CLOWNING AROUND Some circus fun brings smiles to residents
PHOTOS PROVIDED Mike, a retired clown from Barnum & Bailey Circus, had a circus-themed birthday in March at Barberton Post Acute. BARBERTON “Happy” was happy. And so were his friends and staff members at Barberton Post Acute Care last month. Mike, a retired clown from Barnum & Bailey Circus, whose clown name was “Happy,” celebrated…
Read MoreNorton Music Boosters present annual ‘Neighborhood Challenge’
BGNN staff report NORTON The Norton Music Boosters are once again announcing their “Neighborhood Challenge,” a part of their annual “Tag Day Fund Drive,” according to a news release. Norton High School band and choir students will be going door to door Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. collecting donations for support…
Read MoreJoan F. Duncan, 88
DOYLESTOWN – Joan F. Duncan, age 88, passed away on May 5, 2026. She was born on December 6, 1937 in Barberton, OH to the late Duane and Ruth (Messner) Knecht. Working together with her husband Ray for many years, they were co-owners of Eastern Pools. Devoted to her family, she enjoyed spending time with…
Read MorePolice investigate downtown Barberton shooting
By Bob Morehead BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON Police were working to sort out how a man got shot in a downtown Barberton neighborhood the night of May 5. Dispatch received reports about 10:45 p.m. of multiple gunshots around Third and Van streets and the area was checked. Police found empty shell casings but nothing…
Read MoreNo poll magic for Barberton school levy
By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer Barberton’s 11-mill school levy was destined for spectacular failure in unofficial primary election results May 5. The bid failed by just short of 65%, 2,527-1387. “From here we go into fiscal emergency,” School Board President Tom Harnden said, referring to the highest level of state school fiscal oversight. Harnden…
Read MoreNorton voters approve renewal of fire levy, Norton school levy is defeated
By EMILY CANNING-DEAN BGNN staff writer NORTON A proposed renewal levy that funds the Norton Fire Department has officially been approved while voters defeated a proposed income tax levy for Norton City Schools. According to final but unofficial results from the Summit County Board of Elections Issue 13, a renewal levy for the Norton fire…
Read MoreDonald Francis Holler, 66
Donald Francis Holler, age 66, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on April 25, 2026. He was born on November 9, 1959 in Ashtabula to Francis Xavier Holler and Ann Frances Lechner. Donald grew up in Painseville and graduated from Riverside High School. He attended the University of Akron, entered the Air Force, then worked for…
Read MoreCandidates for Columbus encounter constituents
Democrat Mike Roberto, of Kent, candidate for the 27th Ohio Senate district; and candidates for the 31st district of the Ohio House of Representatives: Democrat Noah Spinner, of Cuyahoga Falls, and Republicans Stephanie Stock, of Norton, and Mike Kahoe, of Akron, attended a Meet the Candidates event Saturday, April 25 organized by Barberton resident Tiffany…
Read MoreGATHER US IN Weekly Friendship Meals in Barberton continue to nourish
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | BGNN One of the largest groups of volunteers in the rotation for Friendship Meals offered each Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church is from St. Augustine Catholic Church. Above, Karen Eskridge and Chris Christoff. Mika Schenkenberger, 15, is working on earning her Eagle Scout rank and she regularly volunteers with other…
Read MoreArthur Russell Snyder, 77
Arthur Russell Snyder, 77, of Barberton, Ohio passed away Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Linda Snyder (nee Smith); his daughter, Kimberly Snyder; his son, Matt Snyder and daughter-in- law, Marybeth Snyder (nee Sullivan). A celebration of life will be held at a later…
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