Area News

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…

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…

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…

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…

  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,…

PHOTO PROVIDED Jared Hopkins died in October 2023. His family members and friends began a foundation as he requested. Jared’s Golden Heart is a 501c3 nonprofit which helps children who are fighting cancer and their families at local hospitals. By CHRISTINA McCUNE BGNN managing editor DOYLESTOWN When it came time to put a name to…

BGNN staff report BARBERTON  Barberton Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Barberton, Barberton City Schools, Greater Akron Chamber, and Ilene Shapiro, Summit County Executive, has received a JobsOhio planning grant to explore the development of a transformative Workforce Training Center in Barberton. The JobsOhio grant, with matching funds provided by BCF, will fund…

By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON  City Council’s Streets Committee advanced legislation Jan. 21 aimed at extending the decorative festooned lighting adorning W Tuscarawas Avenue onto Second Street NW. If approved by the full council, the $122,380 contract with Haywood Electric will drape the lights on Second between Lake and Park avenues. These…

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAGICAL THEATRE COMPANY From left, Adam Hoffman as Sir Wilfrid Robarts, Michael Sonata as Justice Wainwright, Gabe Reed as Leonard Vole.   “The question is whether you were lying then or are you lying now?” One of the greatest courtroom dramas ever comes to Barberton stage BGNN staff report BARBERTON  Magical Theatre…