Indoor farmers market returns to St. Stephen Martyr The church café will serve its homemade vegetable soup
Ohio title fees to increase under state budget The increase will raise title fees to $18, with the additional $3 earmarked for the Ohio State Highway Patrol
Carroll County health district partners with mobile clinic for screenings The mobile clinic will be on-site at the Carroll County General Health District Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fredericktown’s Caspole walks 1,000 shelter dogs in 2025 Retired teacher’s volunteer commitment transforms his health and inspires Dogs of Knox community
Douce brothers establish scholarship to support career and technical education in Wayne County Pair-A-Douce Scholarship aims to strengthen skilled trades workforce and expand access to hands-on education for local students and adults
City of Medina prepares for America’s 250th celebration Yearlong semiquincentennial events begin in January with history programs, exhibits and community activities across Medina
Hartville Village Council prepares to welcome new members Council thanks outgoing members, approves emergency legislation and sets committee discussions for incoming councilors
Carrollton adds firefighter at year-end meeting Carrollton Fire Department Chief Shane Thomas asked council to approve the hiring of Ben Stoneman
Skilled trades face labor shortages as retirements outpace new workers Skilled trades are essential to the strength and sustainability of the local workforce
Jewett looking to streamline ordinances in 2026 Council hears holiday event update, police chief resignation
Kinder Sprouts daycare now open in Cadiz Kinder Sprouts is located in the former West Gate Schoolhouse on Peppard Avenue
Echoing Hills welcomes new director of finance Arlene Shaheen brings banking experience and commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities
Carroll County commissioners approve 2026 budget The board approved the 2026 appropriations, totaling $52,894,689.16
Stackhouse explores new home options for Holmes County VA office Veterans administrator raises privacy concerns at current location and discusses potential relocation possibilities with county commissioners
Roscoe Village Foundation launches ‘Elevate the Legacy’ initiative Phase one focuses on master planning, preservation priorities and enhanced visitor experiences to expand the village’s cultural and economic impact
Blue Envelope Program now available in Harrison County The program launched locally in November following a statewide rollout earlier this fall
Village continues search to fill council vacancy Several individuals have expressed interest in the open position
Yanok sentenced to jail time for community control violation The case was reset several times due to Yanok’s behavior during hearings
Wayne County women invited to apply for AAUW scholarships Wooster AAUW offers $500-$2,500 awards to support nontraditional students returning to higher education
Lake Township zoning board approves variance request Board grants side-yard setback variance for Northdale Street property during Dec. 18 public hearing
Carroll County Board of Health wraps up year with hires, updates and approvals Health Commissioner Kelly Morris provided an update on the ongoing public health nuisance in the Stony Lake community
Ridgewood honors Mathews for 24 years of school board service Frank Mathews is recognized for decades of leadership that guided major facilities upgrades, fiscal stewardship and long-term district growth
Main Street Wooster announces two new annual awards New honors recognize downtown business collaboration and emerging entrepreneurs, with prizes valued at more than $10,000
Harrison County commissioners approve contracts, note Toys for Tots totals Toys for Tots program had 179 families participating, involving 372 children
Inmate seeks mental health help while in jail Justin Stapp arraigned on felonious assault, weapons charges
Fairless board reviews NIL guidebook, fills board vacancy A guidebook is available so the community, parents and students understand the rules
Viola Startzman Clinic receives HCECF grant $100,000 award supports expanded access to primary care and mental health services for uninsured Holmes County residents
Carroll County court employee earns Certified Court Manager designation The program is designed to improve court performance and expand access to justice for community members
Love Our Community seeks support ahead of Men Who Cook fundraiser Nonprofit marks seven years of service and invites community sponsorships and donations to support its mission
Food For The Hungry announces winter grant recipients Twenty-four local food assistance projects receive a record $65,000 in grants supporting pantries, hot meals and student programs
Mayor reviews 2025 accomplishments at village meeting A multipurpose community center, police station, library and food pantry will be built in a facility next to village hall
Bargain Hunter editions merge into countywide paper Instead of three separate editions, there will be one paper serving the entire county
W.E. Quicksall commitment remains amid new partnership Engineering firm joins Spicer Group while continuing longtime service and projects in Holmes County
Scio Council reviews new water and sewer rates Council members spent about a minute reviewing the rates but offered no comments, as the rates had already been approved
