haslam, returning to his home state in a significant business move. Woodson, who grew up in Fremont and was Ohio's "Mr. Football" as a high school senior, will face media restrictions similar to Tom Brady's arrangement with the Raiders. Despite owning only a minimal stake, Woodson appears committed to meaningful involvement with the organization, as evidenced by his willingness to make major changes to his alcohol-related businesses to secure the deal.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Upscale family haven with perks: Priced at $534,000, this meticulously maintained 5-bedroom home boasts a walk-out basement, $100,000 in upgrades including luxury vinyl flooring and quartz countertops, plus community perks like yard maintenance, snow removal, and pool access.
Real estate listing image Remodeled family gem near park: For $265,000, this meticulously remodeled 3-bedroom home in Plain Schools District offers open living spaces, a new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a spacious yard just minutes from Diamond community park.
Real estate listing image Spacious brick bungalow great location: Priced at $164,900, this deceptively spacious brick bungalow offers three bedrooms across two floors, a bright living room, eat-in kitchen, sunroom, finished basement with a bar, and convenient access to Hall of Fame Village amenities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍝 May 16 - Spaghetti Dinner For Charity: Twirl your fork for a good cause at Hoover Lodge's Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser! Fill your plate and warm your heart on May 16, 5-9PM at 805 Orchard Ave NE, supporting the brotherly relief fund.
🌱 May 16 - Garden Club Plant Sale: Dig into spring at the North Canton Garden Club's Perennial Plant Sale! Browse beautiful blooms and garden treasures at Stark State College on May 16 - the perfect way to kickstart your garden.
🏙️ May 17 - Canton Sponsor Appreciation: Join the excitement at Canton, OH 2025 on May 17 at the Alex D Krassas Event Center! A community celebration sponsored by local supporters including Dr. Elizabeth Russ, Dr. Dina Rooney, and many more.
🌸 May 17 - Spring Festival Fun: Celebrate spring's arrival at Spring Hill Historic Home with music, food, and family fun at Spring Fest! Browse unique vendors and enjoy seasonal activities on May 17 at this cherished Massillon landmark.
🎭 May 17 - Jackson Heritage Festival: Celebrate diversity at the Jackson Heritage & Culture Festival on May 17! Student innovators from JMMS Stark Tank Committee bring community together at Jackson Memorial Middle School for a day of cultural exploration and fun.
🎣 May 17 - Westbrook Fishing Derby: Cast your line at the Fishing Derby 2025 at Westbrook Veterans Memorial Park! Reel in prizes and family fun at this catch-filled morning on May 17 at the park pond in Canton.
🎭 May 17 - Jackson Heritage Festival: Celebrate diversity at the Jackson Heritage & Culture Festival on May 17 at Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater! This student-inspired community celebration brings together local traditions and cultural expressions in the heart of Massillon.
💡 May 17 - Innovation Business Expo: Spark your entrepreneurial spirit at the 2025 Innovation Expo! Join the Stark County Minority Business Association on May 17 from 11AM-3PM at the Canton Regional Chamber Of Commerce for networking and opportunities.

🙏 In Remembrance

Cody Phillip Love

Cody Phillip Love, known as "Bean," passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 32. A resident of East Sparta, Ohio, Cody worked as a mechanic and was passionate about fishing, cooking, and grilling. He was preceded in death by several grandparents and is survived by his parents, sister, nieces, and close friends who considered him family. Funeral services will be held on May 17, 2025, at Reed Funeral Home Canton Chapel, with visitation hours before the service.

Cody Phillip Love

Ed Burdge

Ed Burdge, 69, of Brewster, passed away on April 7, 2025, at Aultman Hospital in Canton. Born in Massillon in 1955, he married Pamela Zearley in 1982 after being together since their teenage years. Ed is survived by his wife, mother, two children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a sister, and his special friend Rocky. He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters, with a celebration of life planned for April 26 at the Brewster Moose.

Ed Burdge

Katie Ann Miller

Katie Ann Miller, a 95-year-old member of the Old Order Amish Church, passed away on May 14, 2025, in Maysville, Ohio. Born in 1930 to Joe and Mattie Troyer, she was married to Eli A.S. Miller for 66 years until his death in 2024. She is survived by seven children, 42 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, two brothers, and two sisters. Funeral services will be held on May 16, 2025, at the family residence in Apple Creek, with burial following at Maysville Cemetery.

