Transportation Update: Bus Route Adjustments Beginning April 7
James A. Garfield Local Schools will be making adjustments to bus routes when we return from Spring Break on April 7. These changes are the result of careful planning and responsible stewardship of your tax dollars as we respond to financial challenges and staffing changes. In December, the State reduced our projected funding by $1.7 million over the next four...
Shop Local for Equipment Rental
There’s a new option in Garrettsville for equipment rental for items ranging from smaller items like edgers to seeders, skid steers, and excavators. This new option comes from a long-standing business, S & K Sales and Service. This family business has been selling and servicing equipment in the area for almost 20 years. Kyle Wilke, who oversees the rental business...
Ravenna Parks & Recreation Department to host Easter Eggstravaganza
To celebrate the beginning of the spring season, the Ravenna Parks & Recreation Department will host the annual Easter Eggstravaganza at the John Tontimonia Ravenna City Park on April 4 beginning at 10 a.m. “I think in every community these events are what people look forward to, whether it is Easter, Halloween or Christmas,” Ravenna Parks & Recreation Director Chris...
Terrier men’s lacrosse falls against Scots in overtime
The Hiram Terriers men’s lacrosse team is getting quite familiar with playing in high-leverage situations this season but fell on the wrong end of the score this time as they lost 8-7 against Alma College in an overtime thriller last Saturday afternoon at Bahlke Field in Michigan. “You don’t get a redo,” said Coach Jason Griffith. “There is no reset...
Hiram Fire Plans Under Discussion
At a public meeting on March 5th, Hiram Village Council and Mayor Ann Haynam reviewed the Fire Department operations for 2025, including call volume, budget allocations, coverage, and staffing. This came in response to the retirement of Fire Chief Bill Byers and the resignation of Assistant Chief Jason Groselle in February. It was noted that in 2025, the department made...
Garfield G-Men softball seeks to build momentum with returning experience
Last season it took a while for the Garfield G-Men softball team to hit its stride, but things came together at the end of the season and the G-Men will attempt to carry that momentum into this season, returning nine starters in its quest to reach the top of the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Tier. “It is good to...
Making The Grade: A Guide to Making Quality Maple Syrup
Join us for a hands-on workshop April 11th, 9:30–12:00, at the Patterson Center inside the Geauga County Fairgrounds, Gate 4 in Burton. We will dive into the details of Maple Syrup grading. Covering the official color grades—from Delicate to Very Dark—we’ll show you how to accurately test for density (Brix) and clarity. Bring a ½ pt or more of...
Friends of the Library Host Annual Book Sale at Hiram College March 27 – 29
The Friends of the Library at Hiram College invite students, alumni, and community members to attend a three-day book sale March 27–29 in the lower level of the Hiram College Library. The sale will feature an estimated 5,000 items, including children’s and young adult books, adult bestsellers, mysteries, science fiction, nonfiction, CDs, and DVDs. Approximately 75 percent of the books...
1st Annual Shamrock Smash a Success
The Garrettsville Family YMCA recently hosted its 1st Annual Shamrock Smash Pickleball Tournament, drawing an enthusiastic group of participants for a day of friendly competition and festive fun. Players were randomly assigned to teams, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere as competitors took to the courts. The event combined spirited gameplay with a lighthearted celebration, making it enjoyable for both...
Crestwood softball rallies but falls short against Cuyahoga Heights
The Crestwood Red Devils’ softball team needed a few innings to find its timing at the plate and finally responded but it was too little too late as they lost their season-opener against Chagrin Valley Conference foe Cuyahoga Heights 6-3 on the road last Saturday afternoon. “I am sure there are a lot of factors involved in it,” said Coach...
LIBRARY HOSTS FREE PROM DRESS SHOP FOR AREA TEENS
Clear out your closet and help make prom dreams come true—donate new or gently-used formal dresses, then shop for free on Saturday, April 4 from 10am to 4pm. Reed Memorial Library is coordinating a prom dress shop where teens can “shop” at no cost for prom dresses and accessories. Anyone may donate new or gently-used formal dresses and accessories at...
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Report
The March 23, 2026 meeting of the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary delved into current projects and future enterprises, to wit , • More information on the Storybook Trail at the Tom Collins Walking Trail in the South Street (Bill Phelps) Park • Review of the Grants Committee meeting–information available, firm deadlines, new opportunities re: disaster grants, requiring a designation by a governor • SummerFest–who...
Eleanor “Ellie” Russell
Eleanor "Ellie" Russell, née Norman, age 75, of Garrettsville, OH, passed away on March 22, 2026. Ellie was born on January 26, 1951, in Uniontown, PA, to the late Charles Norman and Norma Buttrick, née Milligan. She was a graduate of South High School in Cleveland and attended Cuyahoga Community College. She worked in customer service at Garrettsville IGA. Ellie had...
Main Street Ravenna to host ‘Fourth Friday’ gatherings
The downtown area of Ravenna will be flourishing with social events in the coming months, as Main Street Ravenna will host a series of ‘Fourth Friday’ gatherings, taking place on the fourth Friday of each month from May through October. “Once a month, we are giving people a reason to come down to downtown Ravenna and have fun down here...
