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,
Garrettsville Village Council News
Garrettsville Village Council met Feb. 11 with Councilpersons Tom Hardesty, Frederic Ahrens, Sheri Johnson, John Brachna, Richard Beatty and Jeff Kaiser present. Also attending were Mayor Rick Patrick, Fiscal Officer Donna Love and Solicitor Bill Mason.
Council approved the minutes of the Jan. 14 meeting and accepted payment of expenditures.
Council...
Garfield High School to honor 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
The James A. Garfield High School Hall of Fame committee has announced its Hall of Fame induction class for 2025, recognizing four individuals for athletic achievement, coaching excellence, and post-graduate accomplishment.
The 2025 induction class includes Edie Svonavec (Class of 2015), Vinny Sisson (Class of 2006), Aaron Gilbert, and Mike...
Portage County Junior High Tournament crowns champions at Garfield
Wrestlers from across Portage County competed Friday, Jan. 2, at the Portage County Junior High Wrestling Tournament, hosted by James A. Garfield High School, with champions decided across multiple weight classes.
Tournament champions were determined through title brackets, with second place awarded to the championship runner-up. Additional placement matches were...
Garrettsville Council Honors Officers, Reviews Finances and Considers Chamber Upgrades
Garrettsville Village council recognized two police officers for exceptional acts of bravery and life-saving intervention, reviewed October financial reports, advanced two resolutions on first reading and discussed insurance renewals, meeting improvements and ongoing village projects.
Council members Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, John Brachna, Richard Beatty and Jeff Kaiser...
Who Killed Zeus? Garfield High Brings Myth and Mystery to the...
Garfield High School’s Drama Club is turning Olympus upside down this fall with “Pandemonium”, a sharp and witty modern-day murder mystery by JD Atkins. Performances will be held Nov. 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. in the Iva Walker Auditorium, 10233 State Route...
Garrettsville Village Council News
Garrettsville Village Council met Oct. 8, approving a new social media policy for village offices, ratifying the county solid waste management plan, and discussing several ordinances ranging from emergency siren purchases to allowing bow hunting on large parcels.
Present were council members Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, John Brachna, Sheri Johnson,...
Garrettsville Village Council appoints new member, considers social media ordinance
Garrettsville Village Council met briefly Aug. 13, appointing a new member, reviewing finances, and approving a new policy regulating social media use by village offices.
Present were council members Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty and Jeff Kaiser, along with Mayor Rick Patrick, Fiscal Officer Donna Love and...
Garrettsville Council News
Garrettsville Village Council met for its regular monthly session on Wednesday, July 9, immediately following a scheduled public hearing on the 2026 tax budget. The hearing, required under Ohio Revised Code 5705.30, provided residents an opportunity to comment on Ordinance 2025-23, which approves and adopts the permanent operating budget...
Garrettsville Council Approves Salary Increases, Lawn Limits and Sidewalk Repairs
Garrettsville Village Council on Wednesday approved a series of ordinances addressing zoning updates, employee benefits, pay raises for elected officials, and revised grass and weed regulations. Several measures were declared emergencies to meet fiscal or seasonal deadlines.
The meeting opened at 7 p.m. following a public hearing on Ordinance 2025-12....
Clouds Part For Sunset As Garfield Seniors Celebrate Graduation
Cloudy skies broke into a golden sunset Saturday evening as James A. Garfield High School’s Class of 2025 gathered beneath the lights of JAG Stadium for a graduation ceremony marked by laughter, honesty and heartfelt reflection.
The commencement began with time-honored tradition: the high school band performed “Pomp and Circumstance,”...
Garfield Bands Annual District-Wide Concert
The James A. Garfield Band Department brought students, families, and the community together Sunday afternoon for the 33rd Annual District-Wide Spring Concert, Bands in the Round. Held May 18 at 2 p.m. in the JAG Fieldhouse, the event served as a culminating celebration of a year’s worth of instrumental...
Garrettsville Village Council News
The Village of Garrettsville Council met Wednesday, May 14 to address a range of legislation, personnel updates, and public concerns during its regularly scheduled session. The meeting, called to order at 7 p.m., included Mayor Rick Patrick, Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty, Solicitor William Mason, Police Chief Tim Christopher,...
Garfield Choir Delivers Evening of Harmonies
The James A. Garfield Music Department celebrated an evening of song and spirit with its 2025 Spring Concerts, held back-to-back on May 13 in the Iva Walker Auditorium. The night began with the G-Men Youth Choir and was followed by the High School Concert Choir, showcasing the full spectrum...
“It’s the year 2025. Not 1825.” Council Reviews Feedback on Proposed...
The Village of Garrettsville Council met on April 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Rick Patrick presiding. Councilpersons Deb Wordell, Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Jeff Kaiser were present, along with Village Solicitor William Mason, Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty, and Police Chief Tim...
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
A Ticket to Garfield’s ‘Mamma Mia!’
Garfield Musical Theatre will bring the beloved hit musical “Mamma Mia!” to the stage this spring, offering audiences a lively journey filled with ABBA’s iconic songs, vibrant dance numbers, and a heartwarming story.
The performances are scheduled for March 27 and 28 at 7:00 p.m.,...
Council Discusses Utility Reimbursements, NOPEC Grants, and Village Concerns
The Garrettsville Village Council convened on Tuesday, February 12, for its second meeting of the year. Present at the meeting were Councilpersons Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Jeff Kaiser; Mayor Rick Patrick; Solicitor William Mason; Fiscal Officer Donna Love; and Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty....
JAG Musical Theatre Hosts ‘Supermarket Sweep’ Fundraiser for Mamma Mia! and...
The James A. Garfield High School Musical Theatre department is preparing to bring the hit musical Mamma Mia! to the stage this spring, promising audiences an energetic and fun-filled performance featuring ABBA’s greatest hits. Meanwhile, the JAG Choir is looking forward to an exciting trip to New York City...
JAG Boys and Girls Teams Look to Finish Season Strong
As the 2025 bowling season progresses, both Garfield’s boys' and girls' teams have demonstrated hard work, skill, and camaraderie, with both squads facing their fair share of challenges and triumphs.
For many of the bowlers, including senior Jayden Saylor and sophomore Sierra Foy, joining the team was a natural fit....
JAG Hall of Fame Inducts Five New Members
James A. Garfield High School honored five individuals during its annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday, Feb. 7, at the JAG Fieldhouse. The event took place during the G-Men boys’ basketball game against the Brookfield Warriors, recognizing alumni for their athletic achievements and contributions to the school...
Garfield Choir Showcases Talent in Solo & Ensemble Concert Garrettsville
The James A. Garfield High School Concert Choir took center stage on January 28, 2025, for their Solo & Ensemble Concert at the Iva Walker Auditorium. Under the direction of Mr. Joel Logan, with support from Ms. Tori Mateos, student teacher from Kent State University, and Mr. John Eley,...
Be Part of the Journey: Help Fund The Obsidian Mirror
Local filmmaker and JAG High School alum Vinny Sisson has embarked on an ambitious project with The Obsidian Mirror, a supernatural thriller blending the eerie nostalgia of 1980s and 1990s horror classics with a deeply personal narrative. Serving as both cinematographer and producer, Sisson collaborates with writer-director-producer Adam Deierling...
Garrettsville village council reviews legislation and financial reports
The Garrettsville Village Council held its first meeting of the year Tuesday evening, focusing on organizational matters, financial updates, and legislative measures. Present were council members Deb Wordell, Tom Hardesty, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Jeff Kaiser; Mayor Rick Patrick; Solicitor William Mason; Fiscal Officer Donna Love; Assistant Fiscal...
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...
