Articles by Stacy Turner
Stacy Turner is a wife, mother, and contributing reporter who has lived in the Mantua/Hiram area for over a dozen years. After enjoying a career in marketing, where she spent her time writing on behalf of other people, she gets a kick out of writing under her own name. Mostly, she enjoys the opportunity to learn more about her community through the stories she covers.
CYF Builds Benches to Build Hope
Mantua – The Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) United, comprised of youth groups from three area churches, have been practicing their carpentry skills to raise money for an upcoming mission trip. The group of 18 area high schoolers from Hilltop Christian, Hiram Christian, and Mantua Center Christian Churches made Leopold Benches. …
Brother and Sister in Arms
Mantua – Under the guise of an impromptu lesson about Memorial Day this week, students in Mrs. Franks’ class at Crestwood Intermediate School got to meet a real-live hero. CIS Principal, Mr. Maglionico, came to the class to talk about the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. He wanted to know what …
Straight Talk
As I type, my dog is in her bed, snoring her head off. The even sounds of her snores work as a sort of white noise machine, making it hard to feel anxious of my impending work deadlines. It also brings to mind the subject of voices we each hear …
Self-Described ‘Lunatic Farmer’ Unleashed at Hiram College
Hiram – Hiram College students and local farmers had the opportunity to meet Joel Salatin, who the New York Times called, “the high priest of the pasture,” and “Virginia’s most multi-faceted agrarian since Thomas Jefferson”. Salatin raises livestock free of potentially harmful chemicals on his Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia. …
Earth Day + Sunshine = Fun at Crestwood
Mantua – Sunshine, warm weather, and easy access to a playground, combined with lots of volunteers made the Earth Day celebration at Crestwood Primary & Intermediate Schools a big success. As participants checked in at the Welcome Booth of the free after-school community program, they received an Earth Day Passport …
Ravenna Relay for Life Laps Cancer
Ravenna – At Relay For Life events, communities come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much from each of us. That’s why 531 participants on 38 teams have already raised over $56,500 for the Relay For …
A Cinderella Story
Once upon a time — last Saturday night, in fact — my husband and I had the opportunity to transport our two princesses to the nearby land of Mantua. While we didn’t take a coach and ball gowns were optional, our princesses were delighted at the events that unfolded.
Crestwood District News
Mantua – Narrowing down the playing field in just a few short months from forty-seven applicants to just one, the Crestwood School Board has hired David Toth, (currently the principal at West Geauga High School), as Crestwood’s new School Superintendent. Retiring Superintendent Joe Iacano stated, “I wish David the best. …
Relay for Life Brings Big Hope for Survivors
Hiram – Less than twenty-four hours after we enjoyed temperatures in the upper 70s, teams of students, faculty, staff and community members walked amid blowing rain and snow last Friday night at the Charles A. Henry Field track at Hiram College in honor of cancer victims and survivors. Although the …
Help A Humanitarian Help the 4Cs
The Crestwood Community Care Coalition (4Cs) has been helping families in the Crestwood School District for over 20 years. Now, you’ve got a chance to help them by doing something you probably already do anyway. The more donations of money and non-perishable food they receive now through April 30th, the …
Cinderella Comes to Life at Crestwood High School
Mantua – Dust off your tiara, because on April 19th to April 21st, you’ll be transported into one of childhood’s best-loved fairy tales. Crestwood High Drama Club will present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at the nearby CHS gymnasium, so pumpkin coaches are not required. You’ll be transported as Cinderella, Crestwood …
Weather Didn’t Hamper Easter Carnival
Mantua – Scads of kids went to Crestwood Primary School this past Saturday. Yes, they willingly came to school on the first Saturday of spring break, but their motivation was anything but academic. On their minds were eggs, candy, Easter baskets and carnival games — and they were not disappointed.
Village of Mantua Battles Back from Fiscal Watch
Mantua – Last Tuesday’s Mantua Village Council meeting marked the momentous occasion of the Village being removed from Fiscal Watch by Nita Hendryx, a representatives from Ohio’s Auditor of State’s Office (ASO). According to Jenny August, Village Clerk-Treasurer, Mantua met the criteria of ‘Fiscal Watch’ at the end of 2007, …
SWCD Helps You Plan Spring Planting
Portage County – Now that spring is in the air, outdoor projects are on the top of most people’s minds. The folks at Portage Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) want to share their expertise to help you select the ideal trees and shrubs best-suited for your landscape. By consulting …
Moving Mantua Forward by Preserving its Precious Past
Mantua – A recent visitor to the area commented on how much she loved the beauty and small town American charm of the homes, churches and town centers of Northeast Ohio. When I gave her a quizzical look, she explained, laughing, “I live in Tampa, where everything’s new. We don’t …
Family Literacy is a Community Effort
Mantua – Twenty-five volunteers — including one Cat in the Hat — came from four area churches on one evening to help spread a message of family literacy at Crestwood Primary School (CPS).
