BARBERTON
Learn city’s ethnic history
BARBERTON: Barberton Public Library’s Local History Room will present a program on “Ethnic Barberton” at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The program will reflect on the immigrant populations that settled in Barberton to take jobs at factories like Babcock & Wilcox, Pittsburgh Plate Glass, Ohio Brass Co., Pittsburgh Valve and Fittings, Diamond Match Co. and American Vitrified Pipe.
While jobs came easy, it was often difficult to adjust to a new way of life in a new country, so newcomers often settled in neighborhoods with others from their homeland, helping to preserve their native cultures and customs.
Light refreshments will be served during the program.
BATH TOWNSHIP
Yellow Creek program
BATH TWP.: The Friends of Yellow Creek will host a “State of the Watershed” program at 7 p.m. Monday at the University of Akron Field Station, 4160 Ira Road.
Among the topics addressed will be stream flow fluctuations and measurements within the watershed; a review of recent steam monitoring efforts; the formation of the Yellow Creek Watershed Foundation; and a history of the creation and mission of the Friends of Yellow Creek.
Refreshments will be served at the Regal Beagle, adjacent to the Field Station, following the program.
For more information about the Friends of Yellow Creek, visit www.yellowcreekwatershed.org.
CANTON
Man admits to two killings
CANTON: A Massillon man charged in the shooting deaths of two women pleaded guilty in exchange for prosecutors dropping a potential death penalty for him.
The Canton Repository reports a judge on Friday sentenced Leeroy Rogers Sr., 59, to life in prison for aggravated murder and other charges. He’ll have the possibility of parole after 61 years.
Pausing at times as he spoke, Rogers admitted he killed the women at different times and dumped one body at a creek and the other at a park.
An assistant prosecutor says the victims’ relatives supported the plea deal to make sure Rogers spends the rest of his life behind bars.
Some of them provided statements in court. One offered Rogers forgiveness. Another suggested that would be impossible.
STATE NEWS
Boy’s parents plead guilty
LEBANON: A southwest Ohio boy’s parents pleaded guilty to child endangering charges after police say an officer found the 7-year-old trying to sell a stuffed animal to buy food.
Michael and Tammi Bethel of Franklin entered pleas Friday. They’re scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 27.
Tammi Bethel’s attorney says she’s accepting responsibility and taking steps to get back her children, who were placed with other relatives.
A message seeking comment was left for Michael Bethel’s attorney.
Franklin police say Officer Steve Dunham found the boy in front of a drug store last month. The boy told Dunham he hadn’t eaten for days, so the officer took him to a restaurant.
Police say other officers went to the home and found four older boys living amid garbage and cat urine.
SUMMIT COUNTY
Councilman’s office hours
Summit County Councilman John Schmidt of District 2 is scheduled to host public office hours 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Cuyahoga Falls Public Library, 2015 Third St.
Schmidt will be available to answer questions and hear concerns from constituents.
District 2 includes most of Cuyahoga Falls, Munroe Falls and portions of Akron, including East Akron, Goodyear Heights and North Hill.
For more information, please contact the Summit County Council office at 330-643-2725.