Drake, Elliott crowned Minerva High School homecoming royalty

Ariana Drake and Julian Elliott honored as 2025 queen and king before Sept. 26 football game

Ariana Drake and Julian Elliott were crowned Minerva High School’s 2025 homecoming queen and king at ceremonies held Sept. 26 prior to the Minerva–West Branch football game. Ariana is the daughter of Richard and Lisa Bernardi of Minerva, and Elliott’s parents are Joshua and Jessica Elliott of East Canton.

Dunlap Photography

Published October 2, 2025 - 5:10 a.m.

Bowman’s Tree Service marks two decades of growth and innovation in Minerva

Family-run business expands equipment, recycling services and expertise while keeping customer safety first

Vice President J.D. Vance’s mother shares addiction recovery journey in Carrollton

Beverly Vance Aikins speaks at Republican Women’s Quarter Auction, honored with symbolic Pottsy Flower for perseverance

Week 7 H.S. football preview: Matchups and players to watch

Capsules of games featuring area teams preparing for season's homestretch

Miller’s Rolling Acres grows from metal roofing to full-service building supply

Family-owned Mechanicstown business expands offerings while carrying forward tradition and customer trust

THE LATEST

LOCAL

Carroll Meadows pro Wackerly captures Toledo Open title

Veteran golfer rallies past late challenge to secure 95th Habitec win, eyes Champions Tour qualifiers

Drake, Elliott crowned Minerva High School homecoming royalty

Ariana Drake and Julian Elliott honored as 2025 queen and king before Sept. 26 football game

Atwood Area Fall Festival returns Oct. 3–5 with crafts, food and live entertainment

43rd annual event at Atwood Lake to feature vendors, Pow Wow, antique engines and family activities

Tropical Paradise Pet Shop marks 50 years of business in Minerva

Owner Sheree Butler celebrates a lifetime dream come true, thanking customers and community for decades of support

Carroll County Fair board planning new rides, rule changes for 2026 event

Agricultural Society weighs show additions, harness racing concerns and facility updates for July 21–26 fair

Find us on Facebook

The Free Press Standard

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Milkweed Pod Collection in Ohio Runs Through Nov. 10 to Aid Monarch Butterflies

Seeds from collected pods will be used to create new habitats as part of the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative.

Carrollton council weighs dedicated ambulance service, safety rules for mobility devices

Northstar outlines EMS costs and staffing needs as officials also discuss flashing lights for power wheelchairs on roads

Carroll County Municipal Court cases for week of Sept. 28

Judge Gary L. Willen

Ohio State’s Buckeye Tick Test Screens Ticks for Diseases in Humans and Pets

The program helps identify tick-borne illnesses; officials urge prompt removal, monitoring and medical care if symptoms arise.

Ulan Visits Bowerston to Review Water Plant Relocation Project

Village leaders and engineers outlined flood risks and funding options as plans move forward for a new facility.

Carroll County Common Pleas Court cases for week of Sept. 28

Judge Michael V. Repella II

Early Voting in Carroll County Begins Oct. 4 for General Election

Voters can cast ballots at the courthouse, request absentee ballots or use curbside voting ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

Energy Company Tenaska Donates $5,000 for Carroll County EMA Office Upgrades

The grant, originally intended for a truck purchase, will fund furniture and equipment for the EMA’s new annex building.

Aultman College to hold preview day

Preview Day is an open house-style event for interested students

LIFE AND LEARNING

Nights on North Market to Bring Music, Art, Food and Shopping to Downtown Minerva Oct. 10

The community event will feature live bands, local vendors, extended shop hours and DORA beverages in the village center.

Roxy Theatre Players bring classic comedy Harvey to Minerva Oct. 3–5

Beloved play about a man and his 6½-foot imaginary rabbit to feature local cast at weekend performances

Conotton Valley SOAR Mentoring Academy Launches Third Year with Focus on Leadership and Success

Students and mentors will study The Traveler’s Gift as part of a program designed to build skills and lasting connections.

Fairless school board honors 4-H students, reviews report card and district business

Students shared Stark County Fair projects as board approved contracts, appropriations and a Virginia Beach trip request

Surveyor David Bodo highlights LiDAR technology at Carrollton Rotary meeting

Presentation explored 3D mapping applications from local surveying to archaeological research on prehistoric sites

The Perrys to perform at Carrollton Bible Chapel Oct. 4

Southern gospel group’s concert will feature music, door prizes and food drive to support Loaves and Dishes pantry

COLUMNISTS

OBITUARIES

Bradley J. Walker

Bradley J. Walker, 64, of Bowerston, died Thursday morning, Sept. 25, 2025, in Aultman Hospital at Canton.

