Submitted
Gail Elizabeth Hovey
Gail Elizabeth Hovey (Troyer) passed away after a long illness November 24th, 2024 at the age of 74. She was born May, 1st, 1950 in Baltimore, MD. to Robert W. and Doris V. Troyer (Swann).
Gail moved to Portage County, Ohio as a young child and spent much of her...
Charles Edward Grubbs Jr.
Charles Edward Grubbs, Jr., 90, passed from this life March 5, 2025, at his home in Garrettsville, OH.
Born in Cambridge, OH, September 23, 1934, to Charles E. Grubbs and Evelyn J. Grubbs, Charles was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1952 and Harding...
Richard Jerome Brooks
Richard “Dick” Brooks passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025 in Hendersonville, TN with his loving wife Barbara Brooks by his side.
He is survived by his children; Scott Brooks (Carolyn), Mark Brooks, and son-in-law Wayne Arntsen (Claudia), his brother Donald (Gisela), as well as his stepchildren Louann Mack (Tim),...
We’re All Invited
Book Review At The YMCA
1st & 3rd Mondays
LOVE 101 by author Peter McWilliams “To love oneself is the beginning of a life long romance.” Share a stimulating hour exchanging impressions & opinions at our book review & discussion, 10am, the 1st & 3rd Mondays each month. Presented by Dr...
Summer Campers Unite!
Day camp registration opening soon for youth entering grades 3 through 10
Attention, young people craving outdoor adventure, or in dire need of some: Geauga Park District is gearing up to host our 13th annual week-long summer day camps, and we want YOU to explore with us! (Parents: don’t delay...
Charlene Rohal named 2025 Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame Inductee
Charlene Rohal, a dedicated 4-H volunteer from Portage County, has achieved a milestone worthy of celebration. She was inducted into the prestigious Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame on March 8th at the Ohio 4-H Conference in Columbus. It is in recognition of her outstanding service, commitment, and impact on...
Garrettsville Is Going Green On March 17
Garrettsville, Ohio, is gearing up for a vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Monday, March 17, 2025. The historic village invites residents and visitors alike to partake in a day filled with Irish-themed festivities, delectable cuisine, and family-friendly entertainment.
The day’s celebrations commence bright and early at 7 a.m. when...
Portage County Seniors of the Month Announced for February
The Portage County Senior Board has selected Joe D'Amico from Field Local Schools and Claire Dilner from Southeast Local Schools as the February Seniors of the Month. Each month, the board, comprised of representatives from 12 local schools, nominates outstanding seniors who exemplify leadership, dedication, and excellence.
Joe D'Amico –...
GPA HOSTS WINTER TOURNAMENT
Garrettsville Pickleball Association held our Winter Blast Tournament on February 23rd for a fun filled day of competitive play. Our winners for the Advanced group were Matt Brungard & Marc Ferraby for 1st place, and Tim Smith & Dave Peters for 2nd place. The winners for the Intermediate group...
Portage County Spelling Bee Finalists Advance to Akron Regional Competition
Twelve of Portage County’s top young spellers showcased their skills at the Portage County Spelling Bee, held on February 22, 2025, at James A. Garfield Middle School. These students earned their place in the county-level competition after winning their respective district spelling bees.
This year’s contestants included:
• Rogan Lachowski –...
Kiawanis Welcomes Guest Speaker
The Kiwanis Club of Newton Falls welcomed a new friend, Dave Troutman of Boardman, as a guest speaker. He told of his exciting adventures fishing in Guyana, South America. He also shared how his guides promoted eco-tourism and catch and release. His guide Nigel is from Apoteri Village. We...
FREE Prom Dresses for Northeast Ohio Girls at Princess Night Project
Girls from high schools throughout Northeast Ohio are invited to choose the prom dress of their dreams FREE at Altrusa International of Akron’s 24th annual Princess Night Project presented in partnership with The University of Akron.
Since 2001, local members of Altrusa International, a volunteer service organization, have helped make...
Could you be my Forever Home?
This pretty lady is hoping that “Irish luck” comes her way, and that her forever family will fall in love with this photo of her.
Sadly, she became homeless when her owner passed away. Honey is about 7 years old, spayed, and is a stunning dilute calico cat. She is...
D. Jeffrey “Jeff” Miller
Our hero, D. Jeffrey “Jeff” Miller, passed away peacefully at the age of 63 after his hard fought 8-year battle with brain cancer on February 26th, 2025, with his family lovingly by his side. Born on August 27, 1961, in Ravenna, Ohio; he was a lifelong resident of Windham,...
Michael “Mike” B. Heyd
Michael “Mike” B. Heyd, 66, of Garrettsville, OH, passed away with his loving family by his side Thursday, February 27, 2025. He was born December 25, 1958, in Ravenna, OH, to Esler A. and Melva M. (nee Hinzman) Heyd.
