Dr. Amanda Burke wins Award Of Excellence From Problem Gambling Network Of Ohio
Townhall II Problem Gambling Prevention Specialist Dr. Amanda Burke was honored posthumously at the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio’s (PGNO) annual conference with the Award of Excellence. The PGNO Award of Excellence is awarded to those who make significant contributions to the problem gambling service system, encourage collaboration within the field and display continuous advocacy for the field. “In Amanda's...
Garfield G-Men baseball keeps cruising by blanking Campbell Memorial
When trying to repeat success after a dominant season, there is no better way to start than by dominating a conference rival. The Garfield G-Men baseball team’s fast start continued with a 10-0 shutout victory against Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Tier foe Campbell Memorial in their home opener last Thursday evening at Garrettsville. “The kids are just coming out...
Crestwood softball doomed by defensive miscues in loss to Minerva
Right now, the Crestwood Red Devils’ softball team has spent more time on the diamond during a game than in actual practice time. The Red Devils’ lack of outdoor playing time continued to show when they were defeated by Minerva 14-4 last Thursday at Minerva High School. “Our biggest issue overall is the lack of outside time,” said Coach Matt...
Garfield G-Men boys track takes fourth, girls come in fifth at William Fisher Invite
For the first time in a long time, the Garfield G-Men track team is not lacking depth when it comes to the track season. Garfield’s season began when the boys finished fourth place with 68 points and the girls took fifth by scoring 63 points at the fourth annual William E. Fisher Invitational last Saturday in Middlefield. “I was very...
Beard Off & Write On: Participate in Garrettsville’s Timecapsule Celebration
Time to throw away those razors! The beard contest is on the way! In 1964, the men of Garrettsville, in celebration of the village’s centennial celebration as an incorporated village, decided to have a beard contest. Most of the business owners at the time participated. This year, 60 years later, as we prepare to open the 100-year-old time capsule, the...
Rockets softball lacks punch in loss against Black Tigers
Through the first four games of the season, the Streetsboro Rockets’ softball team has been hit or miss. It was a big miss for the Rockets when they lost 12-3 to Cuyahoga Falls last Friday evening at Veteran Field. “I told the girls that they did not show up in warm-ups,” said Coach LeRoy Moore. “We struggled in warm-ups and...
Junior High Students Rock History Day
Windham Junior High buzzed with historical excitement at their annual History Day competition! Ten projects captivated the judges, earning them a spot in the next round at Youngstown State University. But the accolades don’t stop there! Local history whizzes, Talon Kellar and Aniyah Madgett, rocketed all the way to the state competition with their project on the Atomic Bomb. Congratulations...
School District Urges Community Support for School Funding
Community Support is crucial to sustain the momentum towards educational excellence. As highlighted in COMO Magazine’s article “Great Schools Mean Great Communities”, dated July 7, 2023, the significance of quality education in fostering thriving communities cannot be overstated. According to the magazine, communities with exemplary public schools see increased desirability and livability, resulting in increased demand and property values within...
Jakacki reaches 300th coaching victory milestone
According to Crestwood Red Devils boys’ basketball Coach Josh Jakacki, he has had a basketball in his hands every day since he was in fifth grade. After setting several milestones while playing at Crestwood, Jakacki has continued his success as a coach by reaching his 300th career coaching victory this past season. “It means a lot to be able to...
WHS Celebrates Bomber excellence at 2024 National Honor Society Induction
Windham Junior and High School celebrated academic excellence on March 22nd with their annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony. Congratulations to both the returning members and the newly inducted students! The ceremony acknowledged the leadership of NHS advisor Mrs. Smith and featured a guest speaker, Mr. Jordan. The inductees, listed by row from bottom to top, are: Row 1: Mariah Woods, Abby...
Celebrate Portage! seeks nominations for 2024 awards
Portage County residents are encouraged to nominate outstanding individuals, projects, and organizations for the 2024 Celebrate Portage! Awards. The awards recognize those who made significant contributions to the county in 2023. Categories include: Community Hero: This award honors individuals who selflessly serve their communities. Community Service: This award recognizes programs or initiatives that bring people together for a common cause. Community Improvement: This...
We’re All Invited
JAG Kindergarten Registration Register today! It’s time to register for a Screening appointment if your child will be 5 years of age by August 1, 2024. To complete online documents, visit our website, www.jagschools.org, click on Menu, scroll down to the FinalForms link. Please call Kristine @ the Elementary office, 330-527-2184, for a screening appointment on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Book Review...
PCRPC conducts Open House for Ravenna City Plan Updates
The Portage County Regional Planning Commission’s designs on building a better City of Ravenna remain fluid. The PCRPC hosted an Open House to receive feedback from residents to update their living document last Wednesday evening at Ravenna High School. “The word comprehensive means all-inclusive but it is a legal document,” PCRPC Director Todd Peetz told the audience. “If something is...
Rocket Radio Cybercast continues to grow
If Streetsboro High School communications teacher and Station 88.9 WTSB-FM General Manager Bob Long has learned anything while working in the radio business for over 40 years, it is that if someone does not move forward then they fall behind. Under Long’s direction and leadership, the student-owned 88.9 WSTB-FM station has stayed current by adding Rocket Radio Cybercast, a...
Ravens boys tennis returns with eager attitude
Having an inexperienced and small roster is nothing that Ravenna Ravens boys’ tennis Coach Brittany Kohnaski is not used too by now. According to her, what the Ravens lack in experience they make up for with a positive attitude for this season. “I think it should be good because I think they seem willing to learn and how to play...