Leroy J. Kibler

Leroy J. Kibler, 96, of Minerva, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in St. Luke Lutheran Community in Minerva.

Jack M. Halter

Jack M. Halter, 92, of Carrollton (Perrysville), passed away Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in CC Mercy Hospital in Canton.

Susan Reszler

Susan L. (Quail) Reszler, age 79, of Uniontown, Pa, died on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in her home.

Paul R. Hawkins

Paul R. Hawkins, 57, of Minerva, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2025.

Robert L. Appel

Robert Lawrence Appel, 88, of Falls Church, Va., passed away Sept. 15, 2025, after an extended illness.

Drake, Elliott crowned Minerva High School homecoming royalty

Ariana Drake and Julian Elliott honored as 2025 queen and king before Sept. 26 football game

Bowman’s Tree Service marks two decades of growth and innovation in Minerva

Vice President J.D. Vance’s mother shares addiction recovery journey in Carrollton

Week 7 H.S. football preview: Matchups and players to watch

Miller’s Rolling Acres grows from metal roofing to full-service building supply

THE LATEST

Drake, Elliott crowned Minerva High School homecoming royalty

Nights on North Market to Bring Music, Art, Food and Shopping to Downtown Minerva Oct. 10

Bowman’s Tree Service marks two decades of growth and innovation in Minerva

Vice President J.D. Vance’s mother shares addiction recovery journey in Carrollton

Carroll County Fair board planning new rides, rule changes for 2026 event

Conotton Valley SOAR Mentoring Academy Launches Third Year with Focus on Leadership and Success

Carroll County Municipal Court cases for week of Sept. 28

Carroll County Common Pleas Court cases for week of Sept. 28

Carroll Meadows pro Wackerly captures Toledo Open title

Week 7 H.S. football preview: Matchups and players to watch

LOCAL

Carroll Meadows pro Wackerly captures Toledo Open title

Drake, Elliott crowned Minerva High School homecoming royalty

Atwood Area Fall Festival returns Oct. 3–5 with crafts, food and live entertainment

Tropical Paradise Pet Shop marks 50 years of business in Minerva

Carroll County Fair board planning new rides, rule changes for 2026 event

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Milkweed Pod Collection in Ohio Runs Through Nov. 10 to Aid Monarch Butterflies

Carrollton council weighs dedicated ambulance service, safety rules for mobility devices

Carroll County Municipal Court cases for week of Sept. 28

Ohio State’s Buckeye Tick Test Screens Ticks for Diseases in Humans and Pets

Ulan Visits Bowerston to Review Water Plant Relocation Project

Carroll County Common Pleas Court cases for week of Sept. 28

Early Voting in Carroll County Begins Oct. 4 for General Election

Energy Company Tenaska Donates $5,000 for Carroll County EMA Office Upgrades

Aultman College to hold preview day

LIFE AND LEARNING

Nights on North Market to Bring Music, Art, Food and Shopping to Downtown Minerva Oct. 10

Roxy Theatre Players bring classic comedy Harvey to Minerva Oct. 3–5

Conotton Valley SOAR Mentoring Academy Launches Third Year with Focus on Leadership and Success

Fairless school board honors 4-H students, reviews report card and district business

Surveyor David Bodo highlights LiDAR technology at Carrollton Rotary meeting

The Perrys to perform at Carrollton Bible Chapel Oct. 4

COLUMNISTS

Column: Tips for renovating a home on a budget

Column: Hidden costs of home ownership can add up quickly

Column: Carpeting questions answered for homeowners

Column: Smart improvements for today’s real estate market

Column: Jesus transforms lives

Column: Carrollton Lady Warriors defeated SV Cardinals in volleyball match 10 years ago

Column: Five warning signs you need to call a plumber

Column: Christ offers forgiveness, reconciliation and hope

Jesus: Light of the world

Bridge replica used for Dancing on the Bridge in Malvern 20 years ago

OBITUARIES

Bradley J. Walker

Leroy J. Kibler

Jack M. Halter

Susan Reszler

Paul R. Hawkins

Robert L. Appel

BUSINESS

How to Winterize a Car: Steps to Prepare for Cold Weather Driving

Mileage-based maintenance tips help keep vehicles safe and reliable

Column: Carpeting questions answered for homeowners