IMPACTING GENERATIONS: BCF has annual dinner, awards Game Changers
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | BGNN Carol Hodanbosi, center, with Barberton Community Foundation executive director Josh Gordon, left, and BCF board president Lynne Hocomb, right, accepts the 2024 Game Changer Award on behalf of her husband, longtime educator and coach Phil Hodanbosi, who passed away in February. A large grant he wrote with Elissa Young…
Read MoreWrapped in art: First utility boxes wrapped, more to follow, mayor says
By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON He’d hoped to debut them Mum Fest weekend, but weather was uncooperative. Instead, on Halloween, Mayor William Judge revealed the first three spruced up utility boxes, around Lake Anna and clad in winning art submitted by residents. Winners are Corina Headrick, with a knot of spiraling circles;…
Read MoreHistoric church windows cleaned, restored in yearlong process
Peter Radakovich, left, owner and liturgical artisan at Radakovich Perfection, and the Rev. Mike Prebynski, pastor at First Baptist Church of Barberton, stand next to the stained glass windows in the sanctuary of the church that have been cleaned, restored and reinstalled in the church. The windows will continue to be restored in a…
Read MoreMary Jane Gardner, 83
Mary Jane Gardner, (nee Stock), 83, passed away November 16, 2024 peacefully at her home. Mary Jane was a warm, beautiful, caring and loving person to all who knew her. Graciously generous and caring to family, friends and strangers alike. A deep love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was certainly something that she…
Read MoreRichard A. Ballash I, 67
Richard A. Ballash I, 67, passed away Friday, November 8, 2024. He was a life resident of Barberton, attended St. Augustine School and was a graduate of Barberton High School, Class of 1976. Richard was employed by Wooster Motor Ways as a truck driver for 23 years. He was a member of the “Hunky Club”…
Read MorePatricia “Patty” M. Roland, 68
Patricia “Patty” M. Roland, age 68, passed away on November 13, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born on April 2, 1956 and was a lifelong resident of Barberton, Ohio. Patty retired from the City of Barberton where she worked in the Building Department. She was a fan of NASCAR, the Cleveland…
Read MoreRex Allen Frantz, 64
Rex Allen Frantz, 64, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2024. He was born on April 19, 1960 in Akron, Ohio. Rex was a member of Laborer’s Union #894 for 30 years and worked for Jim Seabeck, Kenmore Construction and H.M. Miller Construction. Rex loved hunting, golf, traveling with his family and keeping busy with handy…
Read MoreMain Street Barberton prepares for season of gratitude
By EMILY CANNING-DEAN BGNN staff writer BARBERTON With the season of Thanksgiving upon us, Main Street Barberton is providing opportunities for giving that will benefit multiple local nonprofits. “This is our first year doing this and there are basically two parts to it,” said Melanie Black Amato, executive director of Main Street Barberton. “The first…
Read MoreWooster Road project likely extended for $2.5 million water line replacement
By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer If an ordinance introduced to Barberton City Council Oct. 28 is approved, Wooster Road W will be tied up longer than originally thought. The ordinance pays Kenmore Construction $2,462,159 to replace geriatric water line on the thoroughfare from Fourth to 25th street. “There’s been an increase in breaks,”…
Read MoreJames D. Sellers, 72
K8AOG Clear James D Sellers of Willard Ohio officially signed off air November 4, 2024. Born November 7, 1951 in Barberton, Ohio, he was the firstborn son and third child to Donald and Ruth Sellers, leading the way for the next three siblings. Known to friends as Jim, or to his golfing buddies Jim Funk,…
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