Josh McWilliams' Pop Culture Corner

Going beyond the game with some of the area's high school student-athletes

Published October 31, 2025 - 5:20 p.m.

Dogs Inc. labradors bring healing and hope to veterans and Gold Star families

Nonprofit trains elite service dogs to support veterans with PTSD and families who lost loved ones in military service, offering comfort at no cost

Online raffle bill aims to boost fundraising for Ohio nonprofits and local agencies

Proposed legislation inspired by Wayne County volunteer would legalize online raffle ticket sales for groups like animal shelters and fire departments

Week 11 H.S. football playoff preview: Games and players to watch

Postseason football gets started across the state on Oct. 31

Wayne County Care Center adds assisted living floor to expand resident options

New apartments offer independent living with on-site medical care, daily meals and personalized support for older adults in Wayne County

THE LATEST

LOCAL

Wooster family reflects on international adoption and the lifelong gift of belonging

Jackie and Mike Kunkler share their journey adopting son Derek from Kazakhstan and the joy of building a family through faith and love

College of Wooster reopens historic Douglass Hall after $18.5 million renovation

Blending 1920s craftsmanship with modern design, the restored residence hall now offers expanded, accessible and energy-efficient living spaces for 129 students

Ward 4 candidates Snyder and Owens share priorities for Wooster City Council race

Snyder emphasizes community safety, smart growth and collaboration with nonprofits, while Owens focuses on expanding housing options, transportation and resident choice ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

Wayne County voters to decide local offices, levies and liquor options Nov. 4

Ballot includes mayoral and council races, township trustee contests, school board seats, tax renewals and Sunday sales measures across multiple communities

Wayne SWCD election to fill 2 board positions beginning in 2026

Eligible Wayne County voters can cast ballots in person or absentee through Nov. 5; four candidates are running.

State Rep. Craig recognizes Traci Poulson for 30 years of public service

Wayne County Clerk of Courts employee honored for integrity, professionalism and dedication to government service

From denial to action: Taking charge of diabetes with modern care

A registered dietitian explains how stress control, meal planning, activity and timely treatment can prevent complications and improve daily diabetes care

SPORTS

H.S. football first-round playoff scores

Find out which area teams advances to second round on Nov. 7

Josh McWilliams' Pop Culture Corner

Going beyond the game with some of the area's high school student-athletes

High school football stat leaders through Week 10

Triway’s Luke Starr tops area quarterbacks with 2,817 total yards; Hillsdale’s Owen Sloan leads rushers and scorers heading into the postseason.

Triway football combines power and precision to claim PAC title and playoff momentum

Quarterback Luke Starr leads high-scoring offense as Titans embrace physical play under coach Cody Kelly, eyeing deep postseason run

Norwayne and Triway clinch football conference titles behind strong finishes

Bobcats top Hillsdale to secure WCAL crown as Titans defeat Orrville for PAC championship; Smithville’s Mason Haines sets all-time rushing record

Chippewa, Hiland and Norwayne girls soccer teams advance to regional tournament play

Lady Chipps dominate Columbia 8-0, Hiland tops Norwayne 4-1 to reach finals, and Bobcats notch comeback win over Canton Central Catholic

Playoff fields set after dramatic finales in WCAL, PAC and OCC

Norwayne, Triway and Lexington clinch league titles as Ohio high school football brackets lock in; first-round matchups and byes run Oct. 31–Nov. 7

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Wayne County Bargain Hunter Wooster Weekly News

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Panel urges education and accountability to combat domestic violence and abuse

Experts from law enforcement, advocacy and children’s services share insight at Winesburg community forum on breaking cycles of harm and supporting victims

Marine Corps Birthday Ball marks 250th Nov. 15 in Holmes County

Formal event at The Stables at Arrowhead Lake features 5-6 p.m. social, 6 p.m. dinner and keynote by Lt. Col. Mark Halferty; $35 advance tickets benefit Toys for Tots.

Wayne Center for the Arts partners with Pellegrino Music Center to expand music offerings

New collaboration brings instruments and supplies to Wooster, supporting local students and growing WCA’s music education program

Wayne Center Presents announces 2025–26 concert season

Five-performance lineup begins Nov. 19 with harpist Bridget Kibbey and violinist Chad Hoopes, followed by acclaimed classical and jazz artists through March 2026 at Wayne Center for the Arts.

Food Fellowship Ministry delivers monthly meals to more than 900 Wayne County families

Volunteer-run program sources food from regional banks and donations to provide doorstep deliveries and fight hunger across the community

Tranquil Landscapes adds decorative concrete curbing service in Apple Creek

New offering helps homeowners and businesses enhance outdoor spaces with durable, low-maintenance landscape edging

COLUMNISTS

LIFE AND LEARNING

Four candidates seek three Wooster school board seats

Incumbent Jody Starcher cites experience and stability; challengers Clayton Deighan, Ted C. Hill and Bonnie Nair emphasize facilities planning, community trust and stronger communication ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

Wooster City Schools partners with Neighborhood Bridges to connect families with community support

New kindness initiative enables residents to meet student needs directly through anonymous online requests

Zion Lutheran quilters craft comfort for those in need worldwide

Wooster church group continues 60-year tradition, creating 80 quilts plus 200 care and school kits for Lutheran World Relief while finding joy and fellowship in every stitch.