“We’re grateful to be invited into the school. Family Literacy Night is a great way for us to …
Who is St. Baldrick?
Hiram – On March 23, a head-shaving fundraiser in honor of this fictitious saint will be hosted by the Hiram Fire Department Fire Fighter Association’s (HFDFFA). So why host an event — especially one where people lose their hair — for a fake saint? Because more children are lost to …
Is Fracking Against Your Religion?
Fracking has become a hot political and economic issue in Portage County, as more permits are granted and more wells are drilled. For some, however, fracking has also become a religious issue. Grounded in the belief that calls us to be faithful stewards of our planet’s resources, a group called …
Pond Clinic Offers Free Advice
Did you know that maintaining a successful balance in your pond starts with picking the right species of fish who occupy it? Do you have questions on selecting the right fish for your pond, or how to cultivate the most beneficial aquatic plants? Would you like to hear from local …
Hiram Township Happenings
Hiram Twp. – As of January, 2013, Kathy Schulda was voted Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Steve Pancost was voted Vice Chairman and Regional Planning Commission Representative. Meeting minutes from the past two meetings were approved, and are now available to view downloaded at the Hiram Township web …
Italian Garden Comes to Burton
Burton – Italian food is one of the most popular ethnic foods in America, and Tim Weiss knows how to make it. With over 15 years of experience, you might say Weiss has marinara in his veins. He started the Italian Garden Restaurant in Garrettsville in 1997. He eventually sold …
Community Center Gets Its Start at Center School
Wikipedia defines community centers as “public locations where members of a community tend to gather for group activities, social support, public information, and other purposes.”
Like many folks in Mantua Township, Ellie Monroe, a long-time resident, would like to see the historic Mantua Center School building effectively used as such by …
Free Water Testing in Streetsboro
Streetsboro – Author James Fennimore Cooper is quoted as saying, “The air, the water and the ground are free gifts to man and no one has the power to portion them out in parcels. Man must drink and breathe and walk and therefore each man has a right to his …
One Book, One School, One Principal and Two Pigs?
Mantua – Charlotte’s Web came to life at Crestwood Primary School (CPS) last Thursday. Students, teachers and staff learned that they had “Some School” as they saw their cafeteria transformed into Wilbur’s home at Mr. Zuckerman’s farm. The menagerie included two sheep, one miniature horse, and one calf, courtesy of …
Skrovan New Hiram Village Fiscal Officer
Hiram – Sue Skrovan was sworn in by Hiram Village Mayor Bertrand as the newly appointed Fiscal Officer at the last Village Council meeting. Skrovan, who was officially appointed by a unanimous vote of the Hiram Village Council on December 27, started in her new role on December 28. Skrovan, …
A Young Life Lost
I was deeply saddened by the recent news that a Hiram College freshman named Chavonne Chin-Albert, passed away of an apparent suicide. The campus community was notified Saturday via email, prayers were requested for her and her family. Counselors were available to talk with students and the Chapel opened Sunday …
Keeping New Year’s Resolutions – The Easy Way
According to University of Scranton’s Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45% of Americans usually ring in the New Year by making resolutions, with the top two goals to lose weight and get organized. Many of those same resolutions are often abandoned or forgotten by the end of January. We’ve got so …
Putting a Face on Fracking–Farming & Films (Part Three)
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves blasting millions of gallons of water mixed with sand and chemicals into a well to break up shale and allow oil and gas to flow out. The practice has come to Portage County in a big way over the last 18 months, potentially fueling economic …
Local Firm Helps Students Realize College Dreams
Hiram – According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the annual current dollar prices for the 2010-2011 academic year for undergraduate tuition, room and board were estimated to be $13,600 at public institutions and a whopping $36,300 at private institutions. NCES also reports that only one in eight …
Health Effects of Fracking
Streetsboro – On Saturday, January 26, at 7:30 P.M., Concerned Citizens – Shalersville, will host Dr. Deborah Cowden, speaking on the Health Impacts of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Dr. Cowden, President of the Greene County Medical Society, currently serves as Clinic Physician at Knox County Health Department in Mount Vernon, …
Oasis® Breaks Ground On State-Of-The-Art Greenhouse In Kent
Kent – On an unseasonably mild day in December, on a quiet street in Kent, a small group gathered to take a huge step forward for OASIS®Grower Solutions (OGS). While a new greenhouse had been on the minds of many at OGS for several years, the company recently broke ground …
Putting a Face on Fracking — Hearing from Homeowners (Part Two)
Our little corner of Northeast Ohio is experiencing a new wave of oil and gas exploration, as new drilling and production technologies make extraction of oil and gas from the shale deposits deep beneath the land more accessible. Over the past 18 – 24 months, energy company “landmen” and leasing …
The Most Important Meal?