Ohio hunters check 15,835 deer during bonus gun weekend Hunters can still participate in the ongoing archery season, which runs through Sunday, Feb. 1, and the muzzleloader season, Jan. 3-6
Carter retires from Jewett Police Department Carter will continue working as a lieutenant with the Cadiz Police Department
Moreno aide visits Bowerston to discuss water plant relocation The current treatment plant was constructed in the early 1950s, with upgrades in the 1980s and 1990s
JVS announces spring adult education courses The CNA course begins Jan. 5 and while the phlebotomy course begins Jan. 6
TuscBDD to host free advocacy event in January Attendees will hear from speakers Jordyn Zimmerman and the Chris Nikic Team
Working gig shifts: a growing local trend – Part I of II Part I explores how and why northeast Ohio workers are adding gig jobs to supplement incomes as wages lag behind living costs
Tuscarawas County library launches Plot Twist Reading Challenge for 2026 Adults and teens are encouraged to read 25 books of their choice and track their progress
Bowerston Council approves 2026 utility rate increases The new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and will appear on the January billing cycle
Recycle your Christmas tree, Lake Township announces Yard waste facility will accept trees Dec. 29 through Jan. 6, with trustees also addressing staffing, legal services and 2026 appropriations
Conotton Valley board hears elementary initiatives, tax update Principal said he is focused on 'building the positive' and highlighted several programs
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
Ohio title fees to increase Jan. 1 Watercraft and mobile home title fees are not affected and will remain unchanged
Tuscarawas SWCD reports successful 2025, looks ahead to 2026 County residents were provided with additional opportunities to learn about conservation practices
Carroll County Commissioners review well pad incident, website upgrade and sewer project Officials addressed a recent flash fire, discussed county website replacement options and reviewed progress on the Stony Lake sewer upgrade
ODNR invites Ohioans to start 2026 with First Day Hikes A First Day Hike will be held at Salt Fork State Park as part of the ODNR Winter Hike Series
Scouts complete new welcome signs for West Lafayette Eagle Scout projects by Ridgewood juniors Slade Miller and Wesson McPherson bring new signage to village entrances on County Road 16 and Route 93.
Emanuel Lutheran to add Saturday worship service in 2026 The New Philadelphia church will feature more modern hymns, scripture readings, prayers and communion
MV Salvation Army captain Christine Moretz receives Zelkowitz Award Food For The Hungry honors Moretz for leadership, compassion and decades of service to the Mount Vernon community
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
City honors Seavolt, Woods for years of service Mount Vernon City Council recognizes longtime members as it finalizes year-end actions and prepares for 2026 transitions
Coshocton Christian School revives cheerleading program Newly formed squads bring school spirit to basketball games under the leadership of recent graduate Sydney Wood.
Winter wonders fill January calendar at Medina County parks Hikes, wildlife programs and family activities invite residents to explore outdoors despite the cold
Blue Envelope Program offered to county residents with disabilities The program includes a Blue Envelope Packet, available at no cost through the TuscBDD Service and Support Center
Carnegie Hero Fund honors 17 for acts of bravery Piedmont truck driver saved an injured 16-year-old girl from a burning charter bus
Local band directors to march in 2026 Rose Parade The project recognizes the dedication and impact of music educators
Marlboro Township reviews police, fire and year-end updates Trustees receive reports on public safety activity, township finances, road work and employee matters during recent meeting
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
2025 Food For The Hungry Drive exceeds $340,000 goal Knox County effort raises more than $360,000 and 23.5 truckloads of food to support local hunger relief programs
Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County launches aluminum recycling program Community can drive beginning in 2026 supports affordable housing efforts while promoting sustainability
Mount Vernon schools plan focuses on safe, modern and future-ready facilities Board moves toward May ballot issue to support new elementary schools and high school renovations through an earned income tax
Santa steps in to help after deputy’s house fire Moved by the family’s hardship, they wanted to offer support
Mineral City council addresses fire station vandalism Mayor Laurie Green said the issue has been ongoing but has recently escalated
Strasburg Scout earns Eagle rank He is the 35th Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 72, which was chartered in 1935
Giving Hope Charity: From One Idea to a Lasting Community Legacy Local nonprofit continues to expand holiday giving, career support and year-round outreach for Knox County youth
Miracle on Wheels provides bikes for Coshocton County children at Christmas The annual Miracle on Wheels bicycle giveaway brightened Christmas for 30 families, distributing nearly 100 bikes to local children.
