Area News

BGNN staff report AKRON  Jason Santos, 38, of Stony Creek, New York, was sentenced to life in prison for raping and abusing his 11-month-old infant daughter while living at the Springfield Township Red Roof Inn, according to a news release from Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich’s office. Santos will be eligible for parole after 55…

By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON  Alleged conduct supervising employees is the basis for Barberton City Council’s efforts to remove Mayor William Judge, President Shorter Griffin announced at the end of the April 20 committee work session. Council initiated the proceedings with a resolution April 13, revealing no motive. Since then, rumors and…

PHOTO FROM GOFUNDME ACCOUNT Jericho Mangual, 12, and his mom, Tania Mangual, of Barberton, were shot and killed March 28 in Akron. PHOTO PROVIDED Jericho Mangual, 12, was a sixth-grade student at Barberton Middle School. PHOTO PROVIDED Jericho Mangual’s close friends at Barberton Middle School, Aiden Sullivan, Braylon Lloyd, and Tevin Preston, made shirts in…

This new BGNN series in 2026 focuses on the many people in local communities who do good works for others – mostly behind the scenes. Read about some of the “good majority” of people who quietly make a difference in people’s lives. By CHRISTINA McCUNE BGNN managing editor BARBERTON  Polly Wiggins and Sheila Haby wanted…

This new BGNN series in 2026 focuses on the many people in local communities who do good works for others – mostly behind the scenes. Read about one of the “good majority” of people who quietly make a difference in people’s lives, and learn more about Vantage Aging and Meals on Wheels in the nonprofit…

Barberton Mayor William Judge By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON  In a move that shocked the Magic City, Barberton City Council voted at its April 13 committee work session to start the process to remove Mayor William Judge from office. Council president Shorter Griffin initiated the resolution and the vote was 6-2 in…

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | BGNN Barberton High senior Bailey Puskarich has artwork on display in the B-Art Show, including a self-portrait, portrait of her mom, and paintings and drawings of famous music icons who have inspired her. The B-Art Show is open through April 11.    By CHRISTINA McCUNE | BGNN managing editor BARBERTON …

PHOTOS THANKS TO LISA MERRICK Foam gathered in a mound on Wolf Creek April 2. Foam came from the north and backed up across state Route 261 on Barber Road. By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer The question went out with photos on Facebook: “Who sudsed the creek?” Turns out it was pretty much…

By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON  Council’s March 23 meeting was again a swirl of controversy. A pair of events was at issue. First came a violation of Ohio’s Open Meetings Act. Ahead of the March 16 council meeting, President Shorter Griffin went to members on both sides of the chamber and directed…

BGNN staff report BARBERTON  The 36th annual Stark-Summit All Star Basketball is March 26 at Barberton High School, 555 Barber Road, sponsored by Magic City Kiwanis. The girls game begins at 6:15 p.m. and the boys game begins at7:45 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Magic City Kiwanis Club, which helps to serve the…