Garrettsville Area Chamber Awards Scholarships To J.A. Garfield Grads
Garrettsville - The Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce recently awarded three scholarships to graduating seniors from James A. Garfield High School. This year’s recipients were Andrew Pemberton, Kaitlyn Workman, and Travis Synnestvedt. Each has shown a strong commitment to community service, and exemplify the JAG Core Values of integrity, responsibility and engagement. The Garrettsville Area Chamber awards two $1000, and...
PCDL Community Survey: We Want to Know What You Think!
We want to know what you think! Portage County District Library (PCDL) is conducting a survey to learn more about our community members, what you value about PCDL, what services and programs you use, and what you would like to see from PCDL in the future as part of our strategic planning process. Even if you do not have...
Garrettsville Summerfest’s Tractor Parade has a New Sponsor
Garrettsville - Early in June, a rumor began circulating that the annual tractor parade held on Saturday afternoon at Garrettsville Summerfest was cancelled, that rumor is FALSE! Contrary to the rumor, the tractor parade will roll through town as it has since 2007! This spring the Summerfest Committee was forced to make some changes to ensure that this event...
Students Explore Careers at JA Garfield High School
Garrettsville - For the second year in a row, students in grades nine through twelve had the opportunity to learn about a variety of careers from local professionals and tradespeople. Those careers included over 40 individuals, with jobs ranging from an architect and an attorney to a mason and marketing manager, a statistician to a stylist, and careers ranging...
James A. Garfield Elementary “Green Team” on the GO!
Garrettsville - If you are wondering what the Green team is, here it is! Mrs. Blakeman and Mrs. Beck, fourth grade teachers decided to form a club called the “Green Team.” Two kids were selected from each grade (K-6). We met once a month on a Friday. We had 24 members participate over the school year. Our first project was...
But Wait, There’s More: Garrettsville Farmers’ Market Announces Entertainment Lineup
Fresh food from local farms is great, but that’s just part of the story. In order to complete its welcoming atmosphere, the Garrettsville Farmers’ Market has lined up a full schedule of live music performances from local artists. These musicians will fill the air with strains of folk, rock, bluegrass, barbershop harmonies and more. Live Music Lineup 6/6/19 - Zach 6/13/19 -...
Garrettsville Farmers’ Market Blossoms into Second Season
Garrettsville - Last summer, Garrettsville Farmers’ Market was a fledgling project driven by “a group of artists, business owners, farmers and neighbors who want to celebrate Garrettsville’s history of farming, friendship and community.” This summer, it is focused on access and education, so more people can enjoy and appreciate the fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy, meats, baked goods and...
St. Ambrose Catholic Church A Season for Celebrations in Garrettsville
Garrettsville - Parishioners at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Garrettsville have plenty to celebrate as they gear up for two big anniversaries. The parish turns 75 this year, an event that coincides with the 60th anniversary of the church’s Chicken Dinner Festival. It seems St. Ambrose has been feeding souls - and people - almost since its establishment as a...
“End Game” Ushers in New Beginning for Cinema Owners
Garrettsville - April 26, 2019 was 31 years in the making. It was the first day the Garrettsville Cinema opened under the new co-ownership of Rodger Evans and Michele Blair. The movie theater at 8001 State Street in Garfield Plaza has been a community hotspot since it first opened in 1977. Evans first started working as a concessionaire and projectionist...
Summer Reading Club at PCDL: Make Space for Reading This Summer!
There will be a “universe of stories” awaiting children, teens, and adults at Portage County District Library’s Summer Reading Club this summer, so be ready to “blast off” by registering kids early. Registration will begin the week of May 13 at most branch libraries, with most activities beginning the week of June 3 and running through July 19. With...
Water, Water Everywhere
Garrettsville - The Ancient Mariner was not in attendance but family, friends and village officials were, to recognize and honor three long-standing members of the Garrettsville Village Water Department for their years of excellent service. Board of Public Affairs chairperson Stephanie Byrne introduced Jeff Sheehan (36 yrs.), Jeff Turk (31 yrs.) and Mike Veon (30 yrs.) and spoke briefly...
Garrettsville Village Council News
Garrettsville – Village officials present at the village council meeting on May 10, were Village Solicitor Michele Stuck, Nancy Baldwin, Mayor Rick Patrick, and Councilpersons Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Chris Knop, Jeff Kaiser, and Tom Collins, and Deb (Glass) Wordell. After approving the minutes of the previous meeting, the bills and financial reports were reviewed by council. Kaiser questioned a...
JAG Elementary Sharpens the Saw
Garrettsville - On a recent afternoon, all 700+ students at JAG Elementary School took part in a multitude of afternoon activities aimed to sharpen the saw. Although it sounds like something done with power tools during shop class, the program has more to do with helping shape students into well-rounded individuals. “Successful leadership requires many traits, including respectful interaction, responsibility,...
News From Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard
Garrettsville - On April 1, 2019 the Nelson-Garrettsville Community Cupboard began serving clients at our new location in the Garrettsville YMCA building on Park Avenue. Our clients now make use of the handicap-accessible event entrance at the rear of the building, and register/wait in the convenient lobby. Community Partnerships Monthly expenses for rent, phone, and utilities have been greatly reduced through...
