Art on the Hill Presents 2026 Photo Contest
For the 13th year, Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation’s Art on the Hill & Wine Tasting Too will sponsor a Photo Contest at their Arts and Crafts Street Festival on July 12 from 10 to 6 o’clock. Everyone has photos they’ve taken during the year that they absolutely love and often share with friends and family. This is a chance...
Portage Park District Launches Community Parks Grant Program
This year, the Portage Park District will renew its Community Parks and Trails Grant Program to assist in funding parks and trails in townships and villages in Portage County. The Board of Park Commissioners has earmarked $100,000 from its 2026 levy proceeds toward this pilot program, for awards between $1,000 and $25,000 per project, with no local match required. “We...
JA Garfield Superintendent Wins Award
The James A. Garfield Board of Education and Administrative Team would like to congratulate Superintendent Ted Lysiak on being selected as a recipient of the 2026 Martha Holden Jennings Superintendent Award of Excellence! This prestigious statewide honor recognizes outstanding leadership, vision, and impact in public education. Ted will also be recognized at the Foundation’s Annual Educator Awards Banquet this July...
G-H Rotary Report
Yard sales over, the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary was up for “business as usual”, which included the following: A well-attended lockbox event at Windham’s open house on May 16–nine boxes were spoken for, others are under consideration. Garfield scholarships have been presented, Windham scholarship will be next. Preparations for the Storybook Walk are proceeding; sponsorships are still available; signage and maintenance issues...
Crestwood softball awakens late to oust Orange in sectional championship
The Crestwood Red Devils’ softball team is showing a knack for winning road playoff games, as the Red Devils surged late to defeat Orange 21-10 in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division IV Northeast 4 sectional championship last Thursday evening in Pepper Pike. “It just solidifies what we are doing and shows the growth of where we are at...
Streetsboro track finishes as runners-up at MAC championship
The Streetsboro Rockets’ track and field team continued their ascent in the Metro Athletic Conference, as the boys and girls each took second place at the league meet, with the girls scoring 176.0 points and the boys tallying 128.0 points last week at Woodridge High School in Peninsula. “You wait all season to get to this point and hope that...
What Is The Soundtrack to Your Faith?
We all have that one song. It might be the song that pulled you through a difficult week, the gentle melody your grandmother used to hum, or the powerful chorus that makes you want to stand up and sing. Music has a way of capturing the soul when words alone aren’t enough. Liberty Bible Church invites the community to experience...
Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce revives annual dinner ceremony celebrating Raven Awards
As the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce once again prepares for the annual Raven Awards Ceremony, it will revive the annual dinner that accompanied the ceremony for the first time since the COVID pandemic at the Ravenna Elks Lodge #1076 at 776 North Freedom Street on June 3 at 6 p.m. “This is the first year that we are bringing...
We’re All Invited
Sip N Shop Vendor Applications Being Accepted Call Today Sip n Shop on Main is taking applications for the event on July 25th from 2-7pm . Contact Jackie at rinearson05@frontier.com for an application 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...
34th Annual ‘BANDS IN THE ROUND’
Some 134 student musicians from James A. Garfield Local Schools filled the JAG Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon for the 34th annual District-Wide Spring Concert, marking the penultimate band performance of the 2025-26 school year. The concert, titled “Bands in the Round,” showcased the district’s full musical pipeline — from fifth graders navigating their first year of formal instruction to seasoned...
Joseph Kolenc
We want to announce the passing of Joseph Kolenc. Blessed with vibrant good health all his life, he passed at age 90 after a sudden unexpected illness on May 4, 2026. A long time resident of Hiram, he moved to Brookpark to be close to family. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid reader. He loved dining out, especially breakfast. ...
Red Devil girls’ track three-peat as CVC Valley Division champs, Badger boys net title
The Crestwood Red Devils girls’ track team proved that despite being a smaller team than in recent years, the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division title still belongs to them, winning their third straight league championship by scoring 158.0 points last week at Great Lakes Cheese Stadium in Burton. “It is a great testament to our kids,” said Crestwood Co-Coach Jim...
Ravenna 7 Movie Theatre will screen “The Last Shop on Walnut” on May 28
For the second time in as many years, the City of Ravenna will be used a backdrop in a feature film, as local film writer/producer Jason Richardson will screen “The Last Shop on Walnut” at the Ravenna 7 Movie theatre on May 28 at 6 p.m. “The fact that I am familiar with the town and the county helped...
T.J. Henderson won’t return as Crestwood girls’ basketball coach
The Crestwood Red Devils girls’ basketball team will have a new face leading the charge on the sideline next season, as T.J. Henderson formally announced he would not be returning for a sixth season in a social media post on X on May 2 as his coaching contract was not renewed. In five seasons at the helm, Henderson compiled a...
Crestwood softball demonstrates growth in victory against Valley Forge
The Crestwood Red Devils’ softball team’s goal of rolling into the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division IV postseason on an upward trajectory took a step in the direction when they defeated Valley Forge 12-1 last Saturday afternoon in Mantua. “We put up double-digit hits and double-digit runs,” said Coach Matt Helm. “We only had one error which was an...
