2025 BARBERTON SPORTS HALL OF FAME – Mike Bodnar, Class of 1972
By RANDY FORST BGNN sports editor The 2025 Induction Ceremony will be Nov. 26 at Al’s banquet facility. This year’s Barberton Hall of Fame class includes Mike Bodnar, Brittany Mingo, Scott Sabol, Mike Palija, Charlie Ries (O.C. Barber) and Barberton Tree (President’s Award). A 1972 Barberton High graduate, Mike Bodnar participated in three sports: football,…
Read MoreMargaret J. Hudson, 96
Together Again Margaret J. Hudson, 96, passed into life eternal on November 8, 2025. She was born November 14, 1928 in Mingo Junction, Ohio to the late John and Anna Zadanski. Peggy proudly graduated from Steubenville High in 1946. She lived most of her life in Barberton and Norton and retired from Babcock and…
Read MoreELECTION 2025: Dems surge in Magic City
By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer It wasn’t a blow-out but the Democrats on the 2025 ballot won most of their races in Barberton. This is significant because the former Democratic fortress went hard for Donald Trump all three times he was on the ballot. Each of the last two city council races put…
Read MoreELECTION 2025: Results in for local races — Norton, Wadsworth, Doylestown
By EMILY CANNING-DEAN BGNN staff writer Election results for local contests around the area have been posted by the Medina, Summit and Wayne Boards of Elections respectively. Here’s a look at the tallies for each community. Norton Each of the four candidates running for Norton City Council ran unopposed this year. According to final but…
Read MoreWEEKLY WHEREABOUTS: Take a look into fall events involving books, a comedy and a boutique for a good cause
PHOTO FROM EVENT WEBSITE Learn about “Footpaths to Ancient Campsites in Copley Township” from author Robert Haag at the Main Library in Akron. By ASHLEY McCORMICK BGNN columnist Fall temperatures have finally started to creep in. We’ve had the fall leaf colors for some time, but now they are pairing with dropping temperatures. Some…
Read MoreMatthew M. Stansky, 44
Matthew M. Stansky, age 44, was born October 2, 1981, in Barberton, Ohio and passed away October 30, 2025. He is preceded in death by his mother, Roberta Stansky; his grandmothers: Marge Hazel and Bernice Stansky; and his aunt, Ann Stansky. Matthew is survived by his father, Mark Stansky; his sisters: Carie Stansky-Hunter and Michelle…
Read MoreGavin L. Ross, 33
COLUMBUS, OH – Gavin L. Ross, age 33, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025 surrounded by family. After a courageous battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and many highs and lows, Gavin was at a moment in time cancer free and then received a successful stem cell donation for his brother. Unforeseen complications in his lungs…
Read MoreRandy L. Heintzman, 76
Mt. Vernon, OH – Randy L. Heintzman, age 76, passed away on October 23, 2025. He was born on July 30, 1949, in Akron, Ohio to the late Harry M. and Gloria (Scheneman) Heintzman. He graduated from Barberton High School in 1967 where he met his wife, Rebecca “Becky” (Bishop) Heintzman. He and Becky were…
Read MoreMichael “Mickey” Ciriello, 78
Michael “Mickey” Ciriello passed away on October 29 after battling CJD for a year. Mickey was born May 5, 1947 to Nick & Rose Ciriello, joining sister Marie. His life is celebrated, and death grieved, by the Love of his life Becky, his wife of 32 years and the entire Ciriello/ Holmes Families. His “Sis”…
Read MoreDonna J. Morgan, 91
Donna J. Morgan, 91, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. She was a life resident of Barberton. Donna retired from Whitehouse Chicken after 25 years of service. She was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church of Barberton. Donna was a former member of the Barberton Liedertafel, Hunky Club and…
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