Benjamin Coll
Ben is the co-owner and editor of The Weekly Villager and actively guides the James A. Garfield Local School District's student media programs. He oversees GGtv broadcasting, the High School yearbook, and Podcasting initiatives, fostering student creativity for the JAG community. In Garrettsville, he serves as vice president of the Garrettsville Area Chamber, vice president of the Garrettsville Board of Public Affairs, and contributes as a board member for the Nelson Garrettsville Community cupboard,
JAG music programs ring in the holiday season with concerts
The James A. Garfield music programs hosted two festive concerts in the Iva Walker Auditorium, celebrating the season with performances from student musicians spanning grades five through twelve. The events, held Sunday, Dec. 15, and Tuesday, Dec. 17, showcased the hard work and talent of the school’s band and...
Village Council Discusses Employee Raises, Land Purchase, and Resident Feedback
The Garrettsville Village Council convened on Dec. 11, 2024, in the council chambers, with Mayor Rick Patrick calling the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Present were council members Deb Wordell, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Tom Hardesty, Richard Beatty, and Jeff Kaiser. Village officials included fiscal officer Donna Love...
Food Pantry Serves Hundreds in 2024
The Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard, a 501(c)(3) organization serving residents within the James A. Garfield Local School District, provided critical food assistance to hundreds of families in 2024. Covering Garrettsville, Nelson Township, Freedom Township, and parts of Hiram Township, the program served as a vital lifeline for those in...
Scientific breakthroughs, supervillains, and… flatulence?! take center stage this weekend at...
The GMS Drama Club will showcase its “Night of One Acts” from December 6–8, featuring three comedic short plays: The Chili Haunts Me Still, Supervillains Anonymous, and Middle School Science Fair. Performances are scheduled for December 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Dec. 8 at...
Shop Small, Gift Big at the Kent Flea Holiday Show
Holiday shoppers seeking unique and handcrafted gifts will find a treasure trove of options at the Kent Flea Holiday Show on Saturday, Dec. 14. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature over 60 vendors and food trucks, offering a festive shopping experience filled with one-of-a-kind...
Support Local on Small Business Saturday with the Grand Opening of...
Just in time for the holiday season, Timeless Beauty Ink, an esthetics studio owned by McKayla Peterson, is celebrating its grand opening in the Villager Building at 8088 Main Street in Garrettsville. With a mission to boost confidence and enhance natural beauty, Timeless Beauty Ink is set to become...
Comedy, clues, and culprits: ‘This Murder was Staged’ opens this weekend...
The James A. Garfield Drama Club will debut its latest production, “This Murder Was Staged,” a fast-paced, interactive mystery comedy, at the Iva Walker Auditorium from November 22 to 24. Directed by Ms. Jackie Lovelace, the middle school language arts teacher and drama club advisor, the play promises to...
Council tables “Grass & Weeds” ordinance, approves purchase of tornado sirens...
Garrettsville’s Village Council convened on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. in the basement of Village Hall, with their regular chambers occupied by the James A. Garfield Historical Society’s Christmas Walk Craft Show. Council members present included Deb Wordell, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Council President Tom Hardesty, Richard Beatty, and...
Lighting the Way: Garfield High Welcomes 57th NHS Class
Friends, family, and faculty gathered in the Iva Walker Auditorium on Tuesday evening to honor the 57th class of National Honor Society inductees from James A. Garfield High School’s Georgia Lee Alford chapter. The event, filled with traditions and moving speeches, underscored the dedication of these students to the...
Council Meeting Recap: Hiram Village Advances Key Community Projects
The Hiram Village Council convened on September 10, 2024, at the Rosser Municipal Building, led by Mayor Anne Haynam. Council members Mr. Szell, Mrs. Greenwood, Mr. Frato-Sweeney, Mr. Smith, Mr. Bisutti, and Mr. McCreight attended, along with key village officials: Village Solicitor Charles Gasior, Fiscal Officer Susan Skrovan-DeYoung, Police...
Road Repairs, Zoning Updates, and Financial Milestone Highlight Trustee Meeting
The Nelson Township Board of Trustees gathered on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the Nelson Community House. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., with Trustees Anna Mae VanDerHoeven, Mike Kortan, and Joe Leonard, Fiscal Officer Kevin Cihan, Road Supervisor Chuck Vanek,...
Garrettsville Village Council Discusses Grass Ordinance, Tornado Sirens, and Audit Report
The Garrettsville Village Council held its regular meeting on October 9, 2024, with all council members present: Deb Wordell, Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Jeff Kaiser. Also in attendance were Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty, Fiscal Officer Donna Love, Solicitor William Mason, and Mayor Rick...
Local students provide tech help to the community at Garrettsville &...
On October 8th, Mr. Randy Cutlip’s students from James A. Garfield High School were lending a helping hand at the Garrettsville Library. From 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, these students assisted community members with technology-related tasks as part of the “Tech Help from Teens” program, offering a valuable service...
Council Tackles Commercial Districts, Honors Late Member at September 11 Meeting
The Garrettsville Village Council met on September 11, 2024, with council members Deb Wordell, Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, Jeff Kaiser, Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty, and Fiscal Officer Donna Love, Solicitor William Mason Rick, and Mayor Rick Patrick. Also in attendance were Police Sergeant Keith...
Zach Peterson Memorial Scholarship Committee Reports Success Following Labor Day Car...