Sweet Support: Pancakes for Cairo’s Courageous Fight
“As a community, we believe in coming together to support each other in times of need,” Sherry Timm, JAG Academy teacher at James A. Garfield High School noted. “What better way to show support than by joining in a delicious pancake breakfast?” To that end, several classes and student groups at JAG High School will host a special event to...
Local Family Business Opens Next Door General Store
Locals may remember Terri Vechery as the lucky winner of the Queen of Hearts drawing at SkyLanes in Garrettsville back in 2016. With her single ticket, she won the jackpot of over $3 million. Often, winnings of this size tend to negatively impact the prize winner, but Vechery has managed to maintain her equilibrium. She remained in her hometown,...
Goddard School breaks ground on new location in Aurora
The Goddard School for Early Childhood Development, a national childhood education franchise, continues to expand its presence in Northeast Ohio. The franchise hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest location at 54 North Chillicothe Road last Wednesday afternoon in Aurora. “I am ecstatic. I am over the moon,” co-owner Kim DiMuzio told The Weekly Villager. “I live two miles away...
Melodies in the Magic Kingdom: Garfield Band’s Disney Adventure
The James A. Garfield Marching Pride commenced their spring break early this year, embarking on a 22-hour journey to Orlando, Florida, to showcase their talents at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. They arrived on Friday, March 22. During their stay, the band visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where rain in the early morning led to reduced attendance. This allowed band members...
Terriers lacrosse overwhelmed by Yeomen in conference opener
According to Hiram Terriers men’s lacrosse Coach Jason Griffith, his squad wanted to make an impression in its first North Coast Athletic Conference game of the season. But things did not go as planned as Hiram was dominated by conference foe Oberlin 19-2 at Hiram College’s Charles A. Henry Field at Malsimur Stadium last Wednesday evening. “They were able to...
Aurora softball returns with more experience amid high expectations
Reaching the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II district final last year was one of the Aurora Greenmen softball team’s goals. They achieved that feat, but their postseason run ended there and Aurora returns this year wanting more. “The expectations are there because we bring everybody back except for one player,” said Coach Sam Petrash. “That made last year...
Major improvements underway in Mantua
Last week, Village officials and Portage County community leaders celebrated a win on Main Street in Mantua. Thanks to months of hard work on the part of local organizations and individuals, a project is now underway to repair the 100-year-old crumbling steps in front of the stores on the West side of Main Street. A project is now underway...
Aurora High School adopts lacrosse as newest athletic program
Aurora Greenmen athletes have never shied away from the challenges of learning a new sport. Aurora’s list of athletic programs continues to grow by having a lacrosse season for the first time in school history. “It’s a day I did not think would ever come but I am so thrilled that this is happening,” Aurora High School speech pathologist Megan...
Lady G-Men softball returns with wealth of experience
Recording winning seasons has never been a problem for the Garfield G-Men softball team but making deep runs has. The G-Men will try and change their fortune this season by bringing back a vast amount of experience with seven returning lettermen. “I am really looking for that cohesion and consistency,” said Coach Tina Faulhaber. “Our pitchers are back so I...
Letters to Tomorrow: Preserving Garrettsville’s Legacy
All of us rush through our daily lives with little thought of how we’ll be remembered decades in the future. However, when asked, most of us will say our families and the people in our families are the most cherished parts of our lives. This is a special year for the James A. Garfield Historical Society and the Village...
Logan Griffin presents salamander research at Vernal Poolooza
Logan Griffin of Ravenna, a student worker at the Hiram College James H. Barrow Biological Field Station, was recently the youngest presenter at the three day Vernal Poolooza conference hosted in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Griffin presented his ongoing research of unisexual salamanders, also known as unisexual Ambystoma. The main objective for this research was developing a more efficient and cost-effective...
Moore jumps over from Crestwood to ignite Rockets softball
Through two coaching tenures, Coach LeRoy Moore has bled red and white for the Crestwood Red Devils girls’ softball team. After spending 11 years at the helm with his alma matter, Moore is starting a new chapter by becoming the head coach of the Streetsboro Rockets’ softball team. “It is kind of refreshing going into a new program with the...
Visit Hiram For The Solar Eclipse
Is your high school closed on April 8 to enjoy the eclipse festivities? Take advantage of your free time and join us at Hiram for a personalized tour of campus and a visit with an admission counselor before ending your afternoon at our total eclipse viewing party! Registration Information: High school students can register at engagecms-100952.campusnexus.cloud Community members, alumni, faculty, staff, and...
Ravenna School District Transportation Department suffers from staff shortages
The last few years have seen the Ravenna School District’s Transportation Department experience staffing issues to their bus driver work force. Just this last year, Ravenna’s staff of bus drivers was significantly trimmed, losing about a third of its employees. “We have lost several drivers and aides for various reasons,” Ravenna School District’s Director of Business Operations Stephen York told...
Friends of the Hiram College Library announce annual book sale March 21 – 25
The 2024 Friends of the Hiram College Library Book Sale will be held Thursday, March 21 through Monday, March 25 in the Pritchard Room of the Library, 11694 Hayden Street in Hiram, Ohio. Book sale hours are: Thursday, March 21: 9 am – 7 pm; Friday, March 22: 9 am – 5 pm; Saturday, March 23: 12 – 4...
