Markling goes from farm girl to world’s strongest woman

Karen Markling lost her father, Oscar “Curly” Flinner, to a work accident when she was just 2 years old, but his legacy inspired her lifelong dedication to strength and resilience. This determination led her to become one of the world’s strongest women.

Todd Stumpf

Todd Stumpf Todd Stumpf

Published August 7, 2025 - 6:00 p.m. Modified August 7, 2025 - 6:00 p.m.

Karen Markling was 2 years old when she lost her father to a work-related accident. She never really knew him.

Thanks to the efforts of countless others, Markling knew plenty about her Dad, and as a result, spent her life dedicating herself to his memory and keeping his legacy alive. Now 76, Markling continues to do all of that.

Holmes County Chamber unveils renovated welcome center in downtown Millersburg

Community celebrates modernized space featuring expanded visitor access, local craftsmanship, and new amenities that highlight Holmes County’s collaborative spirit.

Waynedale twins Jackson and Jaydon Varner carry on family running legacy

Seniors look to return to state cross country meet, following in footsteps of All-American mom and collegiate runner brother

Holmes-Wayne veterans honored with community-funded trip to D.C. memorials

Two dozen veterans, most from Vietnam era, return to Shreve with a hero’s welcome after three-day Honor Trip

Wayne County Farm Tour set for Oct. 11–12 with 8 stops

Free weekend event highlights local farms, history, animals, woodworking, rescue training and more across the county

THE LATEST

LOCAL

Organic Farming Conference marks 10th year Nov. 6–7 at Mt. Hope Event Center

Two-day event features sessions on cover crops, soil economics, grazing, dairy transitions, succession planning, and sustainable living; registration includes meals and a vendor show.

Pomerene Hospital receives CPR training kit to expand community education

Donation from the American Heart Association equips Pomerene’s mobile health team to deliver lifesaving CPR instruction across Holmes County and surrounding areas.

Lady Pirates volleyball looks to build on historic regional run

With one senior and a deep group of underclassmen, Garaway balances youth, talent and high expectations after last year’s record-setting season

Holmes County Board of DD schedules October community events across the county

Lineup includes Special Needs Day at The Farm Oct. 1, arts sessions Fridays in Millersburg, Social Bowling Oct. 11 and Costumes and Candy Oct. 18

Column: It was a class you simply didn't want to miss

Reflecting on Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Mike Dewey revisits the campus days, tangled romances and timeless lessons that shaped a young writer’s journey.

SPORTS

Week 7 H.S. football scoreboard

Scores from around the area's Oct. 3 games

High school football stat leaders through Week 6: Passing, rushing, receiving and defense

Triway’s Starr tops in passing yards, Norwayne’s Ingold leads in all-purpose yards, Hillsdale’s Sloan dominates on the ground, and West Holmes defenders pack the tackle chart.

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

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

Garaway sports roundup: Volleyball picks up win over Central Christian

Lady Pirates notch back-to-back victories on the court; boys golf team advances to districts with strong sectional finish.

West Holmes sports roundup: Football rolls over Wooster for fifth consecutive win

Parsons leads Knights offense; cross country teams shine at Crestline, boys soccer splits, volleyball earns sweep, and Murphy nets five goals in soccer thriller.

Hiland sports roundup: Girls soccer bounces back from tough loss to roll Waynedale

Lady Hawks net 5-1 win; boys golf advances to districts, boys soccer tallies back-to-back shutouts, and volleyball sweeps Indian Valley.

Smithville's Carr sets area cross country record; Waynedale boys golf advances to state

Carr clocks 17:10 to top the all-time leaderboard; Golden Bears earn first team trip to state, Chippewa girls soccer keeps rolling in WCAL play.

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LIFE AND LEARNING

Jarrett Supply Chain Summit raises $100K for Heartland Education Community

Record-breaking event featured AI insights, NFL legend Cris Carter and a Hunter Hayes benefit concert

Apple Dumpling Festival returns Sept. 26-28 at Whispering Hills in Big Prairie

Family recipe inspires 40-year tradition of fall food, kids activities and community fun

Austin-Bailey Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in grants, scholarships

Funding supports health and wellness projects in Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.

Heartland Technical Education Center board approves donations and staffing changes

Board accepts glove donation for Health Tech, OKs hires, resignations and contract amendments; next meeting Oct. 16 at 6 p.m.

TOPS group hears about dangers of excess salt use

Members learn how high sodium can raise blood pressure and increase risk of serious health issues

St. Agnes St. Vincent de Paul Conference marks 45 years of community service

Group continues mission of providing emergency aid for families in Apple Creek, Dalton, Marshallville and Smithville through parish support and generosity

COLUMNISTS

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Holmes County Senior Center levy crucial to sustaining Meals on Wheels program

November vote will determine future of essential services that provide nutrition, safety checks and social support for area seniors.

Holmes County begins state-mandated property value updates

Triennial revaluation postcards reflect 2022–24 sales trends; tax impacts determined later

OhioSE leaders meet Holmes County officials to accelerate growth

New engagement manager Amber Kohler and project manager Marisa Vetula discussed infrastructure, workforce and JobsOhio incentives with commissioners, as the county eyes support for fast-paced expansion.

