JULY 10, 2017: CITY HALL:

City presents latest report on the Rezzy. Citizens have questions and concerns!

(Massillon): Acting on behalf of the administration, Massillon Safety Service Director Joel Smith presented city council with the latest news regarding the ongoing challenges with the Massillon's historic reservoir. Do to a lack of information provided to him by other government agencies, Smith's address was somewhat murky when it came to costs and a projected timeline to move things forward.

After Smith's presentation to council and several concerned citizens in the gallery, Councilmen Paul Manson (D) did something out of the ordinary. He invited residents to the podium to question Smith along with other council members about the project. Council usually prohibits such interaction.

One resident expressed several concerns over the cities projected costs. Below is video coverage of Smith's presentation to council along with dialogue from one of those concerned residents.

OPINION: POPCORN AND POLITICS: MAY 28TH 2017:


Will Catazaro-Perry walk into her third term untouched? That's up to you!

(Massillon): It seems that within the past few weeks Mayor Catazaro-Perry held a fundraiser for her next mayoral run which is set for next year. Some spoke out saying the event was successful and the mayor reportedly already has thousands in her campaign war chest to use against any possible challengers. Catazaro-Perry will be running for her third term.

Is this a story? Not really. Any officeholder would be doing exactly what KCP is doing. So where's the real story here? 

The real story is that KCP may be flexing her muscles and her campaign pocketbook for no reason. In other words; at this point; there are no viable candidates out there showing any interest in running against her. Regardless of how you feel about KCP; she is well on her way to walking into her third term untouched.

That's a problem.

It's not a problem for KCP; it's much bigger than that. Actually; if this scenario plays out, it really has nothing to do with KCP at all.


Stark County's Democratic Party has been riddled with infighting and manipulation. In the past few years there has been no solid voice unifying the party. Its weakness is reflected not just locally; but across the political fabric of our nation. The national Democratic Party has lost its soul and one reason for its demise is because of what's happening right here in Stark County.

We have no idea how the Trump Administration will affect us as a people until long after he is gone. Whether you like Trump or not, the turbulence around him has divided us as a nation.

Enough about Washington. Let's get back to Democrats in Stark County; more specifically Massillon. There seems to be an apathy when it comes to local government. People complain but never get involved. Well; NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!

The Democratic Party in Massillon and Stark County needs to find itself. This can be done with good local moms and dads that care enough to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Run for office. Go to meetings. Be a BIG MOUTH on behalf of our town. If you don't like KCP; RUN AGAINST HER! If you don't like what council is doing; RUN FOR CITY COUNCIL. Just get off your butts and DO IT!

A perfect example of this is; well; me! I am a true Massillonian and I love my community. Because of this; I ran for mayor against KCP a few years back. I had barely a nickel in my campaign account. Folks; I knew I was going to lose; but at least I could make a statement. Well; to my surprise I came within 79 votes of beating her.

The bigger point here is that we desperately need good people to step up and have the courage to be a voice in our community. We hope that YOU will be that next voice at city hall.

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LOCAL PLACES AND LOCAL FACES: MERCY HEALTH CENTER OF JACKSON! 

State of the art therapy is just one of many services provided at Mercy Health Center of Jackson!


(Jackson Township): Let's face it; when you're in pain or sore; you look for relief. It doesn't stop there. You not only want immediate relief; you want it to be long term.

When it comes to proper therapeutic health care supported by a team of certified health care professionals; the only place that provides the highest standards in therapy is right in your back yard.



Introducing; THE MERCY HEALTH CENTER OF JACKSON TOWNSHIP!

With its comprehensive team of specialists; Mercy Health Care of Jackson will design a specific therapy plan to meet your body's individual needs.

MEET BRIAN WALKER!

I had an opportunity to chat with Brian about the many therapy programs and services available to you and your family. Turn up your speakers and check out the therapy services offered by our own Mercy Health Center of Jackson... Enjoy!





 

 

 

Who Done It! A look back at Massillon's famous unsolved Murder Mysteries!

 
(Massillon): We have a great little town here! Good people that seem to always come together to represent a sense of 'community'. It seems with a small town like ours; whether it's something we heard downtown; or folks talking about it on social media; rarely does a day go by that we aren't made aware of the latest local rumor.

In this story; we'll be looking at something a little deeper than the local hearsay. Perhaps something a little darker too. Every town has a mystery and Massillon is no different. As we explore the path of generations gone by; we will find a few of those quirky; creepy stories that make us stop and 'look in the closet before we turn out the light'. The following interview features retired Police Captain Joe Herrick and our Host; Rudy Turkal exploring Massillon's famous unsolved murder mysteries. Enjoy..

EDITORIAL: FEBRUARY 21ST 2017:

Are Trump's proposed immigration policies bringing fear and anxiety to Massillon's migrant communities?

