Don’t Miss Mantua’s 42nd Annual Potato Festival!
Mantua - Starting this Friday, September 11th, the festival that almost didn’t happen this year definitely WILL be happening. Although as recently as April, the annual festival’s future was in peril when it was discovered that former committee members allegedly misappropriated funds. But due to a huge outpouring of community support, festival organizers report that all past due bills...
John Johnson Home More than a Historic Site
Hiram Township - The Historic John Johnson Home in Hiram Township means different things to different people. It’s a historic site for some; a pleasant backdrop to Monroe’s Orchard for others. But for believers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), this is holy ground. So say Elders Grant Howarth and Damon Bahr, who are hosting...
Christmas Help For Geauga County Families
For over 45 years, Geauga County Job and Family Services has coordinated the Sponsor a Family Program. The program assists low income families with toys, food, and gifts for the holidays. Sponsor a Family is open to Geauga County families with minor children who are receiving assistance such as food stamps. To request an application, or for more information...
American Pickers To Film In Ohio
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to Ohio! They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout the area in October. We understand that with the proliferation of COVID-19, we are all facing very uncertain times. We at American Pickers are taking the pandemic very seriously and will be following all guidelines...
Restaurant Impossible Returns to the Mill
Garrettsville - Most people remember that last fall, Robert Irvine and the Restaurant Impossible crew visited Garrettsville to help Garrett’s Mill owners Brian and Shelli Buchanan reinvigorate the struggling business. Prior to the visit, Brian was forced to return to his former job as a truck driver, while Shelli divided her time between the restaurant and her work as...
Outstanding in Your (Corn) Field
As autumn comes to a close, you may be working your way through your own Fall Bucket list. And if a visit to a corn maze is in your plans, then you’re in luck! The area is fortunate to have several corn mazes that are open through the end of October. Mazes are listed in alphabetical order; please call...
JAG Adds More Space to Learn & Grow
Garrettsville - While school has been out for the summer break, folks at James A. Garfield Schools have been getting the JAG campus ready for students. In addition to the usual cleaning, mopping, and sanitizing that take place before every school year begins, crews have been hard at work digging, cementing, and planting more trees. And as a result...
Hiram Village News
Hiram - At the last meeting, Ed Frato-Sweeney noted that 2021 Commencement for Hiram College students will take place on May 15th. While only graduates will be allowed in Martin Field House for the ceremony, their families are invited to watch commencement via live stream on the football scoreboard at Charles A. Henry Field. In his Police Department report, Chief...
Say What?!? Garrettsville Used to Hold Record for Largest Red Oak
Garrettsville - Most people who have grown up in the Garrettsville area know that the Lifesaver was invented here. We were known for producing the most maple syrup in the world and the great train robbery of 1935, but few people are aware that Garrettsville had the largest Red Oak tree in the World. Yes, the world! The tree was...
Mantua Center School Building Found To Be Structurally Sound
Mantua - It has now been officially determined that Mantua Center School is indeed structurally safe and basically built like a fortress, putting to rest a topic that has been the focus of debate in recent years. Mantua Township trustees and the Mantua Restoration Society (MaRSI) are working hard to begin restoring the historic building. “We now...
Ox Roast Fair Plans Well Underway in Mantua
Mantua - The 2015 St. Joseph Church Ox Roast Fair in Mantua kicks off with the availability of Ox Roast Raffle Tickets. Now in its 52nd year, the Ox Roast Fair will be held July 17th, 18th, and 19th, and promises to be more exciting than ever. Grand prizes this year include $20,599.00+ Harley Street Glide FLHX Motorcycle (provided...
Primary Election Day Extended
Portage County - According to the Portage County Board of Elections, the Primary Election, which was originally scheduled for March 17th, will be concluded on April 28, 2020. The March election day was blocked by the State in an attempt to restrict public gatherings and limit the spread of Covid-19. Since several localities had key initiatives on the ballot, the...
Top 10 Little-Known Facts as Garrettsville Celebrates its 210th Year
This village was settled 210 years ago, in early July 1804, by John Garrett of Delaware. On the occasion of Garrettsville’s Centennial Celebration, the history of early Garrettsville was written by S.M. Luther and published in SOUVENIR of Garrettsville ~ Centennial Home Coming. (Interesting to note it was published three years late in 1907!) Local businessman Christopher Perme discovered a copy of this relic on eBay, and has loaned it to the Villager in order to share these little-known facts about our hometown…
Creativity is a Saving Grace that leads to a Reimagined Life
Very rarely will you meet the kind of person that leaves you totally in awe of what they have accomplished, what they offer others and how they handle the massive lemons life throws their way. We all struggle with the challenges we get dealt. It takes grace, perseverance and courage to overcome and excel in a way that leads...
This Is How We Roll: Week of October 9, 2015
Niles Wicks shot the high game for the 11:00 Trio with a nice 204 game; Niles also had a 500 series. High series for the day belonged to David Martin with 519; David’s high game was 185. Other good games were rolled by Billy Potteiger, 172, Ericq Williams, 156, Gavin Bervish, 149, Ian Huebner, 138, Billy Radcliffe, 138, and...
Shaffer’s Meats & Market in Mantua
Mantua - When Lisa Shaffer began working at K & K last year, she enjoyed the customer interaction in the small community’s hub, sharing, “I got to meet so many local people.” She became enamored with Mantua’s small-town charm. Growing up in Erie, PA, she remembered the deli counter in her hometown --Tony Benito’s -- and admitted that she...
