Barberton 2020 grad killed in hit-skip crash; Akron PD seek public’s help
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSEPH NICHOLAS Richard Williams played for the Magics football team. He was struck by a vehicle March 4 and died the next day in the hospital. Akron Police are asking for the public’s help in the case. BGNN staff report AKRON A 23-year-old man was killed in a hit-skip crash and…
Read MoreMary A. Glasser, 74
Mary A. Glasser Mary A. Glasser, 74, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 19, 2026. She was born in Barberton on June 15, 1951 to the late Robert and Agnes Baker. Mary graduated from Barberton High School, Class of 1970. She retired from Barberton City Schools Cafeteria. She was an active…
Read MoreFirefighters battle Spartan blaze
By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer Crews from four fire departments battled an industrial blaze on Norton Avenue early the evening of March 2. Norton firefighters were dispatched to Spartan Enterprises around 6:25 p.m., responding to a commercial fire alarm. They arrived within five minutes, confronted by thick, black smoke and flames on the…
Read MoreDiscipline to dominate next Barberton council meeting
By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON Much of the March 9 Barberton City Council meeting will be taken up with measures chastising both elected and appointed officials. The Personnel and Rules Committee voted March 2 to send a resolution to the floor to censure Councilman Bryan Poorman for a rules violation. This follows…
Read MoreGirl Scout improves signage along Interurban Trail
PHOTOS PROVIDED Wadsworth’s Interurban Trail boasts new and improved historical signage thanks to local Girl Scout Skyler Smiechowski. By EMILY CANNING-DEAN BGNN staff writer WADSWORTH Thanks to local Girl Scout Skyler Smiechowski, Wadsworth’s Interurban Trail boasts new and improved historical signage. “I had heard Friends of Wadsworth Trails needed help with the signs and during…
Read MoreRobert H. Howe, Sr., 80
Robert H. Howe, Sr, 80, of Massillon passed away February 19,2026 at Lawnwood Compassionate Care Facility, Canton. Bob was born June 27, 1945, in Barberton, OH, to the late Edgar and Estelle Howe, where he also grew up. Bob spent 20 years as a supervisor at the Babcock and Wilcox Barberton plant. He served as…
Read MoreBGNN Black History Month feature: Q & A with Moriah K. Cheatham Williams
PHOTO PROVIDED Thanks to Moriah K. Cheatham Williams for providing answers to questions posed by The BGNN. All profiles will appear in print in the Feb. 25 Barberton Gazette & Norton News. Thanks to BGNN contributor Tiffany Jordan for compiling these features on influential local leaders and residents during Black History Month. How long you…
Read MoreDeborah A. Cole (nee Cic)
Deborah A. Cole (nee Cic) passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by family and friends following a brief battle with cancer. Debbie was born to Frank Sr. and Evelyn Cic in Clinton, OH. She graduated from Northwest High School. She married Hubert Cole and had been a resident of Akron, OH since the 1980’s.…
Read MoreBGNN Black History Month feature: Q & A with Shayla Davis (Journalist Shay)
PHOTO PROVIDED Thanks to Shayla Davis (also known professionally as Journalist Shay) for providing answers to questions posed by The BGNN. All profiles will appear in print in the Feb. 25 Barberton Gazette & Norton News. If you would like to recommend someone to respond to these questions while Black History Month is being recognized, please email [email protected]. …
Read MoreJames “Jim” E. Davis, 92
James “Jim” E. Davis, died peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026 after a short illness. He was 92 years old. Jim was born on January 17, 1934 in Barberton, Ohio to the city’s Mayor Earl L. Davis and Carrie Lawver Davis. Following his graduation from Barberton High School in 1951, Jim worked his way…
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