International Welcome Center to launch refugee resettlement program in Barberton BARBERTON — The International Welcome Center, in partnership with World Relief, announced the launch of a refugee resettlement program aimed at offering a new home and hope to individuals and families in need. This initiative, in partnership with the City of Barberton, Barberton City Schools, ASIA Inc., Summit County Department of Job and Family Services and others, aims to highlight Barberton’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The refugee resettlement program in Barberton is designed to provide a safe and ..read more

Photo courtesy of Ricky Callaway AKRON — Project GRAD Akron announced the success of its 10th annual March GRADness fundraiser, held April 9 at Greystone Hall in downtown Akron. During the event, attendees embraced the March GRADness casual atmosphere by wearing their favorite sports team’s colors and college apparel — and enjoyed raffles, prizes and a selection of beverages. The celebration marked a significant milestone as Project GRAD Akron commemorated its 21st year of contributions to education in Akron. According to an April 18 press release, the event exceeded expectations with its li ..read more

GREEN — After a Green City Council request to amend a portion of the city’s contract with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office related to the purchase and installation of Flock license plate-reader cameras was met with silence, Council unanimously approved the amended contract April 23. The amendment calls for the purchase of 14 Flock cameras at a cost to the city of $52,000 and $42,000 per year, respectively, in the remaining two years of the city’s current policing contract with the sheriff’s office. Mayor Rocco Yeargin stated the city can also use $20,000 in Summit County Opioid Settlement fu ..read more

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From left to right: Celeste Wagner, director of bands at Barberton High School (BHS), Tommy Bruno, general manager at The Summit FM and Henry Muren, principal at BHS. Photo courtesy of The Summit FM BARBERTON — The Summit FM’s Marilyn Stroud Music Alive Program announced a new partnership with Barberton City Schools. The “up-cycling” initiative will provide Barberton students increased access to refurbished musical instruments and music education opportunities. “We are thrilled to welcome Barberton City Schools as the newest member of our public radio station’s popular Music Alive program ..read more

Photo courtesy of the City of New Franklin NEW FRANKLIN — U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-District 13) presented a ceremonial check April 22 to New Franklin Mayor Paul Adamson for $959,752 in community project funding for the New Franklin Water and Sewer Project. The City of New Franklin will use this funding to extend sewer and water from existing systems in the city approximately 1 mile to the Portage Lakes State Park, a 411-acre Ohio Department of Natural Resources facility within New Franklin, and bring sewer and water to St. Luke Lutheran Home — a 71-bed senior center, the New Franklin T ..read more

GREEN — As it enters its second year, the Green Community Fund is gaining momentum in its current goal of reaching $1 million in donations, according to fund board member Valerie Wolford. “We are starting to see more contributions from individuals, corporations and others,” Wolford said, adding that, to date, Green Community Fund has raised $100,000 in funds and gifts, with an additional $35,000 in pledges. With those who contribute now recognized as “founding donors,” Wolford said the first Green Community Fund grant cycle is planned for this fall. Grant applications are expected to be availa ..read more

BARBERTON: Police were notified April 15 of a methamphetamine lab disposed of in a dumpster on Fifth Street Northeast. The items were tagged into evidence and an investigation is pending. Officers were called to Shannon Avenue April 16 for a man scavenging in a home which is being renovated. Police located the man going through the trash and he was charged with theft, criminal trespassing and scavenging. He was taken to the Barberton City Jail. Police were called to Hermann Street April 17 for a report of a woman screaming for help. Officers spoke to the woman who said she ran from her home be ..read more

NEW FRANKLIN — New Franklin City Council April 17 approved three pieces of legislation related to the 2024 road paving program. The first resolution awarded this year’s paving contract to Northstar Asphalt Inc. for its $1.5 million bid. Councilman Devin Allman (Ward 3) said the city received a total of six bids, with Northstar’s coming in lowest and the others ranging from $1.6 million to $2 million. This year’s project will include Nimisila Road, from South Main Street to Hampsher Road and from Hampsher Road to Grove Road; West and East Swigart roads; Taplin, Midland and Clement avenues; and ..read more

LAKEMORE — The Springfield Local Schools Board of Education, during the regular meeting April 16, confirmed its contract with Superintendent Shelley Monachino. Monachino was reappointed during the Feb. 20 meeting. This action confirms the five-year contract starting Aug. 1, 2025. Terms of the contract include a $115,000 annual salary, an annuity for retirement for $2,600 per year and the extension of her vacation to 30 days per year. The board also approved a letter of intent with the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE 530) for a collective bargaining agreement. The agreement w ..read more