We’re All Invited
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 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 or fees required. Farmington Senior...
Windham softball ready to wipe the slate clean
The Windham Bombers’ softball team has been searching for answers over the last several years to snap a long stretch of losing seasons but will enter the 2026 spring season with a renewed sense of purpose to right the ship. “We have a lot to prove as players and coaches,” said Coach Larry Jones. “As you can see, our record...
Portage County EMA Awards Rootstown Township Certification For New Preparedness Program
Rootstown Township becomes the first local government entity to successfully be certified as part of the Portage Preparedness Initiative created by the Portage County Emergency Management Agency. The free program guides communities, local governments and organizations to adopt policies and procedures, such as emergency planning, operations and hazard mitigation for meeting the challenges of disasters close to home. Township officials collaborated...
Events Planned for Child Prevention Month
The month of April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Portage County Job & Family Services (PCJFS) is aiming to raise awareness. PCJFS operates a 24/7 CARES hotline to receive reports of suspected abuse or neglect. In 2025, 3,190 Child Protective Service referrals were received through the CARES hotline, and 754 reports of alleged physical/sexual abuse or neglect were...
Geauga Home and Garden Show Showcases the Best in Local Expertise
A celebration of home, garden and local craftsmanship returns to Amish Country The Geauga Home and Garden Show returns this spring with its largest footprint yet, bringing together more than 120 vendors across three buildings and two locations in Middlefield. Now in its 19th year, the annual event will take place Friday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and...
Summer Youth Aviation Camp 2026
The members of the Experimental Aviation Association Chapter 5 are proud to announce enrollment for their annual week-long day camp for middle school students (going into grades 7 through 11) who are interested in flying. The EAA Chapter 5 Summer Youth Aviation Camp will take place July 6-10 for new campers at the Geauga County Airport in Hangar 3 from...
Thomas “Tom” Blair
Thomas “Tom” Blair was born the night of January 15th, 1932 in an old farmhouse during a blizzard with a lady doctor who had come on horseback near Westerlo, N.Y. near the Katskill mountains. He grew up during the depression with father Alexander J. Blair and mother Katherine (Kawolski) Blair, both of whom preceded him in death. His half...
Crestwood’s Tye Berquist finishes in sixth place at D-III state meet
According to Crestwood Red Devils’ junior Tye Berquist, he knew that he needed to be much better after winning only one match at the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III Independence district tournament last year. Berquist made good on his resolution, taking sixth place with a 2-3 record at the OHSAA Division III state meet last weekend at...
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Report
Almost green, the March 16, 2026 meeting of Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary did a jig through the following business: # 1. The Storybook Trail is taking shape, with the advent of a first sponsor (more opportunities are open) and a demo frame is here to see; details coming. # 2. Next group project is emerging downtown, with info and photos about the possible...
Giving Back to the Community – One Wrapper at a Time
We’ve all done it. You walk or drive by some litter. “Aww, that’s terrible.’ ‘Somebody should do something about that.’ ‘Litterbugs!’ You think sentiments like this, even say something to your companions. But, do you actually do something about it? If you are like most of us, probably not. (Ethel included, most of the time.). One man, Zachary Amos,...
Geauga SWCD is Hiring a District Technician
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is currently accepting resumes for a Technician until March 31, 2026. Be part of a team that works toward protecting, managing, and improving natural resources by reducing erosion, enhancing water quality, and advising landowners on conservation practices and solutions. The District Technician duties generally will include but are not limited to providing...
Family Crashes Classes to Support Teachers
Earlier this year, two local educators were surprised to learn they received a generous grant that they hadn’t even applied for. That’s the beauty of the Crash-A-Class grants provided by the Jursa family. Instead of relying on teachers to advocate for themselves and their projects, this new grant capitalizes on school administrators wanting to help support -- and surprise...
DMRC Art on The Hill Seeking Vendors
Downtown Mantua Revitalization’s Art on the Hill and Wine Tasting Too is seeking vendors for their Arts and Crafts Street Festival. Scheduled for Saturday July 11, 2026, this one day outdoor street festival offers artisans, wineries, and merchants a chance to participate in an event that was established in 2008. It is well supported by the community and promoted...
TWO-TIME STATE CHAMPION: Streetsboro’s Jarreau Walker repeats as D-II state champion
After capturing the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II state championship last year, the target was firmly on Streetsboro Rockets’ junior Jarreau Walker’s back. The reigning Division II 106-pound champion once again captured a title, this time winning the 113-pound weight class with a 4-0 record last weekend at The Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center. “Once you get that...
Berkshire’s Danny Tiller lands eighth place in D-III state tournament
Berkshire Badgers’ senior Danny Tiller ended the program’s three-year drought of not fielding a state placer at the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III state tournament, when he compiled a 2-3 record to take eighth place last weekend at The Ohio State University’s Jerome Schottenstein Center. “It means a lot to come down here and see what I can...
STATE RUNNER-UP: Aurora’s Drake Brasiel finishes as D-I runner-up
Aurora Greenmen senior Drake Brasiel saved his best for his third consecutive appearance at the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I state tournament, tallying a 3-1 record to place second in the 175-pound weight class last weekend at The Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center in Columbus. “I think it goes back to getting down here last year and getting...