Northwestern Ruritan Club elects 2026 officers, supports veterans and community initiatives

Club plans food donations, military care packages, flag displays and auction to benefit local causes

Wooster Stamp Club’s 62nd Annual Stamp Show Set for Nov. 1 — Free Admission

Browse dealer booths, view philatelic exhibits, join a 3:30 p.m. silent auction, and let kids dig into thousands of stamps at Ida Sue School, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; beginners welcome and on-site evaluations available.

United Way launches Project SNAP GAP to aid families during food benefit delays

Wayne and Holmes Counties initiative mobilizes donations, volunteers and local partnerships to fill basic needs as SNAP payments are postponed

OBITUARIES

Charles "Terry" Herman

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

Josh McWilliams' Pop Culture Corner

Going beyond the game with some of the area's high school student-athletes

Dogs Inc. labradors bring healing and hope to veterans and Gold Star families

Online raffle bill aims to boost fundraising for Ohio nonprofits and local agencies

Week 11 H.S. football playoff preview: Games and players to watch

Wayne County Care Center adds assisted living floor to expand resident options

THE LATEST

H.S. football first-round playoff scores

Josh McWilliams' Pop Culture Corner

High school football stat leaders through Week 10

College of Wooster reopens historic Douglass Hall after $18.5 million renovation

Wayne Center for the Arts partners with Pellegrino Music Center to expand music offerings

Dogs Inc. labradors bring healing and hope to veterans and Gold Star families

Wooster family reflects on international adoption and the lifelong gift of belonging

Online raffle bill aims to boost fundraising for Ohio nonprofits and local agencies

Week 11 H.S. football playoff preview: Games and players to watch

Triway football combines power and precision to claim PAC title and playoff momentum

LOCAL

Wooster family reflects on international adoption and the lifelong gift of belonging

College of Wooster reopens historic Douglass Hall after $18.5 million renovation

Ward 4 candidates Snyder and Owens share priorities for Wooster City Council race

Wayne County voters to decide local offices, levies and liquor options Nov. 4

Wayne SWCD election to fill 2 board positions beginning in 2026

State Rep. Craig recognizes Traci Poulson for 30 years of public service

From denial to action: Taking charge of diabetes with modern care

SPORTS

H.S. football first-round playoff scores

Josh McWilliams' Pop Culture Corner

High school football stat leaders through Week 10

Triway football combines power and precision to claim PAC title and playoff momentum

Norwayne and Triway clinch football conference titles behind strong finishes

Chippewa, Hiland and Norwayne girls soccer teams advance to regional tournament play

Playoff fields set after dramatic finales in WCAL, PAC and OCC

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Panel urges education and accountability to combat domestic violence and abuse

Marine Corps Birthday Ball marks 250th Nov. 15 in Holmes County

Wayne Center for the Arts partners with Pellegrino Music Center to expand music offerings

Wayne Center Presents announces 2025–26 concert season

Food Fellowship Ministry delivers monthly meals to more than 900 Wayne County families

Tranquil Landscapes adds decorative concrete curbing service in Apple Creek

COLUMNISTS

Column: Mystery of the disappearing cat kibble, part 2

From denial to action: Taking charge of diabetes with modern care

Playoff fields set after dramatic finales in WCAL, PAC and OCC

Column: Tips for a stress-free and budget-friendly Thanksgiving meal

Column: The semi-annual wardrobe shuffle signals the change of seasons

Column: Mystery of the disappearing cat kibble, part 1

Column: Understanding daily protein needs for adults and seniors

Column: Some vultures circling while others have moved right along

Column: Growing up in a scary world, one that no longer exists

Wooster City Schools partners with Neighborhood Bridges to connect families with community support

LIFE AND LEARNING

Four candidates seek three Wooster school board seats

Wooster City Schools partners with Neighborhood Bridges to connect families with community support

Zion Lutheran quilters craft comfort for those in need worldwide

Northwestern Ruritan Club elects 2026 officers, supports veterans and community initiatives

Wooster Stamp Club’s 62nd Annual Stamp Show Set for Nov. 1 — Free Admission

United Way launches Project SNAP GAP to aid families during food benefit delays

OBITUARIES

Charles "Terry" Herman

BUSINESS

Certified Angus Beef celebrates 47 years with more than 1.2 billion pounds sold

Downtown Wooster businesses celebrate growth, connection and community spirit

Wooster’s Olivia Lang graduates from Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgriPOWER leadership program