The Zach Peterson Memorial Scholarship Committee met on Thursday, September 12, to discuss the outcomes of their recent fundraising efforts and plans for the future. The board, composed of Dale Belnap, Michelle Zivoder, Kyle Heim, Dylan John, and Brandon Nutter, with advisory roles held by Zach Peterson’s family—Dan &...
Jeff Kaiser appointed to fill council seat previously held by Mark...
The Garrettsville Village Council convened on August 14, with council members Tom Hardesty, Sheri Johnson, John Chambers, and Richard Beatty in attendance. Also present were Village Solicitor William Mason, Mayor Rick Patrick, Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty, Sgt. Keith Whan, and Officer Emily Ahrens. Councilwoman Deb Wordell, was not...
Village Council discusses budget, approves ordinances at July meeting
In attendance at the July 10th Garrettsville Village Council meeting were Councilpersons Deb Wordell, Tom Hardesty, Sheri Johnson, John Chambers, Richard Beatty. Also present were village solicitor William Mason, Mayor Rick Patrick, and Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty. Police Chief Tim Christopher, Sgt. Tim Vecchio, and Officer Emily Ahrens...
Garrettsville opens its 100-year-old time capsule
The community of Garrettsville came together on July 6 to celebrate “Unveiling Our Roots,” a block party marking the opening of a 100-year-old time capsule. The time capsule, sealed in 1924 by the Garrettsville Study Club, was the highlight of the event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 4...
Ford Motor Company shines spotlight on small town America in new...
On June 18th, Garrettsville, Ohio, became the latest setting for Ford Motor Company’s new commercial, a heartfelt tribute to the small towns that form the backbone of America. While it may not be a Hollywood blockbuster, this production is set to capture the nation’s attention by celebrating the vibrant...
Council discusses parking, paving and preservation
In attendance at the June 12th Garrettsville Village Council meeting were Councilpersons Deb Wordell, Tom Hardesty, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Mark Brady; also present were village solicitor Michele Stuck, Mayor Rick Patrick, and Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty. Councilman John Chambers was not present.
Prior to the regular meeting...
What’s Happening in G’ville?
Upcoming events and meetings in May & June
The Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual community-wide garage sale weekend is being held Friday May 17th-19th. Official sale hours are 9:00am–4:00pm each day (individual sellers will set their own hours). A sale listing will be available online and in area businesses...
Melodies in the Magic Kingdom: Garfield Band’s Disney Adventure
The James A. Garfield Marching Pride commenced their spring break early this year, embarking on a 22-hour journey to Orlando, Florida, to showcase their talents at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. They arrived on Friday, March 22.
During their stay, the band visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where rain in the...
Rising from the Ashes: The Buckeye Block 10-Years Later
On March 22, 2014, a devastating fire engulfed the historic Buckeye Block in Garrettsville, Ohio, marking a day etched into the collective memory of its residents. The blaze, which razed 33% of the town’s historic downtown district, threatened lives and livelihoods. Fast-forward to the 10-year anniversary, and the narrative...
JAG Music Program Shines at OMEA Contest
The Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Solo and Ensemble competition held on Saturday, February 10th at Barberton High School was a spectacular showcase of musical talent, with dedicated student musicians earning top ratings across every performance. Our student musicians, soloists and ensembles alike, delivered outstanding performances, and securing top...
Garfield Drive, Village Drive and Davis Streets to see repairs
Present at the Village Council Meeting were Council President Tom Hardesty, Councilpersons John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, Mark Brady, Solicitor Michele Stuck, Fiscal Officer Donna Love, and Mayor Rick Patrick.
Sheri Johnson was sworn in for her term on the council. Benjamin Coll was sworn in for his term...
Deb Wordell appointed to Village Council
Present at the Village Council Meeting were Council President Tom Hardesty, Councilpersons John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, Mark Brady, Solicitor Michele Stuck, Fiscal Officer Donna Love, and Mayor Rick Patrick.
Sheri Johnson was sworn in for her term on the council. Benjamin Coll was sworn in for his term...
Garfield Bands present “Sounds of the Season” concert
Students from James A. Garfield High School showcased their musical talents at the “Sounds of the Season” concert held on Sunday, December 10th, in the Iva Walker Auditorium. The event featured performances from various bands, each delivering a repertoire of holiday classics to an enthusiastic audience.
The High School musicians...
G-Men Football Seniors Reflect on a Record-Breaking Season
In a recent episode of Beyond The Bureau, hosts Aaron Rodhe and Landen Gedeon welcomed G-Men football seniors Eric Geddes and Keegan Sell to the podcast studio. The discussion delved deep into the incredible journey of the G-Men during the football season, touching upon their achievements, challenges, and the...
GHS celebrates 56th Induction Ceremony of the Georgia Lee Alford Chapter...
The 56th annual induction ceremony of the Georgia Lee Alford chapter of the National Honor Society unfolded on the evening of November 14th in Iva Walker Auditorium. The event was a celebration of academic prowess, service, leadership, and character, showcasing the commitment of exceptional high school students from James...
Garrettsville Council dives into technology and more
The Garrettsville Village Council convened on November 8, 2023. Present at the meeting were Councilpersons Tom Hardesty, Chris Knop, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Mark Brady, Richard Beatty, Village Solicitor Michele Stuck, Village Fiscal Officer Donna Love, and Mayor Rick Patrick.
The meeting began with the review and approval of minutes...
