Area News
LOCAL BOOK REVIEWS Top picks from Barberton Public Library staff: ‘We Used to Live Here’
Roxana Rathbun, children’s librarian at the Barberton Public Library, reviews: “We Used to Live Here” by Marcus Kliewer This is a speculative horror novel that had me on the edge of my seat! Eve and Charlie have recently purchased a home that they are intending to flip. The house is old but in a beautiful…
Read MoreBARBERTON SPORTS HALL OF FAME Two-sport Magic star nominated by brother
Mike Palija, 1967 graduate of Barberton High, is being inducted in the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame. By RANDY FORST BGNN sports editor A 1967 graduate of Barberton High, Mike Palija was a two-sport star for the Magics. In baseball, playing for legendary coach Les Scarr he lettered twice, while in football he was a…
Read MoreLOCAL BOOK REVIEWS Top picks from Barberton Public Library staff: ‘Say You’ll Remember Me”
Sarah Massey, technical services manager for the Barberton Public Library, reviews: “Say You’ll Remember Me” by Abby Jimenez What happens when you meet the right person at the wrong time? Do you follow your heart, or walk away? When Samantha and Xavier meet, their connection is instant and undeniable. But life isn’t simple—Sam is needed…
Read MoreTop technicians take troubling tree
PHOTO PROVIDED Barberton Tree’s “A Team,” an elite crane crew, removes a potentially dangerous tree at Sixth Street NW. BGNN staff report BARBERTON For several years, Sixth Street NW resident Tiffany Mead had a large, unsettling tree looming over her house. Things changed April 15 when a limb on a very similar tree on Second…
Read MoreLocal police participate in Torch Run
PHOTOS AND INFO PROVIDED THANKS TO NATHAN SAMPLES Barberton Police joined other local and area police departments June 11 in participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Seth Greenfelder, center, holds the “Flame of Hope.” He is the 2024 Athlete of the Year for Ohio and the newest member of the Special…
Read MoreBARBERTON 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 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…
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