The paradox of Christmas should be our inspiration

Michelle Wood: SWCD Michelle Wood: SWCD

Published December 22, 2016 - 6:00 p.m. Modified December 22, 2016 - 6:00 p.m.

Annonse

The paradox of Christmas should be our inspiration

Annonse

Fiery Godmother Dress Sale returns Jan. 10 in Wooster

OHuddle’s annual resale offers affordable prom and special-occasion dresses while supporting local student mentorship programs

Fruit sales and ugly sweaters highlight West Holmes FFA activities

Chapter members raised nearly $62,000 through their annual fruit sale and capped December with holiday events and meetings

Garaway’s Rowe honored for commitment to sportsmanship, ethics and integrity

Boys basketball coach Terry Rowe receives Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association SEI Award for leadership on and off the court

Holmes OSU Extension team looks ahead to 2026

County educators highlight growth in agriculture, youth programs and community partnerships while planning for the year ahead

Find us on Facebook

Holmes County Bargain Hunter

THE LATEST

Local

Some Christmas traditions bring levity to the holidays

From hidden pickles and mischievous elves to ugly sweaters and fruitcake tosses, quirky customs add laughter and fun to modern Christmas celebrations.

Millersburg council updates pickleball courts, traffic lights

Village officials discussed park lighting, smart signal installations, website updates and housing study progress during the Dec. 22 meeting

Family Christmas through the centuries

From alpine chalets to frontier cabins and Ohio farmhouses, a look at how simple traditions, faith and family shaped Christmas celebrations across 300 years.

Share-A-Christmas delivery day spreads joy across Holmes County

Volunteers provide gifts and food to hundreds of families and seniors during Dec. 13 distribution at Baker Building

Winter Reading Program begins at Holmes County library

Holmes County District Public Library offers January activities for children, teens and adults across its branches

Sports

Christmas thoughts and a sports wish list

A holiday column offers offseason wishes for Cleveland teams, Ohio State and local athletes heading into 2026

West Holmes girls basketball comes up just short against Loudonville

Knights fall 53-52 in nonleague action but earn OCC win over Dover earlier in the week

Hiland girls fall to Chippewa in nonleague play

Hawks drop a 52-41 decision Dec. 20 but rebound with a lopsided IVC win over Sandy Valley

West Holmes wrestling shines at Liberty Classic

Knights earn eighth-place team finish and six placers at 24-team tournament, best showing in program history at the event

OHSAA announces new formats for basketball state tournaments

All girls and boys state tournament games will be played in the Dayton area in March, with UD Arena serving as the primary host

Monigold continues Hiland baseball pipeline to Malone

Hiland senior Grady Monigold signs with Malone University as Hawks chase historic fourth straight state title

West Holmes’ Dixon reaches Ironman blood round

Senior wrestler finishes top 12 at prestigious Walsh Jesuit tournament against elite national competition

Life and Learning

Mohican Christkindlmarkt to bring European Christmas magic to downtown Loudonville

First-ever outdoor holiday market Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13 to feature vendor cabins, lights, food trucks and Krampusnacht festivities

Save & Serve Benefit Day raises $7,012 for Holmes Center for the Arts

Thrift shop’s donation will support student scholarships and expand access to arts education programs in Holmes County.

East Holmes board approves Beechy as head varsity girls soccer coach

Board also approves calendar items, personnel actions and coaching assignments during its Dec. 19 meeting

YMCA to open child care and preschool center in Millersburg

New facility at NewPointe Church campus will serve children from infancy through age 6 starting in March 2026

TOPS Nashville members learn about daily protein needs and healthy eating goals

The Nov. 12 meeting included weight-loss tips, KOPS recognition and a program explaining how adults and seniors can calculate their recommended protein intake.

Oak Grove Mennonite Church to present 94th performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ Dec. 14

Professional soloists, orchestra and an 80-member choir will lead the community in the beloved Christmas tradition

Columns and Opinion

Public Affairs

W.E. Quicksall commitment remains amid new partnership

Engineering firm joins Spicer Group while continuing longtime service and projects in Holmes County

Garaway Board of Education honors Beachy and Shrock as terms conclude

Outgoing members recognized during Dec. 15 meeting as board adopts future school calendars

Pennell reappointed to Holmes County Veterans Service Commission

Jason Pennell was sworn in Dec. 12 and will begin a second term serving local veterans starting Jan. 16, 2026

Goodwill highlights real stories behind every donation

Local organization shows how community support fuels youth programs and life-changing opportunities

West Holmes Board of Education approves Weaver as head golf coach

Board also adopts 2026-27 calendar, accepts donations and approves property and personnel actions

Water rates to rise in Sugarcreek starting Jan. 1

Village council also discusses fire station renovation delays, zoning changes and demolition grant plans

Cleo Redd Fisher Museum curator Libben elected chair of International Committee

Kenny Libben will lead global organization supporting regional and local museums worldwide

Holmes County library weighs next steps for bookmobile after grant denial

Commissioners discuss possible funding support as library plans fundraising for replacement vehicle

Obituaries

Donald Tom Arnold

Donald "Tom" Arnold, age 74, of Glenmont, Ohio passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Ohio's Hospice LifeCare, Wooster, Ohio surrounded by family, following a sudden illness.