Jim Irwin nearing 50th anniversary as Garrettsville-Hiram Rotarian
As the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary is fast approaching, another significant milestone is on the horizon. G-H Rotarian Jim Irwin will soon reach his 50th year of service with the club. “I don’t think about it too much,” Irwin told The Weekly Villager. “Last year, they brought it up to me and I forgot about it. I guess it...
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...
Portage Park District Opens New Segment of the Headwaters Trail
The Portage Park District is pleased to announce the opening of the 1.4-mile Headwaters Trail Phase VIII on Friday, July 24. The public is welcome to explore the new trail segment and speak with park volunteers and staff at an open house from 3:00pm-7:00pm on Friday, July 24 at the Chamberlain Road trailhead. Phase VIII of Headwaters Trail in Mantua...
The Untold Stories of Maple Street’s Baptist Cemetery
Join Megan Starr and the James. A. Garfield Historical Society on Saturday, August 8 from 10:30 – 12:30 pm for this fascinating tour to uncover untold stories and history of Garrettsville’s oldest resting place, Maple Street’s Baptist Cemetery. Please register for this adult program by calling 330-527-5082, Strollers and pets on a leash welcome, although climbing steps to the cemetery...
LoveLight-Spirit of Motherhood Portage Announces Two Sister Circles
LoveLight, Inc., in collaboration with the Spirit of Motherhood, is pleased to announce the starting of two new twelve-week Sister Circles in Portage County. The Windham Sister Circle will begin on Monday, July 20th from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Family Center located at 9005 WilVerne Drive Windham 44288. The Kent Sister Circle will begin on Thursday, July 23rd...
8th Count Dance Steps Into 18th Year & New Location
The 8th Count (T8C) Dance Center is poised to begin their 18th year in a new location, and they can’t wait to show it off to area dance families. Their move from their long-time location in the plaza near Garrettsville Cinema this summer to their new home inside the YMCA, provides bright, new spaces to better serve their students...
Octane Nights Car Show returns for 12th year in Ravenna
Ravenna’s local Mongoose Motorsports, will host its annual Octane Nights Car Show in downtown Ravenna on East Main Street on Aug. 5 beginning at 3 p.m. “The event has become very popular online,” Mongoose Motorsports owner Tricia Krause told The Weekly Villager in an email. “We have participants come from all over the United States and Canada. We even had...
I’m Just A Little Guy
Have you heard about the data center controversy? Probably, it’s been one of the hottest topics in recent local history. Weekly Villager, The Portager, Record Courier, and even USA Today reporters have been seen all over the county covering the trustee and town council meetings. A statewide group, Conserve Ohio, has been created, and members are circulating a petition...
Justin Thomas seeks to build dynasty as Garfield G-Men’s cross country coach
After two years of holding a supporting coaching role in high school cross country around the Northeast Ohio area, Justin Thomas is taking the reins at Garfield by becoming the school’s new cross country coach this fall. “I have had some opportunities working with the varsity and junior varsity athletes but to have my own team and program is exciting,”...
Cops & Kids Fishing August 15th
On Saturday, August 15th, kids of all ages are welcome to join officers from the Hiram Police Department for a fun day of fishing, food and community at Camp Asbury. That day, from 9 am until 1 pm, bring a friend and your favorite fishing rod -- no fishing license needed – and get ready to have some fun! This is...
Garfield G-Men football to host golf scramble fundraiser
The Garfield G-Men football team will once again hold a summer fundraising event before the start of the 2026-27 season by hosting a four-person golf scramble at the Sugar Bush Golf Club in Garrettsville on July 31 at 8 a.m. “It is a big event every year, we have tons of the same people who come out with lots of...
Job and Family Services Announces New Portage 50 Plus Community Newsletter
Portage County Job and Family Services is announcing publication of the Senior Scoop, a 50 Plus Community Committee newsletter. The Senior Scoop is a quarterly newsletter published by Portage County Job and Family Services on behalf of all members of the Portage 50 Plus Committee, whose members consist of, but are not limited to: Portage County Job and Family Services,...
The Voice of Ravenna returns for season two on July 25
The popular local singing competition The Voice of Ravenna has returned for a second season and will host its final round and live voting at the West Main Street Winery & Brewery 234 West Main Street in downtown Ravenna on July 25 beginning at 11 a.m. “Even though we did it last year, this year is going to be a...
Longtime Streetsboro Coach Jon Hannan slated to become Holy Name A.D.
For the first time since the 2013-2014 school year, Streetsboro Rockets’ cross country, middle school track and girls’ flag football Coach Jon Hannan will not be coaching a Rockets’ varsity squad, announcing on X on July 6 he has been hired as the new Athletic Director at Holy Name High School. “I view it as a place where I can...
G-H Rotary Report
Birthday party prep was the business of the day for the July 13, 2026 meeting of the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary. The festivities will be held on July 26 at the South Street (Bill Phelps) Park, featuring picnic fare, Bill Starcher and his “Climbable Creations”, the Cowboy Creamery truck and games. The public is invited from two to four. Also on...