Katie Ann Miller

Twila Marie Allman

Twila Marie Stauffacher Allman, born in 1923 in Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at 101 years old in the home she shared with her late husband Robert. The tenth of twelve children, Twila worked as a bank teller in North Canton, Ohio, where she became beloved in the community as "Twila the Teller." Known for her elegant style, beautiful singing voice, and quick wit, she built a legacy of love through her 60-year marriage, three children, and multiple generations of grandchildren. Twila is survived by her son Robert Jr., daughter Sheryl, eight grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Twila Marie Allman

Christine Jean Campbell

Christine Jean Campbell, 79, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away on May 13, 2025, after a life dedicated to her family and 35 years of service at the Hoover Company. She is survived by her son Michael and daughter Cindy, three grandchildren, and numerous extended family members who will remember her warmth and kindness. Christine was preceded in death by her parents, sister, and several other loved ones. Her memorial service will be held on May 19th at Spidell Funeral Home in Brewster, Ohio, where her legacy of grace, laughter, and unconditional love will be celebrated.

Christine Jean Campbell

Rudy Modock

Rudy Modock, 64, of Louisville, Ohio, passed away on May 10th after being born in the same city on November 5, 1960. He was the owner of Buckeye Bio Medical and served in the United States Navy from 1979 to 1989. Survived by his two daughters, brother, five grandchildren, one great grandson, and his ex-wives, he was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack, and sister Gloria. A celebration of life will be held on May 17th at the home of his niece, Jalonda Moore-Ratliff.

Rudy Modock

Linda Sue Chapman

Linda Sue Chapman, aged 81, passed away on May 13, 2025, leaving behind her husband James, three children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Born in 1943 in Mansfield to E. Paul and Marion Howard, she worked at Alliance Wear, Doggie Depot, and Gay Thomas Gift Shop during her lifetime. Linda enjoyed camping and collecting seashells, lighthouses, and cookbooks, with Hunting Island being the location of her most cherished family vacation. A private family service will be held with interment at Highland Memorial Park, and memorial contributions may be directed to Friends of Hunting Island.

Linda Sue Chapman

Florence Cascioli

Florence (Moll) Cascioli, a 94-year-old resident of Magnolia, passed away on May 13, 2025. A 1948 graduate of Jackson High School, she was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church where she sang in the choir and was also a charter member of the Carrolltones. Florence was known for her sewing skills, creating wedding and prom dresses for many. She is survived by her four children, one brother, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, while being preceded in death by her husband Richard and brother Louis.

Florence Cascioli

Russell E. Davis

Russell E. Davis, a 76-year-old auto mechanic from Canton, Ohio, passed away on May 12, 2025, at the Inn of Belden Village. An avid golfer and bowler who once achieved a near-perfect bowling score of 299, Russell enjoyed simple pleasures and spending time with loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Jeannette Davis, and his wife Mary, and is survived by his brother Thomas, brother-in-law Dale, and nephew Adam. Following Russell's wishes, no visitation or service will be held, and his family has expressed gratitude to the Inn of Belden Village for their care and support.

Russell E. Davis

Mario E. Clark

Mario E. Clark passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was a father of four and is survived by his mother, friend Rikk, brother, wife, children, grandmother, and numerous other relatives and friends. Mario was preceded in death by his sister, father, and both grandfathers. A visitation will be held on May 19, 2025, at Kreighbaum Sanders Funeral Home in Canton, OH, followed by a service and burial at Melscheimer Cemetery.

Mario E. Clark

Cathysue Brooks

Cathy Sue Brooks, born on July 5, 1965, in Massillon, OH, passed away on May 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion. Her life embodied heartland values of hard work, honesty, and kindness, guided by her favorite scripture from Hebrews 13:5. She is survived by her four sons, her partner Brian Kolacsky, several daughters-in-law, and five beloved grandchildren who brought her immense joy. Cathy's memory will live on through her family and the many lives she touched with her tenacious spirit, warm heart, and unwavering faith.

Cathysue Brooks
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