Medina historian Joann King reflects on a lifetime of preserving local stories Author and longtime curator shares how documenting Medina County’s past shaped her career and community pride
Northwestern Ruritan Club installs 2026 officers Officers were sworn in during the group’s Dec. 8 Christmas dinner meeting at Northwestern High School
Wreaths Across America ceremony honors veterans at Casimir Cemetery Wreaths were laid to honor the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA
Strasburg board advances levy, land swap Levy generates about $600,000 annually and, if approved again, would not increase real estate taxes
New plumbing permit information announced Coshocton Public Health District now requires permits for most commercial plumbing work tied to new construction or major replacements
Southern Local monitors state legislation affecting funding Several bills are advancing through the Ohio Statehouse that could impact how the district is funded
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
Museum preschool series to explore music Free January program at Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum introduces young children to music through stories, crafts and hands-on activities.
Goodwill highlights real stories behind every donation Local organization shows how community support fuels youth programs and life-changing opportunities
Cleo Redd Fisher Museum curator Libben elected chair of International Committee Kenny Libben will lead global organization supporting regional and local museums worldwide
Wreaths Across America ceremony honors 592 veterans in Carrollton A moment of silence was observed to remember the more than 8,100 prisoners of war and service members missing in action
Funeral home brings hope and healing through memorial ornaments Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home hosts annual ornament decorating to support grieving families
Marlington dedicates motorized gym flag honoring military service New rolling flag unveiled Dec. 19 to remember 1st Lt. Ashley White and recognize alumni and community members who served
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
Holmes County library weighs next steps for bookmobile after grant denial Commissioners discuss possible funding support as library plans fundraising for replacement vehicle
Garaway Board of Education honors Beachy and Shrock as terms conclude Outgoing members recognized during Dec. 15 meeting as board adopts future school calendars
Minerva-based company launches fentanyl detection wipe for first responders The handheld field tool is designed to help first responders quickly identify the presence of fentanyl
Tribute held for the late Capt. Wilmer Hale Coshocton Fire Department, city leaders and family members honor Capt. Wilmer Hale on the 50th anniversary of the Buckeye Fabric fire, remembering his courage, leadership and ultimate sacrifice.
Dover Council approves temporary appropriations, hears project updates Dover welcomed a new business to Dover with a ribbon cutting and grand opening
Toys for Tots helps 372 children in Harrison County The Ohio Oil and Gas Association partnered with Williams Energy to distribute toys from the firehall in Scio
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
June Road well pad fire was brief, contained The wellheads were not involved in the fire and officials reported minimal damage to equipment on the well pad
Board appoints president pro tem, handles personnel items Scot Bowman was appointed president pro tem for the Jan. 5 organizational meeting of the Sandy Valley Board of Education
DJFS director seeks approval for wage increase, interagency agreements State law requires county DJFS offices to work together to manage funding allocations.
Donate coats for free admission at Wooster’s Mose Hole Kiwanis Classic Winter coat drive supports Goodwill during Dec. 29-30 basketball tournament at Timken Gymnasium
Lake senior honors veterans through Wreaths Across America project Chase Schweitzer raises funds for more than 70 wreaths at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery as his National Honor Society service project
Bartolucci named Ohio’s top U.S. Secret Service digital forensic examiner Knox County special deputy earns statewide recognition for second straight year for work protecting child victims
Rose Seck had many accomplishments during her 51 years as an educator Her service to the district continued after retirement through her work on the Carrollton Board of Education
Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce to honor businesses, leaders at annual awards celebration Eleet Cryogenics of Bolivar will receive the Large Business of the Year award
Medina Salvation Army kicks off red kettle drive Holiday tradition raises critical funds to support food, housing, youth programs and emergency assistance across Medina County
Carrollton police announce graduation of cadet Throughout the program, Osborn demonstrated strong character, discipline and dedication to serving others
Heritage Veterinary Care holds holiday pet food drive The drive brought in an estimated 200 pounds of dog food and 100 pounds of cat food
Anderson concludes decade of service on Lake school board Board honors Jenny Anderson at final meeting, accepts donations and sets plans for 2026 organizational meeting
