Shalersville

The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its first annual awards banquet in which significant contributions to the community in 2025 will be recognized. Enjoy dinner and a celebration at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Corners Catering and Event Center at 11845 State Route 44. The following are the award winners:

• Citizen of the Year – Rosemary Krupar, who saw a need for a gathering place for local seniors and made it happen. Thanks to Krupar’s dedication, everyone, especially seniors, can enjoy spending Wednesday mornings/afternoons staying active at the Martin S. Hura Lodge at Buchert Park, located at 4810 E. High St. in the village of Mantua. Krupar has worked hard to plan the schedules, enlisted the help of friends and family, and secured local grants to keep it going.
• Business of the Year – Los Venados Mexican Restaurant at 11697 Painesville Ravenna Rd. Although the restaurant only recently expanded to Mantua, it quickly made itself a vital part of the community. Besides offering delicious food and drinks, it invites the community into its business for trivia nights, live entertainment and craft shows. Additionally, it is supportive in raising money for local charities.
• Bright Star Award – Katherine Bengston. Chambers all across Ohio nominate volunteers who help make an impact on their local communities. Bengston was nominated for all the work she has put into organizing the Merry Evening in the Village event each year. What started out as a late-night shopping event organized by a few retailers has grown into one of the region’s premier events of the season thanks to her organizing and marketing efforts.

Additionally, the evening will feature a keynote speaker, Bill Carpenter, a certified John C. Maxwell coach and trainer from Columbus who will talk to the audience about “Understanding Change and Inspiring Transformation.” This powerful keynote is designed to equip Chamber members with the clarity and psychological tools needed to turn the fear of change into a powerful momentum for growth and success. This is more than a lecture – it is an experience designed to entertain and educate. Attendees are promised:

• Laughter and Connection: Carpenter’s dynamic delivery will infuse humor and relatable stories into the often-scary topic of change, making it approachable and engaging.
• Needed Clarity: Participants will leave with a clear, actionable understanding of why they and their teams resist change, giving them the power to shift their internal narrative.
• Specific Action Steps: Every participant will receive tangible takeaways to immediately begin building growth momentum within their business, community and personal life. Includes engaging exercises.

Tickets are $75 per person and include dinner, dessert and two drinks in addition to the entertainment. You can contact the Chamber at MSACOC@gmail.com or stop by any of the board members’ businesses to purchase tickets. Your congratulatory notes will be included in the program for $10 each or three for $25. Carpenter will be invited back for a one-day workshop later in the spring for Chamber members, so this is just a taste of what’s to come.

Board members:

• Jodie Fiala – Jake’s Eats, 4680 E. Prospect St., village of Mantua
• Patrick Yackmack – Crooked River Flowers, Gifts & More, 10676 Main St., village of Mantua
• Juli Robine – Advanced Rehab & Health Services, 4707 Mill St., village of Mantua
• Katherine Bengston – Bibury & Books, 4672 E. Prospect St., village of Mantua

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Bio-Med is moving to Kent State University when the 2027-28 school year begins. Its lease is up in June 2027, so the building will be available for lease after the move.  

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Montgomery Pallets has closed and the business will be sold. The lot is zoned as annual recurring revenue.

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A motion was made to approve and implement the township’s cell phone and social media policies.    

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Edinburg Tractor delivered the township’s new Ford tractor Dec. 3. It will be used primarily for mowing.

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Ronald Kotkowski and Frank Ruehr were sworn in for their next four-year terms. Their terms both began Jan. 1.

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New recommendations for conditional uses for data centers were sent to regional planning.

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Building permits were issued for one fence permit.    

Streetsboro

Streetsboro City Council approved the final Ohio Department of Transportation legislation for the enormous infrastructure project that is being done downtown. The square at the intersection of state Route 14 and state Route 43 will be completely rebuilt. All of the existing concrete will be removed and replaced by new concrete. Resurfaced will be Route 14 from Portage Point Drive to the Ohio Turnpike and Route 43 from the Twin Lakes border to Market Square Drive. The intersection at Route 303 and Ranch Road will be completely rebuilt, which will include removing the slip lane and replacing the one and only stop sign. The cost of the project, which will begin in April and is scheduled to be completed by January 2027, will be approximately $6.5 million. Working times will be from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

City of Ravenna

The Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever “A Night to Remember Murder Mystery Dinner Valentine’s Day” will take place Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Horseshoe Diner’s Buckeye Hall at 250 W. Main St. Step into a real-life game of Clue where the crime unfolds around you, the