Area News

JOSH GORDON, Barberton Community Foundation director If you’ve been up with the news, you are likely aware that some of the consequences of the extended federal government shutdown are beginning to show up in communities across the country, including here in Barberton. Specifically, I am referring to some of our neighbors who are experiencing food…

PHOTOS BY TIM YEAGER City workers plant a Red Sunset Maple Tree for members of the Celtic Club and others at Lake Anna in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen – the Red Tails – America’s first Black fighter pilots in World War II. From left, John Collver (Celtic Club Vice President), Pastor Rodney Bowden and…

PHOTOS PROVIDED The former O.J. Work Auditorium, now called The Celestia Theater, operated by the Wadsworth Square Foundation, sold out opening night. By EMILY CANNING-DEAN | BGNN staff writer WADSWORTH  The many months of work restoring the former O.J. Work Auditorium to its 1920s glory seems to have paid off. Now known as The Celestia…

BGNN staff report BARBERTON  A century-old institution has been listed for auction Jan. 8. The Coffee Pot, a beloved breakfast spot at 205 Second St. NW, which was recognized in 2023 by Barberton Mayor William Judge for celebrating 100 years in the city, has been listed for sale for more than a year and some…

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | Gazette & News Central Christian students and staff traveled from Kidron to Common Threads in Barberton for Community Service Day. Cindy Bach, front left, said the timing was great because students helped them sort items, and also make meatballs for a fundraiser during the Barberton Mum Festival. By CHRISTINA McCUNE…

Anita Buskey is one of the founding members of the coalition that has offered a free weekly meal in Barberton since 1985. Mike Moore, president of the Coalition of Concerned Christians, speaks at the 40th anniversary celebration of the organization last month. Ralph Conrad, treasurer, and crew chief for Prince of Peace Church, provided a…

By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer BARBERTON  Facing a pending $9.2 million deficit brought on by a mix of inflation, state cuts and local accounting errors, Barberton school administrators met Dec. 18 with faculty and staff to discuss the issue. “If you are not contacted to meet, you are not included in the reductions,”…

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LISA WEINSHEIMER From left, Tom O’Neil, Ron Martin, Mike Yancura, Tom Harnden and John McAnlis at “The Spirit of America’s Story – The Wall” at White Rabbit Galleries in November. SUBMITTED By LISA WEINSHEIMER White Rabbit Galleries hosted the traveling exhibit “The Spirit of America’s Story: The Wall” Nov. 7-11, offering visitors a powerful visual journey…

Ohio has a new state law (Senate Bill 158) requiring all public K-12 schools to implement near-total bans on student cell phone use during instructional time by January 1, 2026, with exceptions for emergencies, documented medical needs, or specific educational uses, aiming to reduce distractions and improve learning, though parents have raised concerns about emergencies.…

BARBERTON  Dennis G. Liddle, Jr., financial advisor at Raymond James Financial Services, 527 W Lake Ave, Barberton, was recently named a member of the 2025 Leaders Council, according to a news release. This marks the second consecutive year that Denny has qualified for this important recognition. Liddle has 24 years of experience in financial services and…