Patti Hicks announced as Honorary Way Recipient
Although it has been close to a year since her passing, former Ravenna resident Patti Hicks is gone but certainly not forgotten. Her memory continues to live on as the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce named the late Hicks as the newest Honorary Way Recipient. “She received a lifetime achievement award last year right before she got sick and to...
Jerry M. Tacy
Jerry M. Tacy, 85, of Southington, OH, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025. He was born July 23, 1939, in Harding, WV, to the late Mack and Lillian (nee Pingley) Tacy. He was raised in Windham, OH, and was a proud graduate of Windham High School, belonging to the class of 1957. Jerry met his future wife, Judy Shaffer, and...
Yvonne Marie Hahn
Yvonne Marie (Mick) Hahn, 90, of Nelson Twp., OH, passed away peacefully with her loving family beside her on Sunday, May 18, 2025. She was born on January 3, 1935, in Richland Center, WI, to the late Bernard and Ida Mick. She, and her brother, Gerald, were raised on a dairy farm in WI. Gerald and Willard “Bill” Hahn were...
Alfred Mathew
Alfred Mathew, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife Deb Mathews on May 9, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on July 25, 1949, in Warren, Ohio. He battled pancreatic cancer for the past 7 months. Alfred spent his early years in Warren, Ohio and raised his family...
Beacon Hues Opens New Space
Denise Delillio opened her stained-glass studio, Beacon Hues Glass, in her home in Mantua just one short year ago. This weekend, she welcomed friends and family to her new studio space at 10511 Main Street – a warm and inviting space with even more room for classes and workshops. As a child, I absolutely adored stained glass,” she shared. “I'd...
Berkshire boys’ volleyball advances to semifinal by sweeping Independence
For the first time in three years, there will be a new champion crowned in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II Region 7 boys’ volleyball district. The Berkshire Badgers made sure of that when they dethroned two-time regional champion Independence with a 25-16, 25-19, 25-13 sweep in the regional quarterfinals last Thursday evening in Burton. “That is a...
Windham JR High Students Recieve Grant To Visit War of 1812 Sites
Windham Jr High School’s Stephanie Smith and her junior high students grade classroom will soon head to Put-in-Bay, thanks to a grant from the American Battlefield Trust’s History Field Trip Grant Program. This trip will provide students with an exceptional, hands-on history learning opportunity. Grants are awarded based on a competitive national application process, demonstrating Stephanie Smith’s commitment to...
“Threads of Valor” to be Unveiled this weekend in Burton
The Geauga County Historical Society is gearing up to kickoff a busy summer with the unveiling of a new exhibit to coincide with the annual Civil War Weekend, being held on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, 2025. The exhibit, “Threads of Valor,” designed by curator/archivist Stefanie O’Connor, features over 100 military uniforms from Geauga County veterans. “Threads of Valor...
First Recipients of the Zach Peterson Memorial Scholarship Announced
Congratulations to the following JA Garfield students who are the first recipients of the Zach Peterson Memorial Scholarship - Thomas McGinnis, Emma Marshall, Christopher Winningham, Keith Schauer and Andrew Kristoff. These Garfield sophomores have been awarded the required tool sets and class list of supplies needed in support of thier journey into the Automotive Technology Programs at Maplewood Career Center...
Windham lauded for bravery and resilience in tornado response
After experiencing severe damage in less than 10 minutes in the wake of an EF1 tornado on April 17, 2024, Windham’s response was immediate. The Township’s quick and effective response was recognized as Portage County Emergency Management Agency Director Ryan Shackelford presented the Township with a building plaque for Windham’s courageous response and recovery to the tornado and the...
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 J Patella: Garrettsville YMCA, 8233 Park Ave, (330)469-2044. NO book...
Mantua Resident Celebrates 110 Years
Mantua resident Ethelyn VonHelmers Fitzsimmons was born in 1915, just as playwright Arthur Miller and singer Frank Sinatra. But Ethelyn, who wrote poetry and played the piano, is the only one on that distinguished list celebrating a birthday this year. The First World War known as “The Great War,” began the year before she was born. In fact, the RMS...
Garfield Choir Delivers Evening of Harmonies
The James A. Garfield Music Department celebrated an evening of song and spirit with its 2025 Spring Concerts, held back-to-back on May 13 in the Iva Walker Auditorium. The night began with the G-Men Youth Choir and was followed by the High School Concert Choir, showcasing the full spectrum of Garfield’s vocal talent—from budding fourth graders to graduating seniors. The...
Terriers’ softball finishes in fourth place at NCAC tournament
The Hiram Terriers’ softball team’s final stand in the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament was a short stint. The Terriers went 0-2, losing 4-3 against DePauw University and were then defeated 6-5 by Denison University to take fourth place in their final NCAC tournament last Thursday in Granville. “It is especially tough for our seniors,” said Coach Scott Pohlman. “You...
Ravenna School District seeks fiscal stability after passing Issue 12
Ravenna School Superintendent Ben Ribelin acknowledged that the school district’s five-year financial forecast looked cloudy for a while. Brighter days now seem on the horizon after the Issue 12 operating levy passed on the primary ballot on Tuesday evening. “Through all of the trials and tribulations we have had this year, the longtime not passing of any new money, 20 years...
