Benjamin Duer

1 week ago | cantonrep.com | Benjamin Duer

Show Caption Hide Caption West Branch Local Board of Education gives coach Walt DeShields a new contractAfter a few weeks of uncertainty, Walt DeShields will return on the West Branch sidelines for a 21st season of varsity girls basketball. West Branch Local Board of Education approved a new supplemental contract for varsity girls basketball coach Walt DeShields on Wednesday night. The contract marks an about-face on a situation that had divided a community over the last few weeks.

1 week ago | cantonrep.com | Benjamin Duer

BELOIT ‒ Walt DeShields has never coached a losing season of varsity girls basketball at West Branch High School in 20 years. He may or may not get a 21st season. Superintendent Micki Egli has recommended DeShields receive a one-year supplemental contract to coach the 2025-26 season. The Board of Education will consider the contract on Wednesday. The meeting starts 5:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. It is expected to be crowded.

1 week ago | the-review.com | Benjamin Duer

BELOIT ‒ Walt DeShields has never coached a losing season of varsity girls basketball at West Branch High School in 20 years. He may or may not get a 21st season. Superintendent Micki Egli has recommended DeShields receive a one-year supplemental contract to coach the 2025-26 season. The Board of Education will consider the contract on Wednesday. The meeting starts 5:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. It is expected to be crowded.

1 week ago | cantonrep.com | Benjamin Duer

Kristopher Bugara, Jennifer Kiko, Phillip Mastorianni and Rev. Joshua Smith are vying in the May 6 primary for Alliance City Council at-large bids. ALLIANCE ‒ Voters in Alliance rarely see contested races for Alliance City Council. The last time it happened was 2013. Twelve years later, voters will see two contested races in the May 6 primary election for City Council. Both will decide Republican nominees for the November ballot.

2 weeks ago | the-review.com | Benjamin Duer

ALLIANCE ‒ Alliance City Council had a quiet night due to absences on Monday night. Two council members − Sheila Cherry and Jennifer Kiko − missed the session. There are seven members total. Kiko had to work. Council President Art Carnes said Cherry, 69, has been dealing with several health issues, including knee surgery, which has kept her home. A longtime representative of Ward 1, Cherry has a reputation for supporting the community and making sure people's concerns are heard.