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 used to determine third, fourth and fifth place finishers. At 245...
Crestwood grad Charlie Schweickert returns to boys’ basketball program in coaching role
2024 Crestwood graduate Charlie Schweickert has always believed he has the voice to become a play-by-play television sports announcer, but he is also now finding his voice as a basketball coach, returning to his alma matter to serve as the Red Devil boys’ varsity assistant and freshmen head coach. “I am so incredibly grateful,” Schweickert told The Villager last Friday....
Ravenna boys’ basketball outlasts Akron Coventry in gritty battle
Ravenna Ravens boys’ basketball Coach Justin Rahim has emphasized that his team not just play with a physical edge but also a mental edge. The Ravens achieved that goal when they used a late run to pull away from Metro Athletic Conference rival Akron Coventry 53-47 last Saturday afternoon at their James L. Coll Gymnasium. “I told the guys before...
Rocket boys’ basketball grounded by Falcons in last-second defeat
The Streetsboro Rockets boys’ basketball team’s early season struggles continued, as they were edged by Metro Athletic Conference rival Field 51-50 on a game-winning shot last Friday evening at Streetsboro High School. “We had the lead the whole game until up about three minutes to go and hats off to Field,” said Coach Nick Marcini. “They made the winning plays...
Badger girls’ basketball locks down Red Devils in league clash
There is a new leader in the race for the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division championship. The Berkshire Badgers girls’ basketball used stout defense to pull away from league rival Crestwood, winning 39-24 to vault into first place in the division last Friday evening in Burton. “It was a very tough, physical game,” said Coach Dave Albert. “They played very...
Streetsboro Schools Partnership Brings Holiday Joy to 31 Children
Through a partnership with the Ben Curtis Foundation, Streetsboro City Schools provided holiday meals and personalized gifts to 31 children from nine families this year through the A Very Merry Dinner program. The initiative supports families already receiving weekend food assistance, ensuring children experience the joy of the holiday season. "When I say this program is my favorite thing I...
Garfield G-Men wrestling crowns two champions, places fourth at D-III Classic
The Garfield G-Men wrestling team may have been short-handed at the annual Division III Classic Tournament at Waterloo High School last weekend, but they showed their mettle as two G-Men wrestlers finished as champions, and the team finished in fourth place with a score of 299.5 points in Atwater Township. “We are making do with what we have,” said Coach...
Hiram College Launches New Intervention Specialist Major to Address Growing Need in Education
Responding to the evolving needs of today’s classrooms, Hiram College has launched a new intervention specialist major, preparing students to support learners with diverse academic and developmental needs. The intervention specialist program is designed for students who are passionate about inclusive education and working with children and adolescents who have mild to moderate educational needs. Through a combination of coursework,...
Portage Foundation Awards More Than $58,000 to Strengthen Local Nonprofits
The Portage Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Community Grant cycle, awarding more than $58,000 to 30 local organizations and initiatives working to improve quality of life across Portage County. Funding will support programs in education, health, human services, food security, economic development, and the arts—advancing the Foundation’s mission of connecting generosity with community needs. “These...
Windham Historical Society has big plans for local monument
The Windham Historical Society has a lot of big projects nearing completion, including one that will have them retouch the local monument that resides on Mike Paul’s property, off of Werger Road, which is dedicated to the first house ever built in the township, as well as building a replica of the monument and installing it on Brick Chapel’s...
Borrow Snowshoes Free of Charge
First-come-first-served snowshoe borrowing is back at The West Woods, and it’s still FREE for Geauga County residents! For a snowshoeing adventure, you’ll first need at least four inches of “good snow” (not icy or super fluffy) on the ground – and the deeper the snow, the better. Check weather conditions for ZIP code 44072 or call 440-285-9516 to learn whether...
Portage County Chapter of OGS Seeking Photos
The February program of the Portage County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will focus on the people and homes of Charlestown, Freedom, Paris, and Windham Townships that were displaced by the U.S. government for the construction of the Ravenna Arsenal in 1940. The speaker for the February 7 presentation is seeking photographs of any homes or families that were...
Samuel “Blue” Byich
Samuel “Blue” Byich, 90, of Windham, OH, went home to his Lord and Savior with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He was born July 2, 1935, in Nanty Glo, PA, the son of the late Peter and Mary (Grant) Byich. He was a graduate of Nanty Glo High School, belonging to the class of...
We’re All Invited
Book Review At The YMCA 1st & 3rd Mondays Surviving Death “ A Journalist Investigates Evidence For An Afterlife” by Leslie Kean. Share a stimulating hour exchanging impressions & opinions at our book review & discussion, 10am, the 1st & 3rd Mondays each month. Presented by Dr J Patella: Garrettsville YMCA, 8233 Park Ave, (330)469-2044. NO book or fees required. Farmington Senior...
Community Spirit Shines Bright at NGCC’s Thanksgiving Celebration
Once again, our incredible community came together in the true spirit of generosity and compassion to ensure that every neighbor had a reason to give thanks this season. The Nelson-Garrettsville Community Cupboard (NGCC) is filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support that made this year’s Thanksgiving meal distribution such a tremendous success. Because of the collective kindness of our...
