Wanda Hoffman reaches 500 coaching victories with Crestwood volleyball
It seemed that when Crestwood Red Devils’ volleyball Coach Wanda Hoffman’s coaching days were behind her when she resigned from her post as the varsity coach following the 2012 season after 25 years of coaching. But Hoffman was not finished with Crestwood yet, returning to the sidelines before the 2018 season and picked up where she left off. The...
Garfield teacher honored with brick at National Museum of Marine Corps
Garfield High School industrial arts teacher Chris Forgacs has never been one to seek accolades for his work. His impact on students has not gone unnoticed either and when 2003 graduate Amanda Owens stopped by her alma matter as a guest speaker for the Veteran’s Day Assembly on Nov. 3, she had a surprise for Forgacs, partnering with other...
Badger girls basketball stunned by Wolverines in season opening defeat
Forcing an opponent into committing 41 turnovers seems like a recipe for success. But the Berkshire Badgers girls’ basketball team squandered that advantage, losing 44-43 against Geauga County rival West Geauga in a Chagrin Valley Conference crossover game last Sunday afternoon at the Bernard Scott Academy’s Ohio Tip-Off Classic at Hiram College’s Price Gymnasium. “That’s where our inexperience showed in...
JAG Elementary Academic Honors for MP 1
4th Grade Merit Roll Grace Peterson, Baylee Alexander, Addy Bard, Eliot Mattingly, James Tushar, Nicholas Clancy, Zachary Nichols, Anthony Adorni, Baylee Krupansky, Oakley Davies, Jackson Garretson, Emmet Blunk, Nova Hennicke, Luke Lewis, Jacob Henderson, Serenity Borthwick, Jason Stachowski, Gracie Wareham, Lilliana Menteer, Jack Strok, Elizabeth Fogleman, Matthew Britton, Kennedy Schmitz, Cecilia Nastase, Raylan Schultz 3rd Grade Honor Roll Edgar Berry, Bryce Hirschbach,...
Greenmen wrestling ready to put their stamp on the season
Last season the Aurora Greenmen wrestling team underwent a transitional phase, adjusting to competing in Division I for the first time since the 2016-17 season and having a new coach. According to Coach Jeremy Johnson, the sky is the limit for an Aurora team hoping to finish in the top 10 as a team at the Ohio High School...
Think Local this holiday season
The holidays are here, and while we’re busy searching for the perfect gifts, it’s important to remember the significant impact of supporting local businesses. Beyond the big-name stores, our smaller neighborhood shops play a crucial role in keeping our communities strong. Shopping at local stores isn’t just about finding unique gifts. It’s about investing in our community’s success. Reports from...
Mrs Claus is coming to town
Mrs. Claus is visiting the Aurora Library! Visit the Aurora Memorial Library on Saturday, December 2 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for a chance to meet Mrs. Claus herself. There will also be a storytime, pictures, activities and a question-and-answer session with Mrs. Claus. Don’t forget your camera for this rare visit! This event is intended for infants to 10...
Schedule Your Merry Evening in Mantua Village
A Merry Evening in the Village will be held on Thursday, December 7 from 4:00- 8:00 PM. Come spend a pleasant evening in Mantua Village enjoying the Holiday spirit. Shops in Mantua Village will be decorated, stocked with Christmas items and open until 8:00. When you’re not shopping, the local restaurants will be offering food specials. The Crestwood High...
Crestwood School Board News
Recently, Crestwood Local Schools Treasurer Katie Hoffmeister provided the Board with a financial update. Hoffmeister noted that House Bill 33 (Community School Equity Funding Bill) was included in the Biannual Budget by the Ohio State Legislature. HB33 increases community school funding for brick-and-mortar schools by allocating to schools an additional $650 per pupil in both 2024 and 2025. Hoffmeister...
Streetsboro girls basketball ready to take center stage
Usually after a high school basketball season ends, a coach has to figure out to replace the production of his graduating players. But the Streetsboro Rockets girls’ basketball team will have all of their pieces in place to start the season, graduating only one senior from last year’s Division II district semifinal squad. “We graduated some pretty important players almost...
Ravens bowling takes fourth at MAC preseason tournament
The Ravenna Ravens’ bowling team has their work cut out for them if they hope to continue dominating the Metro Athletic Conference. Ravenna opened its season by coming in fourth place, knocking down 3725 pins at the MAC preseason tournament last Saturday at the Spin Bowling Lanes in Kent. “It is not where wanted to finish but we had some...
Windham Township to host Christmas decorating contest
The residents of Windham Township will finally get a chance to show their Christmas spirit. Windham Township will host its very own Christmas decorating contest this holiday season beginning on Dec. 4. “I just hope it brings the community closer together,” Windham Township Zoning Department Board Member Gayle Poots told The Weekly Villager. “It gets people out and about...
JAG High School and Elementary School Academic Honors for MP1
12th Grade 4.0 & Above Owen Bass, Andrew Borucki, Sophia Butto, Jack Carmichael, Michelle Crawford, Eric Geddes, Landen Gedeon, Andrea Menken, Addisyn Miller, Owen Norris, Emma Scherick, Savannah Wolff 12th Grade 3.4 & Above Tyler Baczkowski, Zachary Brachna, Alex Carter, Kiera Coyle, Maria D’Ambrosia, Emily Dykes, Landon Emerine, Jordyn Fedor, Christian Gallagher, Aaron Gissinger, Jacob Holliday, Angel Justham, Gavin Peska,...
Garfield G-Men girls basketball returns younger but still aim to keep tradition
The Garfield G-Men girls’ basketball team is no stranger to turning over their starting five, having already done it for two straight seasons. The G-Men will once again transition to a new starting line-up to continue their district title reign and finally capture the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Tier title this year. “This year will be one of the...
