Alliance Middle School to debut ‘James and the Giant Peach Jr.’
Alliance City Schools will present a twist on the classic story “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” The Roald Dahl story inspires the audience to use their imagination as the middle school cast takes them on a fun and adventurous journey. Forty-five students will bring the musical to life from Feb. 19-21 at Alliance High...
When to watch Sagamore Hills native Kyra Dossa compete in Women’s Skiing this week...
MILAN, Italy — Sagamore Hills native Kyra Dossa will make her Olympic debut this week as she competes for Team USA in freestyle skiing at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The 22-year-old will compete in women’s aerials, with qualification runs scheduled for early Tuesday morning. To go...
Your pitch to transform your neighborhood’s Akron park could win $150,000
Registration for this year’s Akron Parks Challenge is open through Feb. 23. The contest asks community leaders, residents and neighborhood organizations to brainstorm renovation ideas for City of Akron neighborhood parks and pitch them for a chance to win $150,000 to see them through. One park will be selected...
Ballet Excel Ohio dancer makes company history
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Black History Month provides a time to reflect on firsts in the African American community. When 14-year-old Carmelo Felding tried out for the lead role in Ballet Excel Ohio’s upcoming performance of Aladdin, he didn’t think that he would break any barriers. “I...
Hudson Fire Department Responds to Oil Tank Leak at High School
HUDSON, OH (February 15, 2026) – At approximately 11:14 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, the Hudson Fire Department (HFD) responded to a report of an oil odor behind Hudson High School around 7250 Stow Road. Upon arrival, HFD discovered an outdoor oil separator storage tank, located at the oil/gas well beside the...
Retired Akron police captain’s crime novel debuts. Book Talk
T.B. Pasko’s debut novel “Knights on the Graveyard Watch” is the inaugural book in the 7th Precinct Series. It’s set in the fictional western Pennsylvania city of Port Isley. Officer Danilo Venko is a self-described “fossil” with a flip phone. He doesn’t accept free coffee in diners. Venko is eligible for retirement...
‘We want them to feel like kings and queens’: ‘A Night to Shine’ celebrated...
On Friday night, "A Night to Shine" celebrations were held at churches across the world. It is the mega event of the year for people with special needs and their families and caregivers.
Sweets & Geeks opens new Independence location
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- There’s no doubt we’re living in a trading card zeitgeist. That’s why Sweets & Geeks, to better serve the Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering card market, opened a new store in Independence. “The uniqueness of this store is it’s going to be trading...
Wooster High Best Buddies hosts Improvaneers for inclusion event
Wooster High School's Best Buddies chapter brought joy and empowerment to campus last week, hosting the world's first all-Down Syndrome improv troupe, The Improvaneers, for performances that highlighted abilities over disabilities and fostered new friendships. The event, held Feb. 5, 2026, featured a school-day show...
Stark restaurants we wish made USA Today’s 2026 top restaurants list
A year after Social at the Stone House in Massillon was named among USA Today's Restaurants of the Year, we're shining a light on those we think should have earned a spot on the 2026 list. Each year, USA Today celebrates Restaurants of the Year across the country, shining a spotlight on dining spots that celebrate...
