Good morning, Canton.

Power of Inspiration marked a year of community giving across Northeast Ohio with events like a football camp, teddy bear delivery at Akron Children’s Hospital, and a police + First Tee partnership.

It will continue with a NASCAR reality competition where drivers compete for a spot on Kaulig Racing’s truck.

Ohio saw 32 fewer traffic deaths (a 3% drop) in 2025 compared to 2024 as Gov. DeWine’s office credited tougher distracted driving enforcement and new teen driver training requirements for the steady decrease; officials stressed continued efforts for safer roads.

GameStop at Canton Centre Mall, 4328 Tuscarawas St. W will close on Jan.

15 as part of a statewide shutdown of Ohio stores; some associates will be transferred to other locations in Stark County while others remain at open stores.

On Jan. 8, West Branch Local School District welcomed three new board members (Peggy Shaver, Penny Lynn DeShields, Tonya Dean) at a high school meeting following a turbulent 2025.

Led by President Debbie Helm, the board will now meet Mondays at 6 p.m. starting after March 19.

2026 brings a busy sky with 13 full moons, including a blue moon in May, three supermoons, four eclipses, and several meteor showers, and local stargazers can use dark sky sites (like Fry Family Park near Canton) to view the events as they unfold.

American Electric Power of Ohio announced on Jan.

8, 2026 an agreement to lower distribution rates that could save customers $1.22 monthly if approved by the Public Utilities Commission. The company plans to upgrade poles (wires, transformers) to improve grid reliability and meet rising demand.

On Jan. 9, the Public Utilities Commission approved a $249 million settlement with FirstEnergy to end House Bill 6 investigations.

Customers of Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison will receive bill credits over three cycles while an extra $20 million funds low‑income assistance programs, according to a FirstEnergy statement.

A waterline break closed Whipple Avenue NW southbound at Dressler Road NW until repairs finish (reopening the lane by 10 a.m. today) while northbound lanes remain open.

Bailee Espenschied of Fairless + Parker Reinhart of Tuslaw won Stark County Athlete of the Week for Dec.

29-Jan. 4 after earning 59.62% and 52.93% of 15,654 votes cast, highlighting their basketball skills at their high schools.

Mount Union football players Giovanni Kennedy and Kaleb Brown were named to the 2025 Walter Camp Division III All-America Teams on Jan.

8; Kennedy (earning his fourth honor this season) and Brown (with 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss) helped lead the Purple Raiders' high-scoring offense.

America's Best Canton Challenge

8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Canton Memorial Civic Center — Housing Offered — Cheer on top All Star teams at this exciting cheerleading event.

Movement & Mocktail

Time TBA — Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa — Handcrafted cocktails available — Celebrate Dry January with Pilates and delightful zero-proof cocktails.

Crushed Glass Winter Tree Art Class

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Lost Trail Winery and Vineyard — Registration required — Create a stunning crushed glass winter tree with berries in a charming window-look frame.

Miller Lite Canton Motorcycle Swap Meet

10 AM – 3 PM — Stark County Fairgrounds — Free entry for kids 16 and under — The largest motorcycle swap meet in northeastern Ohio filled with parts, leather, and delicious food.

Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

7-9 p.m. — Canton Memorial Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate a century of thrills and laughs with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters.

Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop

6-9 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Pricing varies — Craft a cozy chunky knit blanket and enjoy light snacks and BYOB beverages.

Cucina Demonstration Dinner – Home-Style Tuscan Comforts

6-7:30 p.m. — Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa — $75.00 - $80.00 USD — Experience delicious Tuscan cooking and delightful wines from talented chefs.

Buckin' on the Ridge Rodeo Night

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Riverland Arena — Ticket needed — Experience the thrill of big bulls and fast barrels at this adrenaline-packed rodeo event.

Matilda Pablo Live at Lost Trail Winery

6-8 p.m. — Lost Trail Winery and Vineyard — Free admission — Enjoy an evening of live music with Matilda Pablo in a charming winery setting.

Galentine's Day Brunch

12-4 p.m. — Haymaker's Mill 1875 — $60 General Admission — Celebrate friendship with brunch delights and bottomless mimosas at this vibrant event.