Burton Middlefield Rotary Partners with KSU Geauga Through Initiation of Endowed Scholarship
Burton - On May 10, the Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield (BMR) kicked off their new Endowed Scholarship for Nursing with Kent State University Geauga. The $25,000 Endowment generates funds for a student pursuing a career in the nursing field and is a collaboration between the Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club and KSU Geauga to increase nursing careers for local students who...
Eagle Scout Kris Carson Gives Back to JAG Schools
Garrettsville - There’s a new open-air pavilion on the James A. Garfield school campus, thanks to the efforts of JAG senior Kris Carson. In looking for an Eagle Scout project, he wanted to give back to the school, “because it’s given so much to me,” he shared. Originally, he toyed with the idea of creating an outdoor amphitheater for...
Robert Kroeger’s Works at Auction to Benefit Historical Societies
Although artist Robert Kroeger lives in Cincinnati, he’s no stranger to the Mantua area, as he’s made several trips here to document local structures in oil. The artist is on a mission to create impasto oil paintings of historic barns before the structures succumb to time. He also meets with the owners to document the stories of these parts...
Hiram Township News
At the last meeting, Road Supervisor Tom Matota was charged by trustees to investigate setting up a dedicated fire hydrant on township property that could be used to fill the Hiram Fire Department tanker. In addition, Matota will investigate the cost of tapping into the Village water line to provide the Administrative Building with water. Matota spoke of having a...
Broken Leaf Cafe Opens in Newton Falls
Have you ever wanted to just sit and chat over coffee or tea, but the place with the Mermaid isn’t really your thing? Besides, that place only has locations in cities of a certain population, and rural Portage and Trumbull Counties don’t have many of those. Well, residents of Newton Falls and surrounding areas, you are in luck. Nestled in...
Kent State Geauga’s The Listening Eye Launches Second 50 Years with Wick Poetry Center
Burton, OH - After 50 years of print publication through Kent State University’s Geauga Campus, The Listening Eye, a creative writing and art journal, will begin digital publication on the Wick Poetry Center’s website with its 2022-23 issue. “The Wick Poetry Center is thrilled to collaborate with The Listening Eye, which has been a longstanding literary gem and enriched our...
ODNR Director Comes to Kent
Kent - The Edith Chase Symposium is an educational program to acquaint people who are not specialists, with issues of importance in the Earth Sciences and Water Sciences. Each year since its inception in 2014, a special event is held honor to shed light and share some aspect of environmental issues facing the region. This year’s event will be...
Mantua Police Department Investigation Concludes
Mantua - The final report was generated by Dean DePietro, who served as outside counsel for the Village. DePietro noted that while Mantua Village handbook does not prohibit personal relationships among village employees, there are certain restrictions that apply. The policy notes that personal relationships between employees may present a real or perceived conflict of interest in that an...
Local Cubs Become Scouts
Nelson Twp - Birds sang while the familiar scent of campfire wafted through the crisp spring air on a recent Saturday afternoon at Camp Chickagami in Geauga County. “Today we mark a great occasion,” announced Cubmaster Eric, “The graduation of Webelos Scouts Bentley and Colton from Pack 62.” Bentley and Colton became the newest members of Boy Scout Troop...
Quiz Masters Place 3rd at Nationals
Garrettsville - The James A. Garfield High School Quiz Masters competed at the national tournament this past weekend. The Quiz Bowl team, coached by Iva Walker, traveled to the Hyatt Regency near the Chicago O’Hare airport for the event. Competition consisted of 10 preliminary seeding games on Saturday and a double elimination tournament on Sunday. The Quiz Masters...
Mantua to hold Soap Box Derby Event May 10th
Mantua - Across the country, would-be racers of all ages work together to build gravity-powered and STEM-driven cars to compete in local Soap Box Derby races and rallies. “The Soap Box Derby is rooted in family and community,” shared Portage County Soap Box Derby organizer Dean Olsen. And on Wednesday, May 10th beginning at 5:30 pm, past and potential...
Hiram Village Considers Paid Parking
In an effort to raise revenue, the Village of Hiram is investigating the potential of enacting public parking fees on Village-owned streets. According to Council President Chris Szell, “Revenues aren’t keeping pace with expenditures.” At a public forum that was recently held, Szell noted, “Council is exploring ways to increase the Village’s General Fund.” He noted that increases in medical...
Crestwood Schools Seeks Bus Drivers
At a recent board meeting, Superintendent Dr. David Toth noted the district’s pressing need for bus drivers. Crestwood isn’t alone in this need, as schools across the state are in the same situation. Several factors contribute to this issue, according to WOSU public media. Bus drivers are required to earn a commercial license, and competition from companies like Amazon...
Ron Stoner: A Glass Act
Newton Falls - “Take your passion and make it happen.” We Older-Than-Millennials remember that as a line from a song popular in the 80s, What a Feeling from Flash Dance. This line comes to mind when one meets Ron Stoner, who is opening a stained-glass studio, The Glass Act. Ron truly embodies that line.Ron is a long-time member of...
Garfield School District Hosts “State of the Schools” Address
Garrettsville - JAG Schools held its annual “State of the Schools” event on April 24th, Superintendent Ted Lysiak provided updates on the district’s recent construction and renovations, as well as highlighted scholastic and extracurricular achievements. The event took place at Iva Walker Auditorium and was attended by members of the school district’s administration, staff, and residents. One of the key...
