Restaurant Impossible Returns to the Mill
Garrettsville - Most people remember that last fall, Robert Irvine and the Restaurant Impossible crew visited Garrettsville to help Garrett’s Mill owners Brian and Shelli Buchanan reinvigorate the struggling business. Prior to the visit, Brian was forced to return to his former job as a truck driver, while Shelli divided her time between the restaurant and her work as...
JAG Adds More Space to Learn & Grow
Garrettsville - While school has been out for the summer break, folks at James A. Garfield Schools have been getting the JAG campus ready for students. In addition to the usual cleaning, mopping, and sanitizing that take place before every school year begins, crews have been hard at work digging, cementing, and planting more trees. And as a result...
Hiram Village News
Hiram - At the last meeting, Ed Frato-Sweeney noted that 2021 Commencement for Hiram College students will take place on May 15th. While only graduates will be allowed in Martin Field House for the ceremony, their families are invited to watch commencement via live stream on the football scoreboard at Charles A. Henry Field. In his Police Department report, Chief...
Say What?!? Garrettsville Used to Hold Record for Largest Red Oak
Garrettsville - Most people who have grown up in the Garrettsville area know that the Lifesaver was invented here. We were known for producing the most maple syrup in the world and the great train robbery of 1935, but few people are aware that Garrettsville had the largest Red Oak tree in the World. Yes, the world! The tree was...
Primary Election Day Extended
Portage County - According to the Portage County Board of Elections, the Primary Election, which was originally scheduled for March 17th, will be concluded on April 28, 2020. The March election day was blocked by the State in an attempt to restrict public gatherings and limit the spread of Covid-19. Since several localities had key initiatives on the ballot, the...
Top 10 Little-Known Facts as Garrettsville Celebrates its 210th Year
This village was settled 210 years ago, in early July 1804, by John Garrett of Delaware. On the occasion of Garrettsville’s Centennial Celebration, the history of early Garrettsville was written by S.M. Luther and published in SOUVENIR of Garrettsville ~ Centennial Home Coming. (Interesting to note it was published three years late in 1907!) Local businessman Christopher Perme discovered a copy of this relic on eBay, and has loaned it to the Villager in order to share these little-known facts about our hometown…
Creativity is a Saving Grace that leads to a Reimagined Life
Very rarely will you meet the kind of person that leaves you totally in awe of what they have accomplished, what they offer others and how they handle the massive lemons life throws their way. We all struggle with the challenges we get dealt. It takes grace, perseverance and courage to overcome and excel in a way that leads...
Shaffer’s Meats & Market in Mantua
Mantua - When Lisa Shaffer began working at K & K last year, she enjoyed the customer interaction in the small community’s hub, sharing, “I got to meet so many local people.” She became enamored with Mantua’s small-town charm. Growing up in Erie, PA, she remembered the deli counter in her hometown --Tony Benito’s -- and admitted that she...
New Tattoo Parlor Brings Color and Economy to Ravenna
Ravenna - Veteran. Proud Patriot. Family man. Businessman. These are all the titles that newest Ravenna merchant, Clint Marsh, falls under. On Saturday, March 30th War Horse Ink had the ribbon cutting at its second location with about 40 citizens in attendance. Straight out of high school Marsh joined the army where he served his country for four years. He...
Portage County Reaches Level 4 Purple Status on Ohio Public Health Advisory System: Residents and Businesses Urged to Take Precautions
As of 12/03/2020, according to the Ohio Public Health Advisory System, Portage County is at Level 4 Status with HIGH Incidence for sustained activity related to the Indicators. Portage County has now triggered 6 out of the 7 key indicators: Indicator 1- New Cases per Capita (High Incidence 648/100k population)Indicator 2- New Cases IncreaseIndicator 3- Non-Congregate CasesIndicator 4 -ED VisitsIndicator...
Car Cruises In Hiram And Garrettsville This Saturday
You won’t have to travel far this weekend if you are a fan of car shows. Beginning at 9 am on Saturday, the Hiram Police Car Show will take place in Hiram Village. Hot rod cars, trucks, food, music, trophies and family fun can be found on Hayden and Dean Streets! There is no registration fee, however, donations will be accepted...
Two Travelers Tavern: Serving up Unique Flavor in Garrettsville
Garrettsville - When Zeppe’s closed its doors and pulled out of the community, it seemed to many that Garrettsville was doomed to have an empty building on Main Street indefinitely. Restaurateurs Sean and Sondra Varner saw something different; the opportunity to breathe new life into an older structure and create a unique dining experience for residents and visitors to...
UPDATED: Megan Dye Was Located in Cincinnati on July 10
Update: Megan Dye was safely located by the US Marshal Service in Cincinnati. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Kent Police Department in Ohio are searching for this missing 17-year-old girl.Megan Dye vanished from Kent, Ohio on July 8, 2020. Megan was last seen in Tannery Park in Kent, and her belongings have been found there...
COVID-19 Vaccine distribution for Phase 1B populations to begin in Portage County
In conjunction with Ohio’s statewide efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to Ohioans in Phase 1B starting the week of January 19, Portage County Health District and Portage County Emergency Management Agency are partnering to lead the vaccination efforts. The combined knowledge and decades of planning and training will allow us to continue to serve our community as we work...