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...
Garrettsville council weighsdata center pause, approves budget measure
Present were council members Tom Hardesty, Frederic Ahrens, Sheri Johnson, John Brachna, Richard Beatty and Jeff Kaiser. Officials present were Mayor Rick Patrick, Fiscal Officer Donna Love and Solicitor Bill Mason. Council opened a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Ordinance 2026-18, which would approve and adopt a permanent budget for 2027 for the village of Garrettsville after publication and...
Hiram alum Russ Swartz returns as Mogadore boys’ basketball coach
Hiram College alum Russ Swartz’ retirement as a head high school basketball coach was short-lived, as he is returning to his alma matter to resume his role as the Mogadore Wildcats boys’ basketball coach, as announced by the Mogadore Board of Education on June 24. “I can honestly tell you I never thought this would happen,” the 1986 Hiram graduate...
Freedom Twp. Historical Society News
How many of you remember nickel night at Geauga Lake Park? A couple of us old-timers do! All the rides were a nickel each except for the roller coaster & the Dutch shoes which were a dime each. And you didn't have to buy a ticket at the gate either to get in. For a nostalgic look back at...
G-H Rotary Report
No fireworks, just ongoing work to be done at the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary meeting on July 6, 2026…including *Settling details for the 100th birthday celebration on July 26 at the South Street (Bill Phelps) Park. There will be kids’ activities, picnic foods, a visit by the Cowboy Creamery truck and Bill Starcher with his Climbable Creatures. All this from 2:00 to...
CCC Summer of Fun Continues
The Crestwood Community Center (CCC) will once again begin meeting the Marty Hura Lodge in Buchert Park on Wednesday, July 1st. That day, CCC members and other interested parties are encouraged to bring a dish to share and enjoy a potluck picnic at noon. And don’t forget that the Portage County District Library Bookmobile visits the park each Wednesday...
Garfield assistant football Coach Michael Finney to resurrect Newton Falls’ wrestling program
Garfield G-Men offensive line/special teams coordinator Michael Finney wanted to return to coaching high school wrestling after taking a year off from the sport and found his opportunity would come close to home, be becoming the new Newton Falls’ wrestling coach. “I am very excited,” said Finney, “That’s what I have been doing as a middle school coach for the...
Windham Township Board of Trustees approves use of NOPEC funds for new blinds
At the Windham Township Board of Trustees meeting last Thursday evening at Windham Township Hall, the Board approved the use of a grant from the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council to purchase new blinds for the windows in the main hall and the back office for $4,260. “This gentleman came, and we met with him on Saturday, and he sent...
Guido’s, longtime Ravenna restaurant, plans for 60th anniversary celebration
The popular Guido’s Pizza & Catering Restaurant will celebrate a significant milestone by hosting a block party to commemorate its 60th anniversary on July 19 at 214 West Main Street in Ravenna beginning at 12 p.m. “I am proud to be a part of it and it is humbling too,” Manager Scott Hutchinson told The Weekly Villager on July 2....
Portage County Amateur Radio Service Trunkfest
The Portage County Amateur Radio Service will hold its first annual Trunkfest on July 11th from 9:00AM to 1:00PM at their club site located at 705 Oakwood St. in Ravenna. The event allows amateur radio operators to buy, sell, or trade amateur radio equipment. Tours of the clubsite are available and any individual interested in amateur radio is encouraged to...
SAFE to Host Open House Events at Streetsboro and Akron/Fairlawn Offices
Simply Amazing Family Environment, also known as SAFE, is inviting the community to attend upcoming open house events at both its Streetsboro and Akron/Fairlawn offices. SAFE provides compassionate mental health support for children, teens, adults, couples, and families through both in-person and telehealth appointments. With locations in Streetsboro and Akron/Fairlawn, SAFE is working to make quality mental health care more...
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...
Crestwood School Board News
At a recent School Board meeting, Crestwood Superintendent Mrs. Aireane Curtis recognized the four retirees who provided an astounding total of 130 years of service to Crestwood schools. To that end, Pupil Services Director Sherry Peters acknowledged Barbara Mellinger and Kristina Braden. She spoke highly of both retirees, expressing sincere appreciation for their years of dedicated service and the positive...
Ravenna Parks & Recreation Department launches City’s first disc golf course
The City of Ravenna’s Parks & Recreation Department is introducing a new recreational sport for residents to participate in, holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch the City’s first outdoor disc golf course at Chestnut Hills Park at 130 North Chestnut Street last Wednesday afternoon. “It is always great to bring new opportunities for Ravenna and all the surrounding communities,” Ravenna...
Portage County Veterans Services to host summer picnic July 18
The Portage County Veterans Services will be honoring all local veterans of the armed forces by hosting its first annual picnic on July 18 at Ravenna City Park at 165 Oakwood Street at 11 a.m. “One of the big things we wanted to do was outreach to recognize our veterans, find our veterans and assist them in getting whatever benefits...