Geauga SWCD News Release
Attention Educators! Reward yourself with an enriching professional development experience on the shores of Lake Erie by attending the Advanced Wonders of Watersheds workshop. This comprehensive 3-day program offers valuable outdoor investigations, new resources, engaging activities, field explorations, optional graduate credit hours, and time to connect and rejuvenate! Join us Tuesday, June 23rd - Thursday, June 25th for learning...
Newton Falls Treasure Hunt Meet N’ Greet Set to Bring Hundreds to Historic Downtown Newton Falls
Something unique is taking shape in Newton Falls, Ohio, as the growing excitement surrounding the nationally followed Newton Falls Treasure Hunt continues to spark tourism, community engagement, and small-town revitalization. On Saturday, May 16, from 10 AM to 6 PM, downtown Newton Falls will host the FREE Newton Falls Treasure Hunt Meet N’ Greet along West Broad Street, bringing together...
Windham Township Board of Trustees place moratorium on AI Data Centers
The Windham Township Board of Trustees fielded several questions about where things stood on the potential of Artificial Intelligence Data Centers being built in Portage County and the Board made their stance clear by placing a moratorium on them last Thursday evening at Windham Township Hall. “We have no language in zoning right now to prevent it,” Board of...
Badger boys’ volleyball conquered by Hilltoppers in regular season finale
The Berkshire Badgers boys’ volleyball team will end their regular season still searching for momentum after being swept by Geauga County and Northeast Ohio Boys Volleyball League rival Chardon 25-17, 25-18, and 25-23 last Thursday evening in Burton. “Of course, when you are in a competitive sport you want to come out on top,” said Coach Tim Percic. “While it...
G-H Rotary Report
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary met on May 11, 2026 to deal with the following topics : * Presentation of scholarships–May 13, May 27 * StoryWalk Project supplies, donors, workers–scheduling for installation * Dates for distributions of the Lockbox Project @ fire departments May 16–Windham May 30–Garrettsville June 6–Hiram * Menu being finalized for the Centennial Celebration Dinner at The Mill * The national and district emphasis on 250 Acts...
Garden Club Holds Plant Sale & Visits Lantern Court in May
The Silver Creek Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale during the Village Yard Sale on Friday, May 15 & Saturday, May 16 from 9 am – 3:30 pm. The sale will be held at the home of Barbara & Jim Walker at 10749 Forest St. Whether you are an experienced gardener or new to gardening, this sale...
Garfield G-Men baseball dominant in victory against Golden Flashes
The Garfield G-Men enjoyed one of their best weeks in Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Tier play, beating league foe Champion, 6-1 last Friday in Warren. “It was great to see the guys playing baseball the right way. We were making diving plays,” said Coach Michael Paes. “These guys just played baseball and we did a couple of things where...
Frank Kovach
Frank Kovach, 90, of Hiram Twp., OH, went home to his Lord and Savior Friday, May 8, 2026. He was born February 10, 1936, in Middlefield, OH, to the late Frank and Julia (Sles) Kovach. He was raised on his family’s dairy farm in Middlefield on State Route 528, which was the first dairy farm in Geauga County that had...
Freedom Twp. Historical Society News
Freedom Township Historical Society is pleased to announce its first program for 2026 which is being sponsored by Freedom, Mantua, & Shalersville Historical Societies. Susan Cannavino of Presentations with Pizzazz will present a program about Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Please join us as we explore "The Life of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis". This presentation deals with each phase of Jackie's...
We’re All Invited
Sip N Shop Vendor Applications Being Accepted Call Today Sip n Shop on Main is taking applications for the event on July 25th from 2-7pm . Contact Jackie at rinearson05@frontier.com for an application 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...
New Fund To Support Community Projects
The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Portage Foundation are looking for volunteers. They need community help in setting up a new grant program to help support community projects within the Crestwood geographic area. According to Randy Ellis, President of the Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce, the proposed fund will serve as a hub for local charitable donations gathered...
Record Arsenal spins its doors open in Ravenna
The Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of the vintage vinyl record store, Record Arsenal, last Friday afternoon at 133 East Main Street in Ravenna. “I am incredibly grateful for the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce,” owner Rod Flauhaus told The Weekly Villager. “They helped facilitate this and it is a lot...
62nd Mantua Ox Roast Fair Plans Well Underway
St. Joseph Church in Mantua is hitting the ground running with the Ox Roast Fair, which is being held on July 17th, 18th and 19th. The 2026 St. Joseph Church Ox Roast Fair, now in its 62nd year, promises to be more exciting than ever. The Main Raffle is offering some great prizes in 2026. Grand prize is a Falcon...
Annette Louise Wenger
Annette Louise Wenger, 90, of Garrettsville, OH, went home to her Lord and Savior Monday, April 27, 2026. She was born January 23, 1936, in Newton Falls, OH, to the late Charles and Mary (nee Burkhart) Wenger. Her family moved to Windham where she was raised and was proud to be Valedictorian of her class at Windham High School, graduating...
Francis Raymond Modliszewski
Francis Raymond Modliszewski passed from this life on the evening of April 17, 2026. He was born in Chewton, Pennsylvania, on January 28, 1940, to Pauline (nee Kolik) and Raymond Modliszewski. Frank graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, PA, in 1958. He served 6 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, traveling to Germany as part...
