Robert W. “Bob” Studer, 102
Smithville — Robert W. “Bob” Studer, age 102, of Smithville, died peacefully Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare in Wooster, following a period of declining health. Robert was born on November 22, 1922, in Sterling, Ohio, to the late Martin and Edna (Blough) Studer and married Marjorie Ramseyer on, November of 1943 in…
Read MoreMore than one way to fry a catfish … But special fundraiser will take care of that for you
DGKN staff report KIDRON For the 15th year, a special fundraiser is hosted by Sonnenberg Mennonite Church. The annual Mississippi Catfish Fry for Missions is 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, 14367 Hackett Road, Kidron. Dine-in and drive-thru are both available. Menu includes Mississippi catfish (gluten-free available) hush puppies, and sides. All…
Read MoreCentral welcomes new staff, weight room upgrade, and the return of ‘Frohliche Dorf’
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HEIDI STEINER By JACQUI L. HERSHBERGER DGKN contributor We asked Central Christian School administrators about news and updates as they headed into the new school year 2025-2026. Read what Superintendent Nathan Holton (with a huge assist from Heidi Steiner, marketing coordinator) had to say. 1. NEW AT CENTRAL Faculty and staff: Central…
Read MoreBACK TO SCHOOL AT WAYNEDALE: 4 things to know
DGKN staff report We asked Waynedale Superintendent Jon Ritchie some questions as the school district kicks off a new school year. 1. STUDENTS FREE ADMISSION Are there any new classes, programs, clubs, extracurricular activities, sports for students that are being offered this school year? “We are focusing on student engagement and all of our students…
Read MoreBACK TO SCHOOL AT DALTON: 4 Things to Know
DGKN staff report We asked Dalton Local Schools Superintendent Steve Watkins some questions as the school district kicks off a new school year. UPGRADED FACILITIES “This fall we will begin updating the stage lighting in the Dalton High School auditorium and make upgrades to features in our weight room. These improvements will enhance both the…
Read MoreDalton Baptist’s founder welcomes new pastor
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | DGKN Pastor Dave Greegor is retiring and Ryan Hysell is stepping up to the pulpit at Dalton Baptist Church. Greegor founded the church in 1973. By CHRISTINA McCUNE DGKN managing editor DALTON It was the summer of 1973. And Kathy Greegor had been praying. Just west of Shady Lawn…
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Akron – Mark E. Hamilton, age 61, passed away on August 20, 2025 after a short-term battle with cancer. Born on October 19, 1963 in Akron, OH, one of nine beloved children of the late Russell and Betty M. (Bushwack) Hamilton, he was a graduate of Kenmore High School. A resident of Akron for three…
Read MoreDonna Jean Swinehart, 100
Our loving mother and friend, Donna Jean Swinehart went home on August 14, 2025, after living on this earth for over 100 years. Donna was born on September 19, 1924, in Barberton-Norton Ohio area until moving to Knoxville Tennessee at the age of 92 to live with her son Fred. She graduated from the School…
Read MoreLocal candidates file for November election
DGKN staff report Area residents have filed to fill or compete to fill positions in local government. In Dalton, according to the Wayne County Board of Elections website, former mayor Dennis Finley has filed to fill the unexpired term for the position. Council president Dave Gibson has been serving as mayor since former council president…
Read MoreMark Steven Shidler, 50
Apple Creek — Mark Steven Shidler, 50, of Apple Creek, Ohio, passed away tragically in a truck accident near Syracuse, New York, on August 7, 2025. Born on May 14, 1975, he was the beloved son of Ronald and Dolores Shidler of Marshallville, Ohio, the devoted fiancé of Mandy Weaver of Apple Creek, and the…
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