MSFD Renewal on May Ballot
At their last meeting, Fire Board members witnessed the swearing in of two new firefighters to the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department. Kyle Dobies, a former Marine Captain, and Justin Croucher. Both gentlemen live in Bainbridge and have joined the MSFD on a part-time basis. In other news, the department is asking residents of Shalersville, Mantua Village, and Mantua Township to approve...
Candance Academy Closes Out Successful Competition Season
Mantua - Candance Dance Academy’s Competition Team closed out an exciting and successful competition season the weekend of April 15th. The team, consisting of students ages 8 to 18, began training in Mantua last July. This season the team competed in multiple categories and genres at four nationally recognized competitions: FLY, the weekend of February 17th in Cuyahoga Falls;...
Backyard Critters 4H News: Brooklyn Lee Elected Vice President
Freedom Twp. - Brooklyn Lee, a dedicated and talented member of the 4H community, has been making headlines with her exceptional achievements for the past six years. As of 2023, Brooklyn’s unwavering commitment to 4H has been evident through her hard work and dedication to raising animals and competing in various categories, where she has consistently displayed her skills...
Garfield Quiz Masters Compete in National Tournament This Weekend
With its strong finish at the Salem Invitational, the quiz bowl team from James A. Garfield High School in Garrettsville proved themselves worthy to play on a national stage. On Friday, April 28, the team will represent their school in a 128-team national competition: National Academic Quiz Tournaments’ Small School National Championship Tournament. Quiz bowl is a competitive, academic, interscholastic...
JAG Students Celebrate Earth Day with Tree Planting
Garrettsville - In honor of Earth Day, the James A. Garfield High School Environmental Club planted a tree behind the JAG Elementary School for the 2023 kindergarten class. Environmental Club founder Luke Finney helped organize the event. This junior helped found the club in March as a student-run club aiming to better the environment around their campus and community....
Zupancic Drive Residents Seek Solution to Flooding Issue
Garrettsville – Village officials present at the April 12th council meeting were: Councilmembers Tom Hardesty, Chris Knop, Sheri Johnson, John Chambers, Rich Beatty, Mayor Rick Patrick, Village Solicitor Michele Stuck, and Assistant Fiscal Officer Deb Wordell. The meeting was called to order shortly after 7:00pm. Minutes of the March 8th meeting were reviewed and approved in a motion made by...
Friends of the Garrettsville Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Garrettsville Library book sale will be held in the library meeting room on the following dates:Friends ‘Members Only’ PreviewWednesday, April 26 from 2 to 6 pmOpen to the publicThursday, April 27 from 10 am to 6 pmFriday, April 28 from 10 am to 6 pmSaturday, April 29 from 10 am to 2 pm.Saturday is Dollar...
Hiram Village News
Hiram - Hiram Fire Department Assistant Chief Jason Groselle was pleased to share that Eric Mathews and Adam Wracher recently joined the Hiram Fire Department team. Both gentlemen were sworn in by Hiram Mayor Lou Bertrand prior to the regular village council meeting and welcomed by members of council.In other Village news, Portage County residents are encouraged to participate...
Shalersville Township Historical Society News
Shalersville - Calling all people from Shalersville who have or are serving in the United States military. The museum will be open to the public Memorial Day weekend & will feature a display of military uniforms, flags, pictures and stories of our service men and women. If you have a photo of a serviceman, please consider loaning it for...
Triple Trail Fest Coming Soon
Mantua - On Friday and Saturday, June 2nd and 3rd, folks from near and far will gather to explore and enjoy the three major trails that converge in Mantua: the Buckeye Trail, Headwaters Trail, and the Cuyahoga River Water Trail. As Mantua has been designated Ohio’s 10th Buckeye Trail Town, the small town with many outdoor recreation opportunities will...
Garrettsville Board of Public Affairs March Recap
Garrettsville - Board of Public Affairs members and village officials attended a meeting in March where which they discussed financial reports, resident concerns, and new and old business. BPA Vice President Ben Coll called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., with Board Member Michael Sherer, Solicitor Michele Stuck, Superintendent Jeff Sheehan, Fiscal Officer Donna Love, Mayor Richard Patrick,...
Mantua Village Seeks OPWC Funding for Storm Sewer Replacement
Mantua - At the start of the March Mantua Village meeting at 6:30 pm, Mayor Clark and Council convened an executive session to discuss the ongoing Police Department investigation. Roughly 30 people were in attendance waiting in the gallery, including three publications, Chief Urso, Patrolman Brothers, and their legal representative. The executive session ended, with Mayor Clark re-convening the...
$2,000 Grand Prize Offered at the United Way of Portage County’s 2nd Annual Reverse Raffle
Ravenna - United Way of Portage County will hold its 2nd Annual Reverse Raffle on Thursday, April 13. The fundraiser will start at 6 p.m. at the Ravenna Elks Club and will be catered by Guido’s. Numbers will be drawn throughout the evening, and the holder of the last number called could walk away with $2,000. The winner need...
Crestwood Schools Receive Security Grant
Mantua - At the last meeting, Superintendent Dr. David Toth congratulated Jeff Woolard and his team for facilitating a $157,000 grant from the Ohio Facilities Commission. The funds will be used for security cameras, door access and hold alarms. Other planned improvements include upgrades to the district’s communications devices, including bus radios and hand held walkie talkies. In addition,...
The 8th Count Dance Center Wins Big At Major Competition
Trip To Showstopper Dance Championships Was An Exciting One Garrettsville - In Sandusky, the weekend of March 31st, 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. Instructors: Shanelle Waggoner, Layla Jordan, Denise Hart, and Ash Olejnik are proud...
