Stacy Turner

While some choose to stay inside during this month’s record-setting cold weather, others have taken advantage of the thick ice that resulted. “People don’t want to be cooped up inside,” reasoned local fisherman Jack Carson. He noted seeing more enthusiasts outdoors this winter. The veteran angler attributes the influx...

After reading about Joe’s story in recent editions of the Villager, two Hiram residents were moved to relay a similar experience they shared. “My mom and I were reminded of an experience we had when I was a child,” Willow*, now in her early 60’s, shared recently. “We lived...

Mantua - At their last meeting, Superintendent David Toth publicly recognized Food Service Director Jennifer Bujak-Hirsch and her Nutrition Service team for helping to support Crestwood students and their families throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Toth noted that the team served more than 300,000 meals to area families, both...

Mantua - At their recent organizational meeting, the Crestwood School Board elected Karen Schulz to serve as Board President and Kristen Cavanaugh to serve as Vice President in 2021. They determined that the board would continue the pattern of meeting monthly at the Crestwood Primary School building at 7...

Kent - Recently, Jack Edwards from Martial Arts Ohio competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Masters competition in Orlando, Florida. Edwards explained that despite many setbacks that could have easily derailed his plans, he persevered, and it made all the difference.  He came to jiu-jitsu as an...

Mantua - A week or so before the final meal distribution before the Christmas, Jennifer Bujak-Hirsch, Director of Nutrition Services at the Crestwood Local School District had an idea. The Crestwood Local School District has provided over 300,000 meals since the pandemic began in March. And while local families...

You’ll recall from the first part of Joe’s story, which appeared in the December 25th issue, where he shared what he experienced one night on Shanks Downes Road on his way home from work. You’ll remember that Joe set the phone aside, and didn’t think about them again until...

Hiram - At the last meeting with Police Chief Brian Gregory, Village Council noted that the number of traffic stops is lower than average, with fewer motorists due to Covid-19. He added that although this year’s Shop with a Cop program looked different. The Hiram and Garrettsville Police Departments...

At the close of this year, even the most positive among us has had trouble dealing with 2020. With a global pandemic changing the way we live, political upheaval, racial divides, and an election fraught with venom and strife, even the threat of murder hornets don’t faze us after...

“We hold this is a very special program dear to our hearts,” explained Hiram Police Chief Brian Gregory. He explained that former Hiram Police Chief Ed Samec began the program eight years ago in an effort to build bonds between local officers and some of the children and families they serve. “’Shop with a Cop’ builds a bond that is essential to community policing; the program also provides much needed holiday cheer for deserving families experiencing hardship,” Chief Gregory continued. “There should be no child that feels the sense of confusion and the feeling of going without during the holiday season,” he added.

Mantua - This holiday season, shopping local is even more important, as area restaurants and businesses move forward amidst a pandemic. Local folks have appreciated the convenience of having access to small stores close to home during this strange year, appreciating that much of what they spend at local...

While 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, the Christmas season can be especially difficult for children in foster care. That’s why Portage County Job & Family Services (PCJFS) is seeking your help in providing a memorable and magical Christmas for the 200 Portage County children...

“We are so excited to open Martial Arts Ohio in Mantua,” shared owner Jack Edwards. Program Director Jessica Globokar added, “As one of six new businesses in Mantua in recent months, we’re so excited to be a part of revitalization in Mantua.”  They’ve worked incredibly hard to revitalize their current...

Middlefield - If you’re looking for a new, nearby place to get out and grab a meal, why not check out nearby Middlefield? You can fill up on great eats without filling up your gas tank. Who knows -- you might just find some new favorite places, too! (The...

Mantua - At the last Board meeting, Crestwood School District Treasurer Sarah Palm shared the latest Revenue and Expenditure comparisons with the Board. She noted that the latest Revenue Comparison shows that District revenues are generally aligned with what was presented in the May 5th Year Forecast. She shared...

Ohio Relief Haulers, a nonprofit organization the aims to help farmers battle against natural disasters like flooding or fires, was begun in 2017 by Travis and Brittany Hamlin. The couple, who run the Hamlin Livestock Ranch in Rootstown, have farming in their blood; Travis is part of the multi-generational...

As autumn comes to a close, you may be working your way through your own Fall Bucket list. And if a visit to a corn maze is in your plans, then you’re in luck! The area is fortunate to have several corn mazes that are open through the end...

Although many plans have been altered this year due to covid-19, your autumn tradition of picking apples is still a wonderful option. You’ll get outside with your family or friends, enjoy freshly picked local fruit, and make some memories. And who knows, maybe an apple a day, along with...

Mantua - At the last School Board meeting, Crestwood High School Principal Dave McMahon recognized two impressive students for their excellent achievements. He shared that CHS senior Allison Sabol had been recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar and CHS senior Zoe Simmons had been selected as a National...

Hiram - As Covid-19 continues to be an issue, local communities have adapted to ensure that local government services continue for their residents. In Hiram Village, residents continue to have the opportunity to safely participate in local committee and council meetings. In fact, the Recreation and Park Board will...

Mantua - Since 2007, the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC) has been helping fund projects in Mantua in an effort to breath new life into the historic village. From smaller scale projects like the addition of planter boxes, park benches and bike racks throughout the village to providing matching...

Mantua Twp. - In an effort to improve safety in Mantua Township, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) proposes the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of State Route 82 and Chamberlain Road. According to documentation provided by ODOT, this intersection has been chronically identified on the Highway...