Good morning, Canton.

Stark County is hosting a wide range of free community events this week, including bluegrass jam sessions, art paint nights, movie showings and outdoor festivals at local libraries, theaters and parks.

Residents can find details and registration information at venues (for example, the Canal Fulton Public Library and Palace Theatre) and by contacting event organizers (via published phone numbers) for schedules and updates.

Plain Local Schools announced three new leaders for the 2025-2026 school year—Cherie Phillips becomes academy principal at GlenOak High, Lewis Adkins is promoted at the same school, and Braylin Taylor will serve as deputy principal at Oakwood Middle.

McKinley High senior Bryanah Thornton reached the Braille Challenge Finals, Hoover High student Samuel Phillips earned a scholarship to study in Germany, and the Lake Community Hope Scholarship Fund will host a 5K Run/Walk on Aug. 17.

Stark County is launching a $30 million road and bridge construction season with work on the $8 million Belden Village project and a Beaumont Avenue NW bridge replacement starting today, while a deteriorated bridge on Sugar Creek will be replaced over a 150-day closure.

County engineers say the projects—funded by various state and county grants—aim to improve traffic flow and road safety as detours are planned during work.

Canton named Peter Zahirsky as its new economic development director; the 40-year-old Cleveland resident with more than 10 years of development experience began on June 23—he was the only applicant interviewed—and he will focus on attracting companies, supporting local businesses, and growing the city tax base.

The $60 billion Ohio operating budget signed June 30 includes a $20 million project to expand broadband high-speed internet along U.S. Route 30 across 14 counties and supports Stark County projects for minority business development and school programs — additional funds will also help modernize the Pro Football Hall of Fame and fund the demolition of an old juvenile detention center in Canton Township.

The American Heart Association is fighting heart disease in Stark County by focusing on blood pressure management and nutrition security.

It has set up blood pressure hubs— funded by the Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation— at local libraries and offered Cooking for Healthy Hearts classes to help neighbors learn healthy eating on a budget.

Akron RubberDucks vs Flying Squirrels

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Canal Park — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling baseball showdown between the Akron RubberDucks and the Flying Squirrels.

Foundation Elite Volleyball Camp

9 AM - 12 PM — Bull Dog Virtual Academy @ Timken — Cost not listed — Focused camp for beginners and intermediates to develop volleyball skills in a supportive environment.

Elton John Tribute by Elton Rohn

7:30-9 p.m. — Plain Township Amphitheater — $10.00 - $165.00 — Experience an electrifying tribute to Elton John with live performances of all the hits.

Downtown Canton Blues & BBQ Festival

5-9:30 p.m. — Centennial Plaza — Free entry — Savor delicious BBQ while enjoying great blues music in a vibrant downtown setting.

Canton Summer Sizzle Craft & Vendor Market

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. & 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Belden Village Mall — Free entry — Celebrate summer with local vendors showcasing unique creations and seasonal goodies.

Canal Fulton Community Band Concert

7-9 p.m. — Duncan Plaza Amphitheater — Free entry — Experience a delightful evening of music from talented local musicians in the Canal Fulton Community Concert Band.

DJ's Rock N Roll Big Band

7-9 p.m. — Duncan Plaza Amphitheater — Free entry — Relive the nostalgia with classic hits from the 50s & 60s that will have you dancing and singing all night long.

Dog Adoption & Wellness Fair

10 a.m-2 p.m. — Witwer Park — Free entry — Discover adorable adoptable pets and enjoy wellness resources from local rescues.

Summer Serenades: Brass Quintet Concert

6:30 PM – 11:59 PM — Exploration Gateway — Free entry — Enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature and music in this family-friendly concert series.

Free Intro to Rope Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Lover's Lane — Free entry — Experience a fun and informative workshop on the basics of rope tying.