Jim Wiedie returns to roots as new Hiram women’s basketball coach
After spending four years out of state coaching women’s college basketball, Jim Wiedie yearned for a homecoming and found his way back by becoming the new Hiram Terriers women’s basketball coach, being formally announced on April 3. “It has been something that I have been trying to make happen,” the first-year coach said. “Things didn’t fall into place, and I...
Crestwood baseball rallies but finishes short of Mentor
The Crestwood Red Devils baseball team’s offense was stifled for six innings against Mentor but finally mounted a rally in the seventh frame but lost 3-1 in a pitching duel last Saturday at Mentor High School. “I am proud of the guys that we had on the mound,” said Coach Chris Stanley. “We started a freshman, brought in a junior...
Celebrate Portage Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the Celebrate Portage County annual awards. The awards recognize any events, people, or projects that contributed to making Portage County a great place to live in during 2025. Winners and nominees are honored at the Celebrate Portage annual dinner. Deadline May 30th. Visit www.celebrateportage.org to nominate a person or organization. Email celebrateportage@gmail.com with any questions. Awards will be given...
Jennifer Fitzwater hosts speaking event at West Main Street Winery on May 11
Local residential cleaning business owner Jennifer Fitzwater has scheduled a series of speaking events across Portage County to discuss the benefits of environmental hygiene, beginning with an appearance at the West Main Street Winery at 234 W. Main Street in Ravenna on May 11 beginning at 6 p.m. “I am very excited,” Fitzwater told The Weekly Villager on May 1....
Monkey Business & More: Memories of the Nelson Ledges Amusement Park
If history with a beer sounds interesting, then join us at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at Garrett’s Mill & Brewing Co. in Garrettsville for the second of a series of free Tap Talks co-sponsored by James A. Garfield Historical Society and the Mill. Monkeys, a ferris wheel and an arcade—oh my! Ohio was home to dozens of small amusement...
G-H Rotary Report
The May 4, 2026 meeting of Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary boasted the presence of a visitor–Kim Ewell of Hiram--who offered some information on the new Downtown Hiram effort in that village. Additionally, scholarship entries from Windham were read and top essays were chosen. Financials were reviewed. There was a progress report on the Storybook Trail project at the park; display plaque...
The Fever Returns
Every year in a small village located in northern Portage County of Ohio a fever breaks out that sweeps through the village and affects the entire population of this small village. It usually happens just before Memorial Day weekend. This quiet village becomes a traffic jam for the locals trying to go about their normal weekend activities. Drivers stop...
Badgers’ softball erupts to take down Rockets, stumbles late against Tigers
The Berkshire Badgers’ softball team experienced a roller coaster of highs and lows, first beating Streetsboro 10-4 to extend their winning streak to eight games but then had their streak snapped when they lost 5-3 against Warren Howland in a doubleheader of five-inning games last Saturday at Rockets Stadium in Streetsboro. “They were really strong programs,” said Coach Joe Medlen....
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...
CCC Fills May with Fun
Every Wednesday, the Crestwood Community Center (CCC) is open at the Lodge at Buchert Park in Mantua with a full schedule of activities. On May 13th, the day begins with a SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) fitness & balance class, followed by lunch at noon. This day’s lunch will be provided by Boulder Crossing of Streetsboro and will...
Shalersville Historical Society to host first annual Classic Car Show
The Shalersville Historical Society is joining in the annual mid-year festivities around Portage County by hosting its first annual Classic Car Show at 9154 State Route 44 in Mantua on May 30 beginning at 4 p.m. “This is a new idea we came up with,” SHS President/Shalersville Township Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Ron Kotkowski told The Weekly Villager on...
Hiram College renovates Price Gymnasium’s Hollinger Court
The Hiram Terriers’ indoor sports teams home court will look different in the 2026-2027 season, as the Athletic Department contracted Ohio Flooring to completely renovate the Price Gymnasium’s Hollinger Courts. “It is going to look a lot newer,” Athletic Director Scott Pohlman told The Weekly Villager on April 30. “I already love our gym and the architecture of it. That...
Messages of Hope Shared Across Portage County for Mental Health Month
In recognition of Mental Health Month, messages of hope and support are being distributed throughout Portage County. A total of 3,000 coffee sleeves and 4,000 coasters featuring information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are being placed in local coffee shops, bars, and fraternal and veterans’ organizations, including American Legion, VFW, and Eagles clubs. This initiative is led by...
Best Pet Cremation To Close
After careful consideration over the past nine years and extensive discussions with family and friends, we have made the decision to permanently close Best Pet Cremation, effective April 30th, 2026. We are proud of the reputation we have built in both the funeral and pet cremation industries, which has exceeded our expectations. In 2025 alone, we averaged a combined 1.3...
Spring Bird Walks in Hiram
This is the time that many birds are moving north to nest in our area or to go further north to breed. Many travel great distances such as purple martins, many of whom have already arrived here from their winter home in the amazon basin of south america. Spring bird walks have been going on here in north east...