Ravenna resident Clyde Adams honored for 20 years as Foster Grandparent
Even after Ravenna resident Clyde Adams’ six children grew up and ventured out on their own, her work was not done, working as a Foster Grandparent for the AmeriCorps Senior program. AmeriCorps honored Adams for her 20 years of service at a retirement party last Thursday afternoon at Axess Family Services in Ravenna. “I just like to see people laugh,”...
Twentieth Century Club News
The Twentieth Century Club of Garrettsville held their annual Christmas party on December 11, 2025 at the estate of member Jane Hill as snow and cold swirled outside and warmth reigned within. Members answered the roll call with personal favorites about the holiday–old days and cold days. Reminiscences ruled. Hearing bells–church, jingle, sleigh– were said to signal belief in...
Job and Family Services Announces Reduced Office Hours For Holidays
Portage County Job and Family Services is announcing a reduced schedule in office hours for the upcoming holiday season. The lobbies, phone lines, and offices of Portage County Job and Family Services will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. only on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and will be completely closed on Christmas Day and New...
Clean Comedy Comes to Streetsboro: “Parentally Incorrect” Hits SPAC Jan 10
Laughter for the whole family is coming to the Streetsboro Performing Arts Center on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with “Parentally Incorrect: Clean Comedy for the Family.” This high-energy stand-up comedy event is the perfect family night out, a great excuse to bring friends, or even an ideal group outing for coworkers looking to start the year with a laugh. Headlining...
Garfield G-Men girls’ basketball stays gritty, storm back to stun Southeast
After staying within striking distance throughout the game, the Garfield G-Men girls’ basketball team seized their opportunity in the fourth quarter, rallying in the final minutes to beat Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Tier and Portage County rival Southeast 53-46 last Friday evening at the JAG Fieldhouse in Garrettsville. “This was a big win for our girls,” said Coach Aaron...
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Report
The Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary meeting on December 15, 2025 was looking forward to warmer times, specifically the upcoming celebration of one hundred years of Rotary in the community, on June 21, 2026. Final decision on details–location, etc.-- will be arriving in January, 2026. Other business included the following items: **Rescheduling of the Dictionary Project (originally set for a day of school closing.**Projects...
Bombers’ basketball fends off Red Devils for season’s first victory
The Windham Bombers boys’ basketball team finally snapped their winless start to the season by edging Northeastern Athletic Conference Stripes Division rival Lordstown 53-48 to capture their first victory last Friday evening in Warren. “It is something that our group has talked a lot about is gaining confidence and believing in ourselves,” said Coach Cody Apthorpe. “Unfortunately, typically the order...
Sheldon E. Hall
Sheldon E. “Shook” Hall, Sr., 88, of Cadiz, OH, formerly of Garrettsville, OH, went home to his Lord and Savior Thursday, December 11, 2025. He was born May 2, 1937, in Uniontown, PA, to the late Earl and Thelma (nee Riggar) Hall. He was, first and foremost, a caregiver. Always one to give, Shook gave his time, love, and energy...
Virginia B. Goodell
Virginia B. (née Black) Goodell passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, at the age of 102. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank H. Goodell, daughter of Isaac Ray and Verda (Pierce) Black, and devoted mother to Keith (Anne), Jay (Barb), and Bruce (Sherry). She is survived by her siblings Gordon and Peg (Tilley) Black, and was...
Berkshire wrestling finishes as runners-up at Russ Ward Memorial tournament
The Berkshire Badgers’ wrestling team announced themselves in a big way as they finished in second place by crowning two champions to score 179.5 points at the Russ Ward Memorial Tournament last Saturday at Cardinal High School. “It was definitely on our minds as a coaching staff that we could push for a high placement but the boys, they came...
Auditions For Deer Camp – The Musical
Trumbull New Theatre is announcing auditions for their upcoming show, Deer Camp-The Musical. Synopsis: The annual deer hunting trip is different this year. The wives have given the guys an ultimatum: bag a deer or deer camp days are over. Only one hurdle stands in their way — none of them know how to hunt. The 4-man musical has...
Badger boys’ basketball mounts late rally but still falls to Tigers
The Berkshire Badgers boys’ basketball team stormed back late with a dominant fourth period, but their comeback fell short losing 47-46 against Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division and Geauga County rival Chagrin Falls last Saturday afternoon in Burton. “It has been a problem putting the ball in the basket,” said Coach Joe Montanero. “They fight, the effort is there. I...
We’re All Invited
Book Review At The YMCA 1st & 3rd Mondays Surviving Death “ A Journalist Investigates Evidence For An Afterlife” by Leslie Kean. Share a stimulating hour exchanging impressions & opinions at our book review & discussion, 10am, the 1st & 3rd Mondays each month. Presented by Dr J Patella: Garrettsville YMCA, 8233 Park Ave, (330)469-2044. NO book or fees required. Farmington Senior...
Elite Pharmacy acquires Ravenna’s Medical Arts Pharmacy
The local independently owned Elite Pharmacy’s expansion continues across Portage County, as it officially acquired the Medical Arts Pharmacy at 6693 North Chestnut Street in Ravenna on Dec. 1. “We have been having a relationship with the Medical Arts Pharmacy there in Ravenna for many years and first off we want to thank the team there that has been there...
Beautiful Windows by Anissa on Display in Newton Falls
It is said that if you do what you love, you won’t work a day. It sure seems to be true with Anissa DiLeo! This reporter visited with Anissa while she was working, and she was having a blast. To be honest, we both were. Anissa is a multi-media artist. We met up when she was adding her flair...