(Massillon): It's a community gathering of sorts. On a Friday night; Guatemalan and Hispanic families usually show up at a local food distribution center to get assistance. It's been going on for some time here in Massillon. These families are part of a community of migrant workers that lead a somewhat secluded life on Massillon's south side. Many of these families work for local companies doing jobs that no one else wants. Most walk to and from work quietly everyday. Are they illegal? That can only be determined by their individual cases.

We are hearing that fear and anxiety are growing throughout these communities because of proposed changes to the immigration laws which includes the process for deportation. This fear is coming from migrant families that have no criminal records.

Massillon is not alone when it comes to migrant workers. Hartville as well as many communities across the nation have a demographic of migrant workers that do jobs that others simply don't want. The immigration laws and deportation process that goes with it are being re-written as we speak. How will those changes affect Massillon as a community?

A DOMINO EFFECT?

The Guatemalan and Hispanic Communities bring a cultural diversity to our city. Should we be concerned that such proposed laws will literally erase that culture from a historical heritage that contributes to the foundation of our community? Thanks to these newly proposed laws, one day we could wake up and these people are just...gone! Whole families...neighbors .. removed! That lends to the next question.

WILL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BE A PART OF THE DEPORTATION PROCESS?

Now there's a sticky wicket! I'm sure many agree that our own Massillon Police Department represents a group of dedicated men and women that are committed to serving and protecting us in a hundred different ways. Frankly,we're lucky! Our officers are a part of the community. Many of us have created personal friendships and have come to know their families.

The most recent direction from Washington is to appoint local law enforcement to assist in the deportation process. Here's what may happen if this becomes a reality.The process will evolve from a numbers game to being personal. The numbers will become names with faces and faces with families. Our own Massillon Police Department would have to forcibly remove these families from their homes and our community.

The result of such an action could well create a division so wide that our community and our nation may become fractured.

There are many questions that need to be asked.How would businesses deal with losing their migrant work force? How will local city councils address such an order before passing it on to law enforcement? How would an action like this affect the relationship between police and the public?

From the local barber shop to Capitol Hill; immigration has become a hot button topic that has created turmoil across the country. Perhaps we need to remember that it was immigration that built this great nation. We also need to keep in mind that this same immigration could strangle us if we don't find a way to address it properly. A true leader will find a way to do this with respect and compassion for all cultures.

More to come...

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

An Evening of Blues benefits Massillon's Family Living Center

(Massillon): WOW! What a night this was. Yes; this is a shameless plug acknowledging the absolute talent that came together for a special evening of blues to benefit Massillon's homeless shelter.

This event was held at TJ Dillon's Pub on Wednesday December 21st. I decided to reach out to my old band 'Lincoln Street Blues Band' to see if the guys were available and interested. No one gets paid; everything goes to the Family Living Center!. They all said yes!

These are some pretty special guys. Our Keyboard Player is Andy Smith. Many know who Andy is. As a graduate of Washington High School; Andy is well known as a master musician with a wide selection of instrumental talent. In addition to Andy; my dear friend Jerry Brown accompanied us on Guitar. Jerry is a Captain with The Canton City Fire Department. When Jerry's not busy saving lives; this man is saving souls with his guitar mastery. Also along for the evening was Keith Wilson; one of the best syncopated percussionists that I have ever met. Then there's Eric Brothers. Eric is the Vocalist. Most did not know that Eric lost the Love of his life; his Wife Susan just two weeks before to Cancer. This was his first musical appearance since that happened. It was a special medicine for Eric. Then; there was me. I'm the big dude playing the bass. I am the luckiest guy in the world to be able to play with these guys. (by the way; when we walked on stage that night; we hadn't seen each other for close to two years)

The night went on. The crowd loved it. The money flowed and box after box of canned food came through the front door. When it was over; The Family Living Center received literally HUNDREDS of dollars from the Dillon's tip jar and a truck load of food.

I will close this story by saying 'Thank you' for such a special night with some very special people. In closing; if you're a blues fan; take 5 minutes to enjoy this small video clip below..

TURN IT UP BABY!

NOVEMBER 19TH 2016:

Exclusive Interview: Up Close with Tiger Head Coach Nate Moore and his 'Power Source'; 'Becca'!

(Massillon): If you want to talk about the 'A Team'; Massillon has its very own 'power couple'. This team is 100% committed to our kids; on the field and off! We're talking about second year Massillon Tiger Head Coach Nate Moore and his wife Becca.

This past week; our own Ed Grier had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Moore and Becca for a candid conversation about kids; football; the past; and the future here in Tiger Town. The below interview is about a half hour so cuddle up with some hot chocolate; grab the popcorn, sit back and tune in as we take you inside the minds and hearts of Tiger Coach Nate Moore and his wife Becca. Enjoy.