Good morning, Canton.

The Canton Park Commission ended its contract in May, cutting about $300,000 a year and forcing reduced hours and staff at J.

Babe Stearn, which now relies on the Boys and Girls Club. Former director Tim Haverstock says he was fired; the board says his employment ended Sept. 28.

Hartville Hardware and Lumber announced Oct.

28 that it acquired Minerva-based Dutchcraft Truss and Component, which will keep its name and leadership and continue serving wholesale customers from its 20,000 sqft facility (deliveries within a 150-mile radius).

Diebold Nixdorf reported solid third-quarter results on Oct.

28 and lowered its 2026 revenue and EPS guidance while saying Q3 revenue rose 5% and gross profit fell. The North Canton company also authorized a new $250 million share buyback as it nears completion of a $200 million program.

The renovated plaza at Routes 43 and 183 north of Waynesburg has added Tlaquepaque, Subway + Family Dollar, and Crow's Hollow; Dunkin' built on the corner, Blue Wave Car Wash is expected to begin construction in late October, and Gionino's has leased a space, leaving three storefronts available.

FirstEnergy told investors on Oct.

27 that its contracted data-center demand nearly doubled since the end of 2025, jumping more than 23% in Q3 to 7.9 GW from 6.4 GW. CEO Brian Tierney said on Oct. 28 the company is negotiating about 4 GW more and total demand hit 27 GW.

The Jackson Township Fire Department is conducting training at Jackson South Park through today to practice finding and removing a simulated victim, learn the park’s trail layout, and coordinate crew movements to improve response to future emergencies.

The (1100 block) of Walnut Avenue NE will be closed for repairs on Oct.

30 and the closure will last one day, so drivers should use alternate routes.

The OHSAA high school football playoffs begin Friday, Oct.

30 with six Stark County-area first-round games, all kicking off at 7 p.m. Our picks favor Canton McKinley over Brunswick and predict winners and next-week opponents for Louisville, Northwest, Youngstown Liberty, Youngstown Mooney, and East Canton.

Kyla Brinton powered Lake to a program-tying number of wins and helped the girls soccer team advance to the Division II district championship game on Tuesday.