BPA Recognizes Over 95 Years Service in Water Department
Garrettsville - On Monday evening, the Garrettsville Board of Public Affairs recognized Jeff Sheehan (36 years), Jeff Turk (31 years) and Mike Veon (30 years) for their collective years of service. Dick Davis, Garrettsville’s first Wastewater Superintendent remarked that “they are all great guys, and there just aren’t enough good things to say about them.”
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...
Community EMS District To Host Open House
The American College of Emergency Physicians has designated May 19 – May 25 as “National EMS Week”. In celebrating this, Community EMS District is hosting an open house on Saturday, May 11, 2019, starting at noon. Emergency vehicles and equipment will be on display. Participants can also learn about lifesaving skills, such as CPR, bleeding control and recognizing a stroke....
“Discover Garrettsville” For Your Chance To Win Big!
Garrettsville - Take a village located in the heart of the Western Reserve, add a group of motivated business owners, and you have the makings of an amazing promotional campaign designed to encourage and reward people who explore everything the Garrettsville Area has to offer. Beginning May 1st and running through August 31, you will have the opportunity to not...
Operation Spruce up Garrettsville
Garrettsville - As we begin Spring and look forward to Summer we should all take a good look at our village and see what we can do to make our village inviting to everyone. On May 5th, starting at noon till 5:00pm Councilperson Deb Wordell has organized a clean up day in the village. The areas that will be...
Girls Who Code Explore Technology at JAG Elementary
Garrettsville - With the rise of technology, mobile devices, and online applications, it’s easy to believe estimates that by 2020, there will be 1.4 million jobs in computing. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that girls are on track to fill only 4% of those jobs. Today, fewer than 1 in 5 computer scientists are women, and that needs to change. That’s exactly...
Local Lore about ‘Creepy’ Karpis gets National Attention with Thompson’s New Book
Garrettsville - Over the 43-year tenure of social studies teacher Iva Walker, every student attending James A. Garfield Schools learned about the last great American train heist involving Alvin “Creepy” Karpis and his gang of Depression-era gangsters. It was all part of Ms. Walker’s desire to unveil local history and show how its effects ripple through to the present...
The 8th Count Dance Center Wins At Major Dance Event
Garrettsville - In Sandusky, on the last weekend of March, The 8th Count Dance Center competed against dozens of dance studios from around the state and area for prestigious top honors at Showstopper, the largest dance competition in the country. Their entries placed as follows: Emily Knerem received 7th place overall in Mini Performance Solo, Emma Di Sanza...
14th Annual JAG Alumni Banquet to Be Held in September
The 14th annual James A. Garfield Alumni Banquet will take place on Sept. 21, 2019, at James A. Garfield Elementary School. Doors will open at 5 p.m. followed by a delicious dinner from Guido’s of Ravenna at 6 p.m. The event is open to graduates and anyone who attended Freedom, Garrettsville, James A. Garfield, and Nelson schools. The following...
Location Changes Everything for Countryside Veterinary Service
Garrettsville - Countryside Veterinary Service used to be a quiet little clinic tucked away at the former Stonewall Veterinary Hospital location on Mills Road. In the two weeks since it has moved to 10327 South Street, foot traffic has tripled. Co-owner Dr. Bob Baugher says, “We couldn’t be more excited and more proud to offer this location to our...
Council Approves Purchase of Street Sweeper
Garrettsville – Village officials present at the village council meeting on April 10, were Village Solicitor Michele Stuck, Nancy Baldwin, Mayor Rick Patrick, and Councilpersons Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Chris Knop, Jeff Kaiser, and Tom Collins. Councilwoman Deb Wordell was absent from the meeting. After approving the minutes of the previous meeting which were modified to reflect the scope of...
G’ville Safety Forces Craft Show & Easter Egg Hunt This Weekend
Garrettsville - On Saturday, April 13, the 4th Annual Safety Forces Fundraiser will be held at the GFN Fire Station located at 8035 Elm Street from 11 am - 4 pm. This is a fundraiser for the Associations of both the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Fire Department and Community EMS. There will be over 40 different and unique vendors and crafters. Additional...
JA Garfield Students Enjoy City Day
Recently, a group of nearly 30 students from James A. Garfield High School traveled to Cleveland for the opportunity to be tourists for the day. The program, dubbed, “City Day” by adventure organizer and James A. Garfield art teacher Libby Frato-Sweeney, began as an idea to take students on a big trip to a far-away destination. “I really enjoy...
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Report
First meeting of the month is the business meeting for the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club and this is what they did for April Fool’s Day: No foolin’, landscape architect Alexia Paul presented design possibilities for the Headwaters Trail project, including concept and implementation of planting on the site featuring deliberate planting with a purpose, focused on attracting birds and butterflies...
Garrettsville Cemetery Association
The Garrettsville Cemetery Association will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, April 24 at 7 pm, downstairs at the Cellar Door, at the corner of Main and Water Streets in Garrettsville. Special guest speaker for the evening will be Janet Caldwell of Bedford. While Janet holds a degree in education, she has a long interest in history. She has taken...
Area Students Participate in Skill USA Competition
James A. Garfield students that recently participated at the SkillsUSA Regional competition included Joshua McCullough, Travis Synnestvedt, Gillian Grantz and Karsyn Reider. Travis took 1st place in the Electrical Motor Controls and will be going to the Skills USA State Competition in Columbus on April 16th & 17th. Karysn Reider took 3rd place in the Regionals Welding. Congratulations and good luck at...