He was raised in Garrettsville, and was a proud graduate of...
Progam To Distribute Computers Announced
Portage County Job and Family Services is announcing the Renew Tech 2.0 Program. This program aims to reduce e-waste in the county office by offering equipment no longer being used by the agency to eligible Portage County residents.
Beginning March 3, the Renew Tech 2.0 Program will accept applications to...
You’re Invited to Agape Christian Academy’s Open House on March 13
Agape Christian Academy is hosting an Open House on Thursday evening March 13 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at both of its campuses. Parents and children are invited to attend and meet our teachers, see our classrooms and gain insight as you consider the many benefits of a Christian education...
We’re All Invited
Book Review At The YMCA
1st & 3rd Mondays
LOVE 101 by author Peter McWilliams “To love oneself is the beginning of a life long romance.” Share a stimulating hour exchanging impressions & opinions at our book review & discussion, 10am, the 1st & 3rd Mondays each month. Presented by Dr...
James A Garfield Local Schools Earns Award
Excellence is not just a goal at James A. Garfield Local Schools—it’s a standard. That dedication to student growth and achievement has earned JAG the 2024 Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, an honor given to only seven of Ohio’s 615 school districts. That means...
Meet Sweet Sophia!
This little girl is outgoing and as sweet as can be. I rescued Sophia and her friends last summer, and now she is looking for her forever home. Sophia is about 2-1/2 years old, spayed and vaccinated. She has also tested negative for leukemia/FIV.
Sophia likes to follow me...
Rising Costs Challenge Shepherd’s House
Shepherd’s House( has released updated statistics on the number of homeless individuals utilizing the shelter. As of February 20, 2025, 52 individuals, including 2 families (6 children) and 46 single adults, have sought refuge at the Shepherd’s House. (17 of those individuals are utilizing the warming center.) Since...
Field Station Programming this March
The Hiram College James H. Barrow Biological Field Station is pleased to announce its schedule of programming and educational outreach events for the month of March. These events are meant to engage the public in an understanding of the outdoors and environmental practices. All events are free and open...
Laurence Robert Moore
Laurence Robert Moore, of Hiram, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the age of 68, from complications of an ongoing health issue. He was born August 19, 1956, in Hiram, Ohio.
He graduated from Crestwood High School in Mantua, Ohio, in 1974, where he enjoyed playing tuba...
John Everett Taylor
John Everett Taylor, age 69, of Ellijay, GA, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. John was born on January 24, 1956, in Steubenville, OH, to his parents Dewey Walton Taylor and Lois Louise Charlton. John was a member of East Ellijay Baptist Church. He worked at Datwyler Rubber...
Children’s Advantage, Axess Family Services Merge
The boards of directors of Children’s Advantage (est. 1975) and Axess Family Services (est. 1941) are announcing a merger of the two behavioral health non-profit organizations, which have served Portage County residents for decades.
Both organizations recognize the benefits of combining expertise and resources towards achieving a shared purpose. “Together...
Hiram College to host 2025 Lecture in Religion: Embodied Sanctuary
Hiram College announces its 2025 Lectures in Religion Series, featuring C. Stonebraker-Martinez ‘10. The lecture will be held on March 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Koritansky Hall on Hiram College’s campus, with doors opening for a reception at 5 p.m.
This year, Hiram is pleased to welcome C Stonebraker-Martinez...
James H. Barrow Biological Field Station announces2025 summer camp options
The James H. Barrow Biological Field Station is excited to announce its summer 2025 Hiram College Summer Camps at the Field Station. With opportunities for students aged 2.5 – 15 with varying interests from hikes to geology and nature journaling — there is something for every child this summer...
We’re All Invited
Book Review At The YMCA
1st & 3rd Mondays
LOVE 101 by author Peter McWilliams
“To love oneself is the beginning of a life long romance.” Share a stimulating hour exchanging impressions & opinions at our book review & discussion, 10am, the 1st & 3rd Mondays each month. Presented by Dr...
Local Educators Honored with Crash-a-Class Mini-Grants
Excitement filled the classrooms at Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools and James A Garfield Local Schools as two outstanding educators were surprised with the Crash-a-Class Mini-Grant, an initiative created by Shannan Jursa to recognize and support outstanding educators in our local classrooms. Each winning educator received a $1,000 grant...
Upcoming programs at the G’ville Branch
As we kick off a new gardening season, join Jill Halligan from the OSU Extension office at the Garrettsville Library on Monday, March 10 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm to learn more about building and sustaining a rain garden. Registration required. Limited to 30 participants. Register here: https://events.portagelibrary.org/event/12774541. This...
