Good morning, Canton.

Jessica Peternelj-Monea became executive director of Stark County TASC Inc. in June after replacing David A.

Willis—she served as clinical director for five years and lives in North Canton with her family, now set to lead mental health and substance abuse improvements in the community.

Local groups in Canton and Stark County will hold many events this week—such as a virtual SNAP meeting on Aug.21, a Romanian Festival on Aug.24, a film on plastic pollution on Aug.20, art classes in Massillon, and library and music shows in North Canton, all planned to engage residents in community activities. The events will give locals a chance to learn, share, and have fun while supporting diverse cultural and educational programs.

In Stark County, five cannabis dispensaries serve both recreational and medicinal customers, and Zen Leaf on Cleveland Ave NW in Canton has introduced new vape products while opening its sixth location in Antwerp earlier this year—five more dispensaries are planned for Canton, Massillon, and Alliance using a 10(B) license.

Stark County Sheriff Eric Weisburn warned Canton residents that scammers use emails, texts, and calls to impersonate trusted organizations — like banks or government offices — and urged them to hang up immediately and verify any unexpected messages before sharing personal details.

North Canton hosted its main street festival on August 16 where local vendors, including Pivot & Grace Coffee Company, served treats and families enjoyed the 5th Annual BAR B Q MKT.

The event also featured a performance by the Hoover High School Marching Band — drawing community members to celebrate local talent.

At Sandy Valley, new Superintendent Matt Whitted will replace retiring David Fischer on Oct.

1 and the district has hired over 18 new staff in key roles—updating leadership ahead of the new school year. The South Stark Career Academy will launch an agricultural program for eight juniors and begin raising mums to sell in September—marking a shift from its former horticultural course.

North Canton City Schools announced leadership changes for the new school year as Tim Walker became superintendent and several staff members assumed new roles—Hoover High will also open a welding program funded by a $3.85 million grant.

McKinley High School is offering a free driver’s education course for students 15 1/2 and older after a 20-year break.

The program provides nine weeks of in-class instruction followed by nine weeks of in-car training to help students meet temporary license requirements (removing job barriers) and will initially serve 60 participants.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife offers $9 million in funding to eligible landowners for creating grassland habitats that support native birds like northern bobwhite quail — the program runs contracts from one to four years and provides free technical assistance.

Yoga Social

6:30-8:30 p.m. — 6Mixx Social — Free admission — Experience a peaceful yoga session with a calming sound bath in a limited-space setting.

Canton Back To School Craft and Vendor Market

11 a.m.-8 p.m. — Belden Village Mall — Free entry — Celebrate back-to-school season with local vendors, supplies, and treats for students and families.

Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show

7:30-10 p.m. — Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater — Tickets only on Eventbrite — Experience over 25 years of rock history as the ultimate Rolling Stones tribute comes to town.

Hall of Fame Marathon Canton

6:30 AM – 11:00 PM — Pro Football Hall of Fame — Registration required — Celebrate fitness and football at the Hall of Fame Half Marathon.

Stark County Fair

9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Stark County Fairgrounds — $9 General Admission — Enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, and exciting shows at this local fair.

Walsh Cavaliers vs. West Liberty Hilltoppers

7-8:30 p.m. — Larry Staudt Field — Tickets from $45 — Experience a thrilling college football matchup in Canton.

Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica Tribute Concert

6:30-10 p.m. — Knights of Columbus — $10 or $75 season pass — Enjoy an outdoor tribute concert featuring Sins of a Madman and Sanitarium with food and drinks available.

Classic Bike Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market — $10 vendor fee — Celebrate antique and classic bicycles and motorbikes at this unique outdoor showcase.

New Wave Nation Band at First Friday

7-11 p.m. — Centennial Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate September with live music from the New Wave Nation Band and DJ entertainment.

Family Renaissance Fair

10:30 a.m. — Massillon Public Library — Registration required — Engage in a joust, try ax throwing, and create your very own wizarding wand in a family-friendly atmosphere.