I understand that breakfast is the most important part of the day. I agree with the theory that a healthy and productive day starts by fueling your body, which kick-starts your metabolism, giving your body the energy it needs to face the day. This idea really has merit, so I …
Crestwood Schools — Student Safety and Superintendent Search
At December’s School Board meeting, the Board voted to approve the revision of the Five-Year Forecast for fiscal years ending in 2017. The forecast is required by law to be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education. The Board also discussed Strategic Planning for the District, as items in the …
A Successful Resolution — Food & Fellowship
Nelson Twp. – January is traditionally a time to make resolutions, with eating healthy, spending more time with family & friends, and helping others topping the list. If you’re looking for some motivation for your own resolutions, or would like to hear about some local folks who’ve managed to be …
Putting a Face on Fracking: It All Began With a Bison (Part One)
Portage County – How did a bison named “Gentle Ben” get involved with horizontal fracturing wells? Back in June, Ben’s owner, flight attendant Beckie Dean, had some painting done at her home. At that time, she learned her pilot was having a difficult time convincing his wife to add his …
Memories of Christmas Past
Isn’t it funny how a smell can instantly take you back to a time and a place where you first experienced it? For me, when I smell crayons, I’m six years old, and back-to-school supply shopping. My mom would take me and my platoon of siblings to Kmart, long before …
Crestwood Kids Enjoyed Lunch with Santa
Mantua – The Crestwood Primary School (CPS) PTO hosted lunch with Santa last Saturday at the Historic Mantua Center Elementary School. Nearly 150 people attended, with almost half the number of attendees measured in at less than four feet tall.
Crestwood Schools Launch Student Helpline
Mantua – In a letter sent home to Crestwood School District students, Mary Ann Strenk, Director of Curriculum for the District, announced the launch of a program called ‘Safe School Helpline’, an anonymous tip line set up through a partnership between the School District and the Mantua Village Police Department. …
Downtown Kent Rises Like a Phoenix
Kent – With over $100 million in new construction nearing completion, downtown Kent is currently undergoing massive redevelopment. While these revitalization projects have been successful through the cooperation of many, Ron Burbick , a retired executive turned developer, started the ball rolling with an idea he called the ‘Phoenix Project.’ …
Portage County’s Frack Attack
According to the Ohio Oil & Gas Association, House Bill (H.B.) 278, passed in 2004, became the Ohio law which recognizes that “the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division has the sole and exclusive authority to regulate the permitting, locating and spacing of oil and gas wells. Additionally, H.B. …
Free Monthly Water Testing
Homeowners with wells in Shalersville, Mantua, Hiram, Nelson, and surrounding areas are invited to bring their water to be tested for free. Concerned Citizens Ohio/Shalersville will test well water at no charge on Sunday, Dec. 2, starting at 3:15 P.M., at the King of Glory Church in the Streetsboro Plaza, …
What’s the Story at Mantua’s Center Church?
Mantua – If you’ve seen the weekly influx of preschoolers heading to the Mantua Center Christian Church (MCCC) each Thursday with their big people, you may wonder if they’re heading to some sort of pint-sized revival meeting. This lively group heads religiously to MCCC each Thursday, but they aren’t heading …
Memorial Garden Dedicated in Hiram
Hiram – There’s a new garden in Hiram, a quiet place for reflection tucked in behind the Hiram Christian Church. Previously, the spot was not much to look at — just a vacant house, looking lonely and dejected. But when Gail Horning Hazard saw the site, she saw what it …
Hiram Township Happenings
Hiram Township – Township Resident Diane Rodhe made an appearance at the October 2nd Hiram Township trustees meeting to thank residents for the support for her son Justin Rodhe, shot putter at the Summer Olympics in London. Mrs. Rodhe shared, “Thank you for the banners — Justin appreciated the show …
At Derthick’s Farm, the Maze is Just a Kernel of the Story
Mantua – Locals were duly impressed by Derthick’s Corn Maze & Farm Experience last week, as not one, but two Cleveland news crews visited the over 200-year-old farm last Tuesday. Fox8’s Todd Meany was first to arrive, experiencing the farm and maze, finishing off his fun day on the farm …
Crestwood School Board Special Meeting Held
Mantua – A special Crestwood School Board meeting was held at the High School on September 19 to discuss the $1.2 – $1.8 million dollars in District budget cuts coming shortly from the State. The public session of the meeting covered general category cuts or reductions, including increases in participation …
Hiram Township Happenings
Hiram Twp – The Hiram Township Trustees met on September 18 for a regularly scheduled meeting. Normal business was conducted, including selection of JHI Painting of Mantua to update and paint the shake and wood trim on the historic Hiram Township Hall building.
Mantua-Shalersville Chamber Chatter
The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce met on September 19. After introductions, member groups and organizations made general announcements. Edie Benner, President of the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC), announced that the DMRC has received a grant for streetscape improvements to the south end of the Village. The DMRC will …
Mantua Township Trustees Updates
Mantua Twp. – The Trustees of Mantua Township held their regularly scheduled meeting on September 20 at the Township Hall. The Trustees have scheduled a workshop on October 9 at 6:30 pm. The purpose of this meeting is to develop a grant application for the Ohio Public Works Commission. The …