New Tattoo Parlor Brings Color and Economy to Ravenna
Ravenna - Veteran. Proud Patriot. Family man. Businessman. These are all the titles that newest Ravenna merchant, Clint Marsh, falls under. On Saturday, March 30th War Horse Ink had the ribbon cutting at its second location with about 40 citizens in attendance. Straight out of high school Marsh joined the army where he served his country for four years. He...
Portage County Reaches Level 4 Purple Status on Ohio Public Health Advisory System: Residents and Businesses Urged to Take Precautions
As of 12/03/2020, according to the Ohio Public Health Advisory System, Portage County is at Level 4 Status with HIGH Incidence for sustained activity related to the Indicators. Portage County has now triggered 6 out of the 7 key indicators: Indicator 1- New Cases per Capita (High Incidence 648/100k population)Indicator 2- New Cases IncreaseIndicator 3- Non-Congregate CasesIndicator 4 -ED VisitsIndicator...
Car Cruises In Hiram And Garrettsville This Saturday
You won’t have to travel far this weekend if you are a fan of car shows. Beginning at 9 am on Saturday, the Hiram Police Car Show will take place in Hiram Village. Hot rod cars, trucks, food, music, trophies and family fun can be found on Hayden and Dean Streets! There is no registration fee, however, donations will be accepted...
Two Travelers Tavern: Serving up Unique Flavor in Garrettsville
Garrettsville - When Zeppe’s closed its doors and pulled out of the community, it seemed to many that Garrettsville was doomed to have an empty building on Main Street indefinitely. Restaurateurs Sean and Sondra Varner saw something different; the opportunity to breathe new life into an older structure and create a unique dining experience for residents and visitors to...
UPDATED: Megan Dye Was Located in Cincinnati on July 10
Update: Megan Dye was safely located by the US Marshal Service in Cincinnati. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Kent Police Department in Ohio are searching for this missing 17-year-old girl.Megan Dye vanished from Kent, Ohio on July 8, 2020. Megan was last seen in Tannery Park in Kent, and her belongings have been found there...
Mantua Village Police News
Mantua - It’s been a busy summer at the Mantua Police Department. Interim Chief of Police Joe Urso stepped up to fill the void left as Chief Harry Buchert recovered from surgery. In addition to his new role as Interim Chief, Officer Urso continued to serve as Department’s Student Resource Officer at Crestwood Schools. In that role, Urso facilitated...
COVID-19 Vaccine distribution for Phase 1B populations to begin in Portage County
In conjunction with Ohio’s statewide efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to Ohioans in Phase 1B starting the week of January 19, Portage County Health District and Portage County Emergency Management Agency are partnering to lead the vaccination efforts. The combined knowledge and decades of planning and training will allow us to continue to serve our community as we work...
Crossroads Auto Care Hosts Aug. 1 Open House
Shalersville - Everyone’s invited to the open house hosted by Crossroads Auto Care at 4552 State Route 303, Ravenna (in Shalersville within a stone’s throw of SR44). Shop owners Cody and Hillary Snyder will be providing the community with drinks and hot dogs as they celebrate their grand opening on Saturday, August 1, starting at 12 noon. According to Cody...
Tattoos to the Rescue: Bad Body Art Benefits Portage APL
Ravenna - Have you ever awed at Claude Monet’s Water Lilies? Or wondered at the emotional turmoil behind Pablo Picasso’s blue period paintings? Art is meant to invoke the human spirit. In the tattoo industry artists have the unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with their medium the human body. But sometimes mistakes happen, or work goes unfinished....
PORTAGE COUNTY EMA COLLECTING PROTECTIVE WEAR FOR REALLOCATION TO PORTAGE HEALTHCARE AND SAFETY WORKERS
RAVENNA, OH – ThePortage County Emergency Management Agency is asking businesses and the public for a variety of specific donations to help local safety and healthcare workers during the response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.EMA officials are requesting that donations be limited to what is listed. Items for safety and healthcare workers should be delivered to the EMA office at...
New Owner Revitalizing Windham Supermarket
Windham - It’s a new day at Windham’s grocery store. It’s got a new name, a new owner and a new future, but it’s here to stay for the sake of the community. So says Ali Salama, independent owner of Windham Supermarket at 9670 East Center Street. Salama is in the process of purchasing the former Windham Sparkle Market from...
Windham School Board News
Windham - The Windham Board of Education (BOE) met for their regularly scheduled meeting with two members in attendance and two via Zoom. One member was absent. BOE President Mandy Berardinelli called the meeting to order. In the president’s report, Berardinell reported that National Honor Society (NHS) Jr/Sr. high inductions are set for April 29th at 9 am. There will...
The Great Geauga County Fair Becomes A Junior Fair For 2020
Burton - The 198th Great Geauga County Fair had a much different look this year as compared to recent years. Due to the governor’s orders, because of COVID, the fair had been scaled back to a junior fair only. This reduction took some of the “greatness” out of the event. Trying to keep it as normal as possible for...
Windham Village Council News
Windham - The Windham Village Council met recently with all the members of council in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Scott Garrett. Council members are President Lawrence (Mac) Cunningham, Cheryl Belknap, Cindy Cale, Cheryl Taylor, Terrie Altiere and Sherri Pennington. The village administrator is Deborah Blewitt, zoning inspector Tom Brett and solicitor is Tom Reitz. The...
