The Independent (Massillon, OH)

The Independent, which was previously known as The Evening Independent, is a daily newspaper in the United States that is published from Monday to Saturday in Massillon, Ohio. It is part of GateHouse Media. This newspaper serves the community of western Stark County, Ohio, covering areas such as Massillon, Beach City, Brewster, Canal Fulton, Jackson, Lawrence Township, Navarre, Perry, and Tuscarawas Township.

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Stark County-area high school baseball and softball stats leaders, May 13

2 days ago | indeonline.com | Josh Weir

A look at the top hitters, base runners and pitchers in Greater Canton high school baseball and softball so far during the 2025 OHSAA season. For the previous edition of the area leaders, click here. Stark County-area high school baseball statistical leaders OFFENSE BATTING AVERAGE (minimum 35 at-bats) Player, school - Hits - ABs - Avg.
'What kind of monster are you?' Alliance man sentenced for raping 9-year-old girl

2 days ago | indeonline.com | Nancy Molnar

David F. Rios was sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a child repeatedly over three years. The victim's mother and Judge Forchione both referred to Rios as a "monster."The plea agreement spared the victim from testifying at trial. Judge Forchione expressed reluctance to accept the plea deal, initially believing Rios deserved a life sentence. The victim's mother supported the plea agreement to facilitate her daughter's healing process.
Second man charged, accused of having sex with dog in East Canton

2 days ago | indeonline.com | Nancy Molnar

A 28-year-old man faces felony charges for allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a border collie, causing serious harm to the animal. The suspect, with a prior conviction for a similar offense, is being held on a $25,000 bond and is prohibited from contact with animals. A second man is also facing charges related to the same incident and is being held on a higher bond.
Billions in federal earmarks eliminated. Here's what that means for Stark County

3 days ago | indeonline.com | Danae King |Grace Springer

While earmarks represent a small percentage of the federal budget, they are crucial for many community projects and organizations. Organizations in Ohio alone were expecting over $386 million for projects ranging from infrastructure improvements to park renovations. The exclusion of earmarks stems from a continuing resolution passed by Congress, which maintained previous funding levels but left new earmarks unfunded.
Meet Allyson Bussey, who promotes tourism in Stark County through Visit Canton

4 days ago | indeonline.com | Patricia Faulhaber

Allyson Bussey has been an avid advocate for the Stark County community for almost two decades. She feels honored to have served on the Visit Canton team for 18 years and today is the president and CEO of the organization, also known as the Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau. “In this role, I am an ambassador and advocate for our community, facilitating connections between visitors and our destination's unique experiences," she said.
Malachi Fortner charged with murder in shooting of Stephon Dunn

4 days ago | indeonline.com | Kelly Byer

(This story has been updated to correct an error.)CANTON – City resident Malachi L. Fortner, 18, has been booked in the Stark County Jail on charges of murder and felonious assault. He is accused of fatally shooting Stephon Dunn, 21, of Canton in the 1500 block of Clarendon Avenue SW. Several 911 calls reported the shooting about 8:45 p.m. Thursday. Dunn was taken to Aultman Hospital for a gunshot wound to his back and died shortly thereafter.
'The Lord spoke to me very clearly.' Alliance pastor starts new church

5 days ago | indeonline.com | Charita Goshay

ALLIANCE − In 2024, the Rev. Brandon Hodge found himself at a spiritual crossroads. St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he had served as a supply pastor for eight years, was closing due to dwindling attendance. "It really started back in 2020," he said. "I was just unhappy with the AME church. I did not like where things were going, and I knew God was calling me to leave, to launch into the deep, but I just didn't know how.
'Just a surreal moment': Hoover girls lacrosse enjoys historic win over rival Jackson

5 days ago | indeonline.com | Cliff Hickman

Hoover defeated Jackson 12-11. It is the first time the Vikings have beaten the Polar Bears in girls lacrosse. Hoover held off a furious Jackson rally in the closing seconds. Mahlina McFadden scored five goals to lead the way for Hoover. NORTH CANTON — It was a night several years in the making. A dream that the Hoover girls lacrosse team had been working towards for years. All the hard work and sweat and tears had paid off.
Meet Stark County's most talented young professionals. Twenty under 40! honorees announced

5 days ago | indeonline.com | Rick Armon

CANTON ‒ The best and brightest young professionals from Stark County don't always flee for so-called greener pastures. Many remain or return — or even settle here from elsewhere — determined to make their mark in Stark and better the community. The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce's ystark! and the Canton Repository on Friday announced the 2025 class of the Twenty under 40! program, which recognizes 20 outstanding, emerging leaders each year who are under the age of 40. This is the 18th year.
21-year-old Canton man shot and killed on Clarendon Avenue SW. Police looking for shooter

5 days ago | indeonline.com | Nancy Molnar

CANTON ‒ Police are searching for the suspect in Thursday night's fatal shooting of 21-year-old city resident Stephon J. Dunn. Police Chief John Gabbard said in a prepared statement that the suspect is Malachi L. Fortner, 18, of Canton. Gabbard said Dunn appeared to have been shot in the back in the 1500 block of Clarendon Avenue SW. Dunn, of 14th Street NW, did not appear to be conscious or breathing when officers found him lying in a front yard at 8:51 p.m. One officer performed CPR on the victim.