Photo gallery: Area girls cross country runners at Division IV Boardman Regional

Smithville’s Kaitlyn Carr dominates for the win as Rittman, Waynedale, Dalton and Smithville runners earn state berths with strong top-25 finishes

Smithville's Maryn Erdman slides between a pair of runners to take 11th at the Div. VI Boardman Regionals.

Joshua McWilliams

Published October 28, 2025 - 7:18 a.m.

Rittman's Adyson Fosen eyes the finish line at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Waynedale's Anna Pittman races to the finish line with a time of 20:41.78 for a 24th-place finish at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Waynedale's Piper Polen races hard at the Div. IV Boardman Regional, where she finished 14th with a time of 20:05.73.

Smithville standout Kaitlyn Carr is way ahead of the pack as she finishes at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Smithville's Kaitlyn Carr finishes at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Rittman's Adyson Fosen finished eighth with a time of 19:29.61 at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Rittman's Hailey Pastorelle runs hard at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Rittman's Brook Bowlby finished 10th with a time of 19:50.17 at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Maryn Erdman splits a pair of runners to finish strong at the finish line at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Sprinting hard to the finish line is Rittman's Ryver Ramsier with a time of 20:21.14 for a 16th-place finish at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Dalton's Ellis Dobes powers her way to the finish line at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Waynedale's Piper Polen finished 14th with a time of 20:05.73 at the Div. IV Boardman Regional to advance to state.

Rittman standout Adyson Fosen races at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Smithville's Tessa Duell, left, Maryn Erdman and Kaitlyn Carr take off at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Dalton's Ellis Dobes finished 23rd with a time of 20:37.53 at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Dalton's Maggie Hershberger finished 41st with a time of 21:33.18 at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Smithville senior standout and Notre Dame commit Kaitlyn Carr breaks out for a huge lead at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Smithville's Tessa Duell powers her through the first lap at the Div. IV Boardman Regional, where she finished 35th with a time of 21:10.90.

Smithville's Maryn Erdman finished 11th with a time of 19:59.06 at the Div. IV Boardman Regional to advance to state.

Dalton's Ellis Dobes tries to chase down Rittman's Annabelle Snyder at the Div. IV Boardman Regional.

Downtown Wooster businesses celebrate growth, connection and community spirit

Entrepreneurs cite rising foot traffic, loyal customers and city support as Main Street Wooster continues to thrive through collaboration and shared investment in a vibrant downtown.

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.

Orrville Cycling relocating to restored historic building downtown

Family-owned shop moves to 249 W. Market St. as part of downtown revitalization, adding rentals, group rides and expanded e-bike offerings near local trails.

Wooster Community Hospital expansion to bring state-of-the-art emergency center in 2026

New $34 million facility will double ER capacity, improve patient flow and centralize key services to deliver faster, more advanced care for the community

THE LATEST

LOCAL

Ohio Amish Country Quilt Shop Hop marks 25th year of creativity and community

Twelve shops welcome quilters Oct. 27–Nov. 1 for fabric demos, patterns, prizes and a special Corey Yoder trunk show celebrating a quarter-century of stitching tradition.

Aspen Racquet Club, DuraFlex team up for holiday food drive

Annual campaign benefiting People to People Ministries runs through Nov. 30, with Aspen matching all canned donations can-for-can to help local families in need.

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.

WCH Health System names Jesseca Phillips provider relations liaison

Longtime marketing specialist steps into new role to strengthen communication with area providers, coordinate onboarding and support hospital-owned facilities.

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

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

Planning ahead, using pantry items and embracing creative traditions can save money and make the holiday more enjoyable

SPORTS

Local runners dominate Boardman Regional, earn trips to state meet

Smithville’s Kaitlyn Carr and Rittman’s Luke Snyder capture regional titles as area teams and individuals advance with standout performances across Divisions III and IV

Photo gallery: Area girls cross country runners at Division IV Boardman Regional

Smithville’s Kaitlyn Carr dominates for the win as Rittman, Waynedale, Dalton and Smithville runners earn state berths with strong top-25 finishes

Photo gallery: Area boys cross country runners at Division IV Boardman Regional

Rittman’s Luke Snyder claims his fourth straight regional title as Dalton, Smithville and Central Christian runners deliver strong finishes ahead of the state championships

Photo gallery: Orrville girls battle Fairview in district final

Red Riders’ Emma Brede scores and celebrates as Orrville showcases grit and teamwork in hard-fought matchup against Fairview

Hillsdale at Norwayne gallery

Photos from host Norwayne's win over Hillsdale Oct. 24 that won the Wayne County Athletic League football title for the Bobcats

Triway at Orrville gallery

Photos from Triway's big football win at Orrville that won the Titans the Principals' Athletic Conference title.

Week 10 H.S. football scoreboard

Scores from around the area's games of Oct. 23 and 24

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Wayne County Bargain Hunter Wooster Weekly News

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Tracing Wooster’s “First Family of Learning”: New book and exhibit celebrate the Compton legacy

Book and exhibit highlight the Compton family’s lasting impact on science and education.

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.

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.

Cantate Singers to perform John Rutter’s 'Requiem' in Akron and Wooster

Local ensemble joins with guest choirs and chamber orchestra for two free concerts Oct. 26 and Nov. 2.

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

Shreve Community Church offers GriefShare support Nov. 8

Free one-day program includes Surviving the Holidays and Loss of a Spouse sessions with lunch provided; church also plans a Dec. 23 contemplative Christmas service for those grieving.

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

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