Holmes County Park District advances final trail phase, repair projects

Rails-to-Trails updates include new asphalt from Millersburg to Killbuck, phase 5C.2 construction and expanded trails at Legacy Point Park.

Millersburg residents petition council to save downtown trees

Merchants and community members voice support for preserving trees as sidewalk project planning continues.

Holmes County Sheriff outlines $100K jail upgrades, phone system overhaul

Commissioners hear plans for new digital intercom, air-conditioning fixes, and cloud-based communications aimed at modernizing operations and improving reliability.

Holmes County Juvenile Court launches free youth fitness program

GRIT Athletics, hosted at 9:24 CrossFit in Berlin, offers teens structured workouts, mentorship and mental health benefits with free transportation and referrals.

Sugarcreek Council reviews fire truck repairs, traffic concerns

Ladder truck out for a month; four-way stop proposal and community events also discussed.

OBITUARIES

Linda Weigand

Linda Sue Weigand, age 71, of Big Prairie, Ohio passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at her home with her husband at her side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Karren Leppla

Karren L. Leppla, 77, of Millersburg, Ohio passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Aultman Hospital surrounded by her family following a brief illness.

Carole Gilbert

Carole Lynn Gilbert, 81, of Big Prairie, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday September 25, 2025, at Aultman Hospital, following a short illness.

Lois Clark

Lois M. Clark, age 91, of Berlin, Ohio passed away Friday, September 26, 2025, at Walnut Hills Retirement Home, following a brief illness.

Norman Shank

Norman Shank, 82, of Walnut Creek, died peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Walnut Hills Retirement Community after a courageous, sustained struggle with diabetes and lymphoma.

Charles "Terry" Herman

Charles Terry Herman, 81, of Wooster, passed away on September 18, 2025.

Markling goes from farm girl to world’s strongest woman

Holmes County Chamber unveils renovated welcome center in downtown Millersburg

Waynedale twins Jackson and Jaydon Varner carry on family running legacy

Holmes-Wayne veterans honored with community-funded trip to D.C. memorials

Wayne County Farm Tour set for Oct. 11–12 with 8 stops

THE LATEST

Holmes County Chamber unveils renovated welcome center in downtown Millersburg

Pomerene Hospital receives CPR training kit to expand community education

Organic Farming Conference marks 10th year Nov. 6–7 at Mt. Hope Event Center

Scammers target online used-car buyers with fake listings and delivery schemes

Waynedale twins Jackson and Jaydon Varner carry on family running legacy

Austin-Bailey Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in grants, scholarships

Week 7 H.S. football scoreboard

Holmes-Wayne veterans honored with community-funded trip to D.C. memorials

Wayne County Farm Tour set for Oct. 11–12 with 8 stops

High school football stat leaders through Week 6: Passing, rushing, receiving and defense

LOCAL

Organic Farming Conference marks 10th year Nov. 6–7 at Mt. Hope Event Center

Pomerene Hospital receives CPR training kit to expand community education

Lady Pirates volleyball looks to build on historic regional run

Holmes County Board of DD schedules October community events across the county

Column: It was a class you simply didn't want to miss

SPORTS

Week 7 H.S. football scoreboard

High school football stat leaders through Week 6: Passing, rushing, receiving and defense

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

Garaway sports roundup: Volleyball picks up win over Central Christian

West Holmes sports roundup: Football rolls over Wooster for fifth consecutive win

Hiland sports roundup: Girls soccer bounces back from tough loss to roll Waynedale

Smithville's Carr sets area cross country record; Waynedale boys golf advances to state

LIFE AND LEARNING

Jarrett Supply Chain Summit raises $100K for Heartland Education Community

Apple Dumpling Festival returns Sept. 26-28 at Whispering Hills in Big Prairie

Austin-Bailey Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in grants, scholarships

Heartland Technical Education Center board approves donations and staffing changes

TOPS group hears about dangers of excess salt use

St. Agnes St. Vincent de Paul Conference marks 45 years of community service

COLUMNISTS

Column: What seniors need to know about this fall’s vaccines

Column: Flying squirrel bias greeted with aerial assault

Column: It was a class you simply didn't want to miss

Column: From Crisis to Kitchen

Column: Financial resources for special needs individuals

Column: Retirees trade houses for freedom — and sometimes motorhomes

Alfalfa after a drought: What now?

Column: Cow-colored devil with an angel’s face dupes his sitters

Through your seasoned journey

Column: We must see the human being in everybody

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Holmes County Senior Center levy crucial to sustaining Meals on Wheels program

Holmes County begins state-mandated property value updates

OhioSE leaders meet Holmes County officials to accelerate growth

Holmes County Park District advances final trail phase, repair projects

Millersburg residents petition council to save downtown trees

Holmes County Sheriff outlines $100K jail upgrades, phone system overhaul

Holmes County Juvenile Court launches free youth fitness program

Sugarcreek Council reviews fire truck repairs, traffic concerns

OBITUARIES

Linda Weigand

Karren Leppla

Carole Gilbert

Lois Clark

Norman Shank

Charles "Terry" Herman

BUSINESS

Scammers target online used-car buyers with fake listings and delivery schemes

Clever Quill Bookstore to Open in Carrollton Oct. 4

Warner Home Comfort builds on Carrollton roots with full-service plumbing and HVAC

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

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