Garfield G-Men baseball triumphs against LaBrae with shutout victory
In a very difficult year playing against Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Tier rivals, the Garfield G-Men baseball team secured one crucial victory. The G-Men ended their five-game losing streak against MVAC Grey Tier foe LaBrae with a dominant pitching effort, shutting out the Vikings 2-0 last Friday in Garrettsville. “None of the kids have beaten LaBrae in their time...
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Report
The Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary club met on May 12, 2025 to discuss a range of topics. The patio benches for HopeTownOhio are looking good–invoice, tax status, grant language all entered into the thinking. The village is being consulted about the drainage issue near the Tom Collins Rotary Memorial Walking Trail. All members must have completed the youth protection course before the...
Chamber Awards $2,000 In Scholarships To Outstanding Seniors
The Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Community Scholarships: Ollie May and Makaylyn Spencer, both recognized for their exceptional commitment to kindness, service, and leadership. Each student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic accomplishments and unwavering dedication to bettering the lives of others. Ollie May, a graduating senior with...
Reed Memorial Library to host “Fired Up for Safety” event
There is no such thing as being too young when it comes to learning about fire safety. The Reed Memorial Library is partnering with the Ravenna Fire Department on May 17 n Ravenna, to host a hybrid educational and entertainment event that demonstrates the important of fire safety to families. “We are really excited about it,” Reed Memorial Library’s Youth...
Streetsboro baseball shuts down Windham in Portage County duel
It has been several years since the Streetsboro Rockets’ baseball team took on Portage County rival Windham. The Rockets celebrated senior day in style by shutting out Windham 10-0 in six innings last Friday at American Legion Field. “It was nice,” said Streetsboro Coach Chris Scisciani. “It was a great night for our seniors. They played really well, and I...
Growscape offers apprenticeship to Cardinal students
For the upcoming graduates of Cardinal High School who are looking to join the workforce immediately after graduation, they will have the chance to stay local. In partnership with Cardinal high school, Growscape, a company that specializes in producing products for the horticultural industry, is offering an eight-week apprenticeship for students interested in industrial work. “A couple of years ago...
WRABA to Host Annual Blacksmithing Conference
The Western Reserve Artist Blacksmith Association (WRABA) is hosting its 2025 Conference at Century Village in Burton, Ohio. The two-day event, to be held June 28-29, features live blacksmithing demonstrations, tool and item auctions, tailgate sales, and meals provided for attendees. This year’s featured demonstrator is Anna Koplik, a journeyman blacksmith known for her expertise in utensil making as well...
Free Public Meeting On Food & Farm Policies
Have you noticed the price of eggs? Who hasn’t! How do government actions and tariffs impact the livelihoods of farmers in Northeast Ohio and beyond? And what does that mean for consumers, especially as far as food safety? The public is invited to hear presentations on the significant changes in food and farm policy, Thursday, May 22, 7 p.m.,...
Meeting For Downtown Mantua Designated Outdoor Recreation Area
On Monday, May 19th at 7:00 in the R44 Event Space at 10675 Main Street, Mantua, OH 44255, the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an Informational Meeting for the public to learn more about the proposed Downtown Mantua Designated Outdoor Recreation Area (DORA). A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, is a specified area of land...
Jenna Canale Selected for 2025 Ohio 4-H State Fashion Board
Jenna Canale, a devoted 4-H member from Portage County, has been selected as a member of the 2025 Ohio 4-H Fashion Board recognizing her outstanding achievements in 4-H clothing and textile projects. The Ohio 4-H Fashion Board is a prestigious group of youth leaders who serve as ambassadors for the 4-H clothing and textiles program across the state. Members...
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 J Patella: Garrettsville YMCA, 8233 Park Ave, (330)469-2044. NO book...
Portage County JFS Closely Watches House Bill 96
At this time, Portage County Job and Family Services is watching and concerned about House Bill 96, which if passed, would mandate monthly reporting by non-elderly SNAP recipients, requiring a monthly recalculation of benefits and reverification of eligibility by the county JFS. Current practice uses a six-month recertification process, with mandated reporting as needed when a change in circumstance...
2025 Memorial Day Parade / Ceremony Information
The Shalersville Memorial Day Parade will kick off Saturday May 24th at 10am from Save Four Store to Riverside Cemetery for Memorial Day Service. The Mantua Village Memorial Day Service will be Monday May 26th at 10am at Hillside Cemetery. There will not be a parade, Memorial Service only at the cemetery. Mantua Center Memorial Day Service will be Monday May...
James A. Garfield School District holds grand opening of new track facility
The Garfield G-Men track and field team now has a track they can call home as the district hosted a grand opening ceremony last Saturday morning at the inaugural Harry Kraft Middle School Invititational meet in Garrettsville. “It is absolutely huge,” Athletic Director Jim Pfleger told The Weekly Villager. “It is great for everybody, the community, the kids and the...
Ravens’ softball pulls away late to top Bulldogs
The theme of the Ravenna Ravens’ softball team this season has been situational hitting. It has come sporadically but it showed up in the seventh inning when the Ravens scored six runs to build a cushion to defeat Canton McKinley 10-4 last Friday evening in Canton. “The kids came through with timely hits and we ended up scoring some runs,”...