Berkshire baseball rallies late, tops Orange in late innings
The Berkshire Badgers’ baseball team had not mustered much offense in the first five innings against Chagrin Valley Conference foe Orange but came on strong in the final two frames, scoring eight runs to topple the Lions 10-5 for their third straight victory last Friday in Pepper Pike. “It is a testament to the guys and our players as a...
Hiram Township and Village Hold Joint Meeting
After several major changes involving the Hiram Fire Department in recent months, residents from Hiram Township and Village have a chance to gather to ask questions about Fire and EMS coverage in their communities. The event takes place on Monday, May 4th at 7 pm at the Hiram Christian Church. On April 13th, Hiram Mayor Anne Haynam announced that Anthony...
Berkshire promotes Franks to head girls’ soccer coach
Since arriving in Burton in 2021, Stephanie Franks has had a hand in developing the youth for the Berkshire Badgers girls’ soccer program. After three years serving as the middle school girls’ soccer coach, Franks has been selected as the new Badger girls’ soccer coach. “I think it is exciting,” Franks told The Weekly Villager on April 24. “I feel...
JA Garfield Historical Society News
The James A. Garfield Historical Society met on April 20, 2026, welcoming a new member and dealing with numerous business items such as the damage to the new sign brought about by recent wind issues, replacement doors for the basement, the NEO intermuseum council meeting to be attended by the Zizkas, recent meeting at the Portage County Historical Society...
Ravens’ baseball jumps on Cowboys early to claim victory
The Ravenna Ravens’ baseball team mounted an early lead and erupted late against Youngstown Chaney, snapping their six-game losing streak to win decisively 9-3 last Friday evening in Youngstown. “That was good for the guys,” said Coach Lee Lovejoy. “There was confidence last night, especially at the plate which is a big part of where we have been struggling and...
League of Women Voters watch party, PBS Great Performances: Suffs
The League of Women Voters chapters serving Northern Portage County, Kent, and Geauga County will host a free public screening of the Tony Award–winning Broadway musical Suffs on May 8, 2026, at Hiram College’s Hayden Auditorium. Doors open at 6 pm, the screening will begin at 7 pm. Presented in partnership with PBS of the Western Reserve and the...
Shalersville Historical Society Meeting
Shalersville Historical Society's monthly meeting will be Thursday May 7 at 7 PM at the museum located at 9154 St Rt 44. Now that the winter snows have ended (I hope), it's time to explore new opportunities. Volunteers and new faces are always welcome! This will be an especially important meeting as we finalize plans for our first annual...
Know The Facts – Community EMS District Additional Levy
Let’s talk about Community EMS District. Community EMS Distict is a tax funded public agency that provides emergency medical services for the Village of Garrettsville, Freedom Township, and Nelson Township. Until October 2009, the Distict contracted with Community Ambulance, Inc. Community Ambulance, Inc. provided the employees that handled the calls for emergency services, paying the day to day bills...
G-H Rotary Report
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary met in Cal’s II, Sky Plaza on April 27, 2026 to advance their community- focused programs going into their 101st year. These included the following activities. The StoryWalk installation at the park in conjunction with the PCDL and the PCPD; new design and timetable were shown–coming in July–updates quarterly. The centennial celebrations (1926-2026)-- who to be invited to dinner....
Terrier women’s lacrosse wraps season with road loss against Golden Tornadoes
The Hiram Terriers women’s lacrosse team’s revival season concluded last Saturday evening against Presidents’ Athletic Conference foe Geneva as the Golden Tornadoes pulled away late in the fourth period to prevail 12-5 at Veterans Memorial Park in Beaver Creek, PA. “We fought hard in the first half, and it was a fairly close game,” said Coach Maddie Wilson. “We never...
Monkey Business & More: Memories of the Nelson Ledges Amusement Park
If history with a beer sounds interesting, then join us at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at Garrett’s Mill & Brewing Co. in Garrettsville for the second of a series of free Tap Talks co-sponsored by James A. Garfield Historical Society and the Mill. Monkeys, a ferris wheel and an arcade—oh my! Ohio was home to dozens of small amusement...
22nd Annual Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour Returns May 16
The 22nd Annual Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour returns on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., inviting residents and visitors to discover the charm, creativity, and hidden gems of Geauga County and the surrounding area. This cherished tradition attracts participants from across Northeast Ohio for a memorable day of adventure and exploration. It also aligns with America...
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...
Windham baseball sweeps Lordstown in league doubleheader
The Windham Bombers’ baseball team helped their standing in the Northeastern Athletic Conference Stripes Division by sweeping league rival Lordstown in a doubleheader, winning 15-0 and 17-1 in a pair of five-inning games last Wednesday evening in Warren. “After Wednesday’s games, I feel that the kids have gained more confidence and confidence in the game of baseball or any other...
Rae Bonner: The Heart Behind Bonner Farms Natural Beauty
Rae Bonner isn’t just the founder of Bonner Farms Natural Beauty -- she’s the heart, the hands, and the soul behind every single jar. And like most good stories, hers began right at home... on the family farm. When Covid hit, Rae was bundled up in the cold, selling farm-fresh meat packages with her son Joe and cousin, Gail straight out...