Tattoos to the Rescue: Bad Body Art Benefits Portage APL
Ravenna - Have you ever awed at Claude Monet’s Water Lilies? Or wondered at the emotional turmoil behind Pablo Picasso’s blue period paintings? Art is meant to invoke the human spirit. In the tattoo industry artists have the unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with their medium the human body. But sometimes mistakes happen, or work goes unfinished....
PORTAGE COUNTY EMA COLLECTING PROTECTIVE WEAR FOR REALLOCATION TO PORTAGE HEALTHCARE AND SAFETY WORKERS
RAVENNA, OH – ThePortage County Emergency Management Agency is asking businesses and the public for a variety of specific donations to help local safety and healthcare workers during the response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.EMA officials are requesting that donations be limited to what is listed. Items for safety and healthcare workers should be delivered to the EMA office at...
New Owner Revitalizing Windham Supermarket
Windham - It’s a new day at Windham’s grocery store. It’s got a new name, a new owner and a new future, but it’s here to stay for the sake of the community. So says Ali Salama, independent owner of Windham Supermarket at 9670 East Center Street. Salama is in the process of purchasing the former Windham Sparkle Market from...
Windham School Board News
Windham - The Windham Board of Education (BOE) met for their regularly scheduled meeting with two members in attendance and two via Zoom. One member was absent. BOE President Mandy Berardinelli called the meeting to order. In the president’s report, Berardinell reported that National Honor Society (NHS) Jr/Sr. high inductions are set for April 29th at 9 am. There will...
Windham Village Council News
Windham - The Windham Village Council met recently with all the members of council in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Scott Garrett. Council members are President Lawrence (Mac) Cunningham, Cheryl Belknap, Cindy Cale, Cheryl Taylor, Terrie Altiere and Sherri Pennington. The village administrator is Deborah Blewitt, zoning inspector Tom Brett and solicitor is Tom Reitz. The...
Renovation & Restoration Brewing in Mantua’s New Coffee Company
Mantua - Something’s brewing in downtown Mantua. After 15 years, the vacant storefront at Main and Prospect streets is stirring with the promise of a new community gathering place in the form of a coffee shop. Restoration 44 Coffee Company (aka R44) is the shared dream of co-owners Terry Tung of Chagrin Falls, Dan Tillett of Mantua, and Jamie...
K9 Business Muzzled by Local Trustees
Unbeknown to owner Michelle Filler, since the initial decision was made by then Zoning Inspector Gerald Apple, and construction moved forward, her business had been discussed at every trustee meeting from December until May 2021. In related news, the Zoning Inspector resigned from his role, citing “the harsh work environment and unpleasant verbal attacks, along with a perceived lack of support by the Trustees as a group,” as the reasons for his resignation. Upon his departure, Assistant Zoning Inspector Laura Chartier, a relative of Trustee Ziska, was put charge of enforcing the Township’s Zoning codes.
44 Feed & Seed Opens in Mantua
Mantua - Cole Benjamin, owner of the newly opened 44 Seed & Feed store in Mantua, has always been interested in livestock. The Mantua native has grown up with large and small livestock through 4H as well as his family’s cattle farm. After high school graduation, Cole headed west, working as a ranch hand for several years, working cattle...
Manage Coronavirus-related Stress
During this time of uncertainty, many of us are experiencing high levels of stress & anxiety. Follow these tips to help you cope during this stressful time. Also know that mental health professionals are available to help. Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. It is important to get good information to help you prepare and respond, but don’t overwhelm...
Crestwood School Board News
Mantua - As a result of the failure of Issue 6 this spring, the School Board discussed options and considerations for the district’s financial situation. Superintendent David Toth noted that the district has made cuts of over two million dollars over the last 5 years. In addition, the planned closure of the Crestwood Middle School stating next school year...
Portage Park District Permanently Conserves 89 Acres in Portage County
Ravenna– Portage Park District has conserved over 89 acres in Kent and Streetsboro, bringing the park district’s total conserved acreage to over 2,100. The newly conserved land consists of four unique properties adjacent to existing park properties and includes high quality wetlands, forests and open space. Creating larger tracts of contiguous natural areas provides increased quality of wildlife habitat...
Portage Park District COVID-19 Response
The Portage Park District is concerned about ensuring the health and safety of all our park patrons during this COVID-19 pandemic. Our parks and trails remain open and we encourage the public to enjoy the great outdoors to support physical and mental health while continuing to follow the guidance of our health experts to maintain social distancing. To discourage...
Ice Cream Parlor Sweetens up the Town
Ravenna - We all need a little sugary pick-me-up sometimes and having a sweet treat can be the bright spot in everyone’s day. Vance’s Carriage House Creamery, the new hand-dipped hard ice cream shop, has just the flavor you will need to bring a smile to your face. Happiness seems so tricky to come by and yet joy can easily...
The G-Men’s Greatest Fan
Garrettsville - Sitting in the stands every week at every boys’ basketball game, home or away, one will find the G-Men’s greatest fan. If you have been paying attention and you attend football games or boys’ basketball you would have seen him in the stands cheering on the G-men. He is Jim Gyulai. He loves high school football, and...
Yo Quiero Taco-ville: Taco Bell sets its sights on Garrettsville
Garrettsville – Planning Commission members present at the May 2nd meeting were Jeff Sheehan, Councilman Chris Knop, Jerry Kehoe, Councilman Tom Hardesty, Mayor Rick Patrick, Village Solicitor Michele Stuck, and Zoning Inspector Jan Boehm. After the meeting was called to order and the minutes of the last meeting were approved the floor was opened to Ryan Stroup and Mark Mox...