Ohio State Highway Patrol offers ride-along program Prospective recruits can experience a day on patrol alongside an on-duty trooper to explore law enforcement careers
Dilyard honored with conservation awards for decades of recycling leadership Wayne County environmental advocate recognized by recycling district and Soil and Water Conservation District
Snow falls during Strasburg Christmas in the Village One attraction that drew significant attention was ice carving by Elegant Ice Creations of Cleveland
Council discusses grants, quorum delay at meeting The monthly Adena council meeting began unofficially because the body was one member short of a quorum
Medina’s Dashawn Davison named Ohio 2025 DSP of the Year Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities professional honored for dedication, compassion and advocacy for people with developmental differences
Carrollton BOE recognizes longtime educator at meeting A large gathering of past educators, administrators and students attended the meeting to support Seck
Water rates to rise in Sugarcreek starting Jan. 1 Village council also discusses fire station renovation delays, zoning changes and demolition grant plans
Scio questions responsibility for paying indigent burial bills The arrival of another cremation bill prompted the renewed discussion and questions
Holiday season brings ongoing need for volunteers and fosters at Wayne County Dog Shelter Staff stress importance of consistent care and community support during late November and December
Grady Kinsey of Indian Valley earns top state football award Kinsey wins close race with future Air Force teammate, Shelby senior Brayden DeVito
New Athens Council approves legislation on video fees and water line maintenance Council revokes a 1970s ordinance that assigned responsibility to the village for maintaining residential water lines after one year
Hanwell’s ‘In My Own Words’ documentary now streaming Hourlong film traces outgoing Medina mayor’s life, career and four-term legacy through his own reflections
Coshocton Opportunity School spreads warmth with Dress Up Main Street Students and staff donate a record 271 coats and winter items to help community members in need
Council approves contract for new village administrator His salary will be $75,000 with a $1,000 increase each year
Amy Spears granted judicial release, placed on community control Repella converted her 18-month prison sentence for theft in office ordering her immediate release under probation supervision
Malvern council reviews maintenance, infrastructure as year ends Officials discuss park upgrades, winter preparedness and EPA-mandated well cleaning at Dec. 15 meeting
Thrasher Group updates commissioners on Stony Lake sewer project Ohio EPA order requires the county to address sewage issues in the area
Amish health and safety at center of Ohio EMA gathering Holmes County leaders share strategies for inclusive emergency planning with Plain People communities
Holmes County commissioners back courthouse work, substance abuse programs, traffic upgrades Board approves multiple resolutions during Dec. 8 meeting, discusses library funding needs and Holmes County Home expenses
Wayne County Clerk Scott Wiggam appointed to Ohio Supreme Court technology commission Wiggam will serve a three-year term advising on court technology, cybersecurity and modernization efforts
Lawrence Township needs cars off the streets on snow days This allows for proper snow removal and to avoid having cars hemmed in during heavy snowfalls
Jail administrator discusses opioid remediation grant with commissioners Smith updated commissioners on a grant application worth more than $100,000
Farewell, Hanwell: Medina’s longest-serving mayor reflects on service, faith, community After four terms and a lifetime of public service, Dennis Hanwell looks back on leadership rooted in compassion, collaboration and trust
Suburban Garden Club donates more than $900 to community groups Club members said these donations are possible through the group’s ongoing fundraising efforts and the generosity of the community
Leesville council reviews storm sewer repairs, snow plowing changes Councilman John Traxler offered to perform snow plowing as a community service at no cost to the village
Grand jury returns 10 indictments in Carroll County Cases include drug offenses, domestic violence, stolen property and failure to comply charges from Dec. 10 session
Mount Vernon crews battle snow and frigid weather City departments log overtime plowing streets, repairing water lines and planning infrastructure projects amid cold snap
Kistler named provost, chief academic officer at College of Wooster Rollins College dean will begin new role July 1, 2026 following national search
Gregg Orthodontics raises $7,836 for Whit’s End Community Place PINK OUT 2025 campaign supports free cancer services for individuals and families in the Wooster area
Holiday decorations brighten village of Malvern The decorations were installed with the help of a large group of volunteers
Applications open for 2026 Art on the Alley festival Art on the Alley supports TAP’s mission to strengthen the Tuscarawas County arts ecosystem
Marlington board approves LRO agreement, honors band students Board renews school resource officer contract, recognizes student achievements and reviews district finances