Badger girls basketball prepared to lean on athleticism to blow by opponents
The Berkshire Badgers girls’ basketball team learned what it felt like to be at the top when it earned a share of the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division title with rival Kirtland last year. And despite graduating their entire starting five, Berkshire is ready to deal with the target on its back and win the conference championship outright. “This is...
G-Men Football Seniors Reflect on a Record-Breaking Season
In a recent episode of Beyond The Bureau, hosts Aaron Rodhe and Landen Gedeon welcomed G-Men football seniors Eric Geddes and Keegan Sell to the podcast studio. The discussion delved deep into the incredible journey of the G-Men during the football season, touching upon their achievements, challenges, and the excitement surrounding their performances. The conversation began with reflections on the...
Tireless Creativity: Exploring the repurposed art universe of Bill Starcher
Hello Villager People. Thank you for bearing with me during my health scare. I’m back! Being a contributing writer for the Villager allows for some privileges. Like, the wonderful afternoon I spent last weekend. It all started at the intersection of 14 and 44. I was sitting at the light, and this truck turned left onto 14. What attracted...
Middlefield is a wonderland of holiday happenings!
Oh no! Watch out Middlefield; rumor has it our Merry Middlefield season will be ruined by “The Grinch” on Saturday, Dec. 16! Arriving in town early in the morning, he will begin stealing gift cards and toys at each location where they have been collecting all season for area charities. (See the list below) And then … he is...
GHS celebrates 56th Induction Ceremony of the Georgia Lee Alford Chapter of the National Honor Society
The 56th annual induction ceremony of the Georgia Lee Alford chapter of the National Honor Society unfolded on the evening of November 14th in Iva Walker Auditorium. The event was a celebration of academic prowess, service, leadership, and character, showcasing the commitment of exceptional high school students from James A Garfield High School. For those unfamiliar with the National Honor...
Christmas Tree Lighting Saturday
Storybook town comes to life for the holidays with a Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting Ceremony sponsored by the Newton Falls Area Commerce Association and volunteers from the community! If you are looking for a Hallmark small town vibe event, come check out our Newton Falls Tree Lighting Ceremony November 25th from 6pm-8pm. Storefronts will all be decorated and open with...
GH Rotary News
The Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club convened Monday, diving headfirst into the spirit of the upcoming holidays during their meeting. The main agenda revolved around preparations for adorning the Garrettsville gazebo by the Boardwalk. Plans were set in motion to festoon the area with garlands, dazzling lights, and a beautifully adorned tree. The aim is to create a warm and inviting...
December Delights Await at Burton Public Library
The Burton Public Library has unveiled an exciting lineup of events for December, promising fun-filled activities for both kids and adults. Read and Relax with NAMI Therapy Dogs Furry friends await at the Burton Public Library, inviting kids of all ages to drop in and unwind with therapy dogs. The event aims to create a soothing environment for reading and relaxation,...
Exploring Nature and History: Upcoming Events at Portage County Park District
Nestled within the heart of Ohio lies the Portage County Park District, a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance. With an abundance of engaging events lined up, the park district promises a series of enriching experiences for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike. History Hike: The Portage Hike and Bike Trail Kicking off the event roster is the...
Garrettsville Native Sharon Carmichael launches Vivid Vibes Boutique
Sharon Carmichael said she has loved visiting boutiques since she was a child. Her one regret was that several of them had overpriced clothing and did not have enough sizes, so she decided to open her own boutique, Vivid Vibes Boutique, in the J.C. Electric Building on State Route 88. “We are doing well so far and there are locals...
Ravenna boys bowling hopes to carry momentum from their state tournament run
According to Ravenna boys’ bowling Coach Kelly Champ, her squad left the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I state tournament last season with a bitter taste in their mouths after finishing in 11th place. Despite graduating their top three bowlers, the Ravens plan to prove that last season was no fluke and enjoy another deep run to the...
Abigail’s Accessories hosts Jingle & Mingle networking fundraiser with AWiN
Whatever funds are raised in Portage County stay in Portage County. The Aurora Chamber of Commerce & Valley Bureau hosted the fifth annual Jingle & Mingle with the Aurora Women in Networking fundraiser for I Support the Girls on Nov. 14 at Abigail’s Accessories in Aurora. “We just decided to do a holiday event and get ladies out in the...
Garrettsville Council dives into technology and more
The Garrettsville Village Council convened on November 8, 2023. Present at the meeting were Councilpersons Tom Hardesty, Chris Knop, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Mark Brady, Richard Beatty, Village Solicitor Michele Stuck, Village Fiscal Officer Donna Love, and Mayor Rick Patrick. The meeting began with the review and approval of minutes from the October 11 meeting. In addition, the village fiscal...
Veterans Day observed with Dedication Ceremony
This Veterans Day on a crisp afternoon, a small crowd gathered to witness the dedication of an artifact from World War II. The event took place on the lawn in front of Mantua Village Hall and Police Department on Saturday but was one year in the making. The idea to refurbish the decommissioned weapon and to publicly commemorate the reason...
Harvest Party welcomes community
Vehicles decorated in Halloween and Autumn themes offered up fists full of candy from the dark depths as little ghouls (kids of course!) ran amuck from trunk to trunk sniffing out goodies. Celebrate Love Church opened its doors and car trunks to the community for a Harvest Party to show what their vision entails. Lesley and Shawnell Bradley launched their...
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary News
Cool temps & bright skies for the November 13, 2023 meeting of the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club; good thing it was indoors at Cal’s II, Sky Plaza, Garrettsville. Plenty o’ business on tap. There was an abbreviated wrap-up of the very successful Reverse Raffle, with the presentation of the catering bill and possible gratuity suggestions. Additionally, there were thoughts on assisting...
