BARBERTON SPORTS HALL OF FAME: Ries has served Magics as assistant, volunteer coach
By RANDY FORST BGNN sports editor Award: O.C. Barber Award Nominated by: Roger North Recipient: Charlie Ries The Barberton Sports Hall of Fame 2025 Induction Ceremony will be Nov. 26 at Al’s banquet facility. This year’s class includes Mike Bodnar, Brittany Mingo, Scott Sabol, Mike Palija, Charlie Ries (O.C. Barber) and Barberton Tree (President’s Award).…
Read MoreMusic fills air, art fills streets at downtown festival
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | BGNN Amanda Russell, right, of Barberton, and two of her children, Lexi, 3, and Henry, 11, draw on the sidewalk with chalk during the Magic City Arts & Music Festival. They attended the festival with Dad, Bob Russell, and Gloria, 10. Blues Lightning drew an audience as the local…
Read MoreHenry Hiss, 92
Henry Hiss, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 3, 2025. He was born on August 18, 1932, in Copley, Ohio, to the late Edwin and Margaret Hiss. Henry graduated from Copley High School in 1950 and continued his studies at the American Institute of Baking. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he…
Read MoreJames “Jim” Earl Wells, Sr., 89
James “Jim” Earl Wells, Sr., 89, passed away on August 6, 2025. Born on May 2, 1936, Jim lived a full and remarkable life, wearing many hats over the years — and wearing each one with pride, humor, and heart. Jim served in the U.S. Navy in the 1950s aboard the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS…
Read MoreAnn O. Leach, 73
Ann O. Leach (nee Kohut), 73, passed away unexpectedly on July 18, 2025. Throughout her life, she was affectionately known as mom, wife, sister, baba, AOL, Ukrainian princess, and angled by Ann. Ann was born April 8, 1952 in Akron, Ohio. She had many experiences throughout her life that shaped who she was as a…
Read MoreBenefit concert to rock Barberton neighborhood
COURTESY PHOTO Westside Steve Simmons recreates Meat Loaf’s greatest hits with Paradise. By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON A block of W Tuscarawas Avenue will shut down again Aug. 9 and fill with Jim Steinman’s 1970s operatic crescendos as Paradise takes the stage to rock cancer. Paradise is an Easy Street Band tribute…
Read MoreAntique, classic boats hit the lake for 49th show
PHOTO PROVIDED The 49th annual Portage Lakes antique and classic boat show will be Aug. 9. BGNN staff report PORTAGE LAKES Celebrate summer and beautiful boats on Saturday, Aug. 9 as Portage Lakes hosts the 49th annual antique and classic boat show. This free event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the…
Read MoreBarberton celebrates “Heroes & Helpers”
BGNN staff report BARBERTON For the second year, Main Street Barberton presents the Heroes & Helpers Second Saturday event. The community celebration honors the people who keep the city safe and strong. An afternoon of connection, gratitude and family fun is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 in the Barberton Public Library…
Read MoreCominsky youth football camp ‘here to stay’
PHOTOS BY RANDY FORST Retired NFL player John Cominsky runs a youth football camp each summer with Coach Tony Gotto, his staff and players. By RANDY FORST BGNN sports editor Barberton athletics has long been blessed with alumni who return to the community to contribute to the Magic youth. Coaches Tony Gotto, Ken Rector, Jack…
Read MoreLeonard “Lenny” H. Johnson Jr.
Leonard “Lenny” H. Johnson Jr. N8XPI, cherished husband, devoted father, and beloved grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 73 where he is now reunited with his father, Leonard (Len) Johnson and beloved mother, Theresa. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carla Lynn, who stood by…
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