Party politics ignite in Magic City
By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON For most of the 20th century, it was said in Barberton that a Republican couldn’t get elected dog catcher. A factory town with strong unions, it was solidly in the Democratic camp, seemingly forever. “Forever” was a shorter time than anticipated. The shift was swift. Donald Trump…
Read MoreDianne L. Bray, 77
Dianne L. Bray, 77, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away Friday, February 21, 2025. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved member of our community. She dedicated ten years of her professional life as an X-ray technician at Akron General Medical Center before embracing the rewarding role of…
Read MoreDaniel Cyrill Wargo, 73
Daniel Cyrill Wargo, 73, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025. Dan was born in Barberton, Ohio on July 28, 1951 to the late Elizabeth “Jackie” and Cyrill “Shorty” Wargo. He was a graduate of Barberton High School, Class of 1969 and Kent State University. Dan was a member of Ironworkers Local…
Read MoreTwo arrested; woman faces charges for shooting man in Barberton
BPD booking photo Outriana C. Germany By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer A man was hospitalized and a woman jailed after an alleged shooting in Barberton’s South End in the early morning Feb. 18. Police got the call a little after 2 a.m. that gunshots were fired at the Washington Square Apartments on S…
Read MoreGetting creative for Valentine’s Day
By CHRISTINA McCUNE BGNN managing editor BARBERTON Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. Like receiving a basket of muffins. Or being presented with a birthday cake made entirely of colorful flowers and complete with candles. Or a sweet surprise “I love you” spelled out in red roses and chocolates. A creative…
Read MoreMain Street Wadsworth rolls out 2025 events schedule
PHOTO PROVIDED Children enjoyed story time with Belle before the showing of Beauty and the Beast during January’s First Friday in downtown Wadsworth. The next First Friday event will take place Feb. 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with the theme Downtown Decadence: Chocolate Edition. By EMILY CANNING-DEAN BGNN staff writer WADSWORTH A multitude…
Read MoreWADSWORTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Investors envision CIS building as downtown hub
By EMILY CANNING-DEAN BGNN staff writer WADSWORTH According to the vision of two local investors, the Central Intermediate School building and O.J. Work Auditorium will remain a vital part of downtown Wadsworth long after Wadsworth City Schools vacates the structure. Wadsworth City Schools is working with the Medina County Port Authority and the One Central…
Read MoreJewelry, pawnshop a Barberton staple more than 75 years
Jeff Newlan, left, and J. T. Masters, co-owners of Sydmor’s Jewelry & Loan, 131 Second St. NW, Barberton, stand behind the jewelry counter in the shop which has a variety of new and used jewelry as well as many other items available throughout the store. Don’t miss Sydmor’s annual sale coming up Feb. 8 just…
Read MoreIT’S POLKA TIME AGAIN – WCTV show on air for 30 years
PHOTO PROVIDED Gene Kovack, left, who has hosted “Polka Time Again” since the first episode continues to host 30 years later along with Mike Kovack. WADSWORTH For more than three decades, polka fans in northeast Ohio and all around the globe have been tuning in to the WCTV show, “Polka Time Again.” Gene Kovack,…
Read MoreDeborah “Debo” E. Hill, 74
Deborah “Debo” E. Hill went home to be with the Lord, January 27, 2025. She was born September 16, 1950 in Barberton, Ohio to the late John and Betty (nee Orndorff) Kreighbaum. She was a graduate of Barberton High School and was employed by the City of Barberton as a Bus Driver for many years.…
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