Good morning, Canton.

Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, was awarded the 2025 John van Hengel Fellow Award by Feeding America at its conference in Atlanta in April—recognizing nearly 30 years of service—and he will speak next year at the annual event to share his innovative approach to fighting hunger.

At the 2025 U.S. Open Whiskey and Spirits Championship, local producer Gervasi Spirits earned Grand National Champion in the Spirits Division and runner-up in the Whiskey Championship—its Wine Barrel Bourbon, Small Batch Gin, and Spiced Rum took gold while Rum Barrel Bourbon, Maple Cask Bourbon and Giava received silver and bronze medals. The awards highlight the skill of head distiller Shae Pridemore and assistant distiller Michael Phillips at the Canton distillery.

Ohio loses over $1.2 billion each year because of domestic violence, with Stark County facing about $36.5 million in related costs.

Canton-based Domestic Violence Project Inc.—which will soon lose its federal transitional housing grant, risking displacement for eight households—urges the state legislature to designate $10 million annually to better support survivors.

Perry Township officials are asking voters to approve a five-year, 2.9-mill road levy on May 6 that will generate about $2.7 million per year to pave roughly 20 miles of roadway—two earlier attempts in 2024 were rejected.

If approved, the levy will cost property owners about $102 per year for every $100,000 of property value—funds that will help cover rising costs for paving and materials.

Hadley Porter from Tuslaw and Roshan Patel from Jackson were named Stark County High School Athlete of the Week for April 7-13 based on 49,792 votes.

Porter, a softball player, earned 47.51% of the vote—while Patel, a tennis player, received 47.34%.

Massillon coach Josh Hose was named Division II Coach of the Year after guiding his team to a record of 19 wins and 5 losses while Tuslaw senior Breanna McCabe was honored as Division V Girls Basketball Player of the Year for averaging 19.5 points and 9.9 rebounds this season.

McCabe, who earned PAC-7 and District 4 honors—tallying 17 double doubles this season—also finished her varsity career with 1,139 points and 770 rebounds and was selected for the North-South All-Star Game.

Easter Sunday at The Twisted Olive

11 AM – 6 PM — The Twisted Olive — Reservations recommended — Enjoy a full dinner menu on Easter Sunday with a special feature menu.

Spring Open House 2025

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Rohr & Sons Nursery-Garden Center — Free entry — Enjoy kids' activities, raffles, sales, and discounts in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Stranger-Danger and Self-Defense Workshop

4-5:30 p.m. — The Open Space Martial Arts — Ticket required for kids — Empower your child with essential self-defense skills and safety awareness.

IDN Foundation Course in Akron

8 a.m.-6 p.m. — Aultman North Canton Medical Group — Course Fee Applicable — Enhance your skills in Neurologic Dry Needling for Pain Management and Sports Rehabilitation.

Bill Squire Stand-Up Comedy Night

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Canton Comedy Boom — $20 online / $25 at door — Enjoy a night of laughs with Bill Squire and friends featuring hilarious stand-up performances.

Monthly Music Therapy Session

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Sensory Escape — $15.00 per child — Engage in a delightful blend of music therapy and open play for sensory enrichment.

Moms & Momosas - April Mooeadow

11 a.m. — Painting with a Twist — Registration includes Momosa, fresh fruit and pastries — A creative class for moms to enjoy art and refreshments together.

Open Mother's Day Celebration at The Twisted Olive

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — The Twisted Olive — Reservations recommended — Celebrate Mother's Day with delicious food and a warm atmosphere.

North Canton Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — 520 Heatherwood St. SW — Support a local club — Find unique perennial plants nurtured by community gardeners for your own garden this season.

Fishing Derby 2025

Morning — Westbrook Veterans Memorial Park — Free entry — Cast your line for a fun-filled day of fishing and prizes for the kids.