Good morning, Canton.

A Canton man won $50,000 on a Cash Explosion 25X scratch-off ticket at a GetGo store on Whipple Ave NW in Jackson Township on Dec.

11, 2025, 2:54 p.m. — He said he nearly fainted and plans to use his win to pay off bills.

The North Canton Soccer Club dropped its plans to build seven fields in the St. Ives allotment after strong local opposition and is now exploring a new site on 38 acres of township-owned land at 1499 Midway St NW.

Township trustees are setting a private meeting the week of Dec. 16 + club representatives to discuss next steps.

Nonprofit leader Janelle Lee was named interim CEO of YWCA Canton on Dec.

11 (replacing Shana Smith) with added support from Jean Treuthart from YWCA USA. The board said Lee’s six-month term will provide needed stability while planning next steps for a permanent appointment.

Canton celebrates December with holiday hayrides running today at Stadium Park from 5 to 8 p.m. and a Christmas display lighting Quail Hollow Park until Dec.

14. Caged Thunder will host MMA fights on Dec. 13 while rodeo shows, films at Palace Theatre & comedy in Minerva bring local cheer.

DOE agreed to end the Biden-era SAVE plan, which serves over seven million borrowers statewide including 1.7 million in Ohio — if approved by the court, affected borrowers will need to choose a new repayment plan before the Repayment Assistance Plan launches on July 1.

Former mayor Thomas Bernabei, who led the city from 2016 to 2023, died Thursday morning at Aultman Hospital after a brief illness; his services are pending as local leaders remember his contributions to city development.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine asked the state pharmacy board to reclassify synthetic kratom as an illegal drug immediately and to ban natural kratom using the normal rulemaking process, citing overdose deaths from 2019 to 2024 + public health concerns.

Canton McKinley's Kyelin West earned a spot on the Division I All-Ohio football roster as announced Thursday by the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association after rushing for 1,504 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns in a 9 to 3 season that saw McKinley win the Federal League title.

A Christmas Carol

2-5 p.m. — Players Guild Theatre — Tickets start at $114 — Experience the timeless holiday tale brought to life on stage.

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Tozzi's On 12th — Cost info not provided — Experience the magic of a live radio play adaptation of A Christmas Carol amidst the holiday spirit.

A Christmas Carol Performance

2-5 p.m. — Players Guild Theatre — Tickets start at $95 — Experience the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life on stage.

Natures A-Glow

5-9 p.m. — Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve — General Admission $17, Members $8.50 — Experience a winter wonderland with over 500,000 lights and hands-on activities.

Family New Year’s Bash at Dave & Buster's

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Canton — Ticket required — Celebrate the New Year early with games, food, and family fun in a festive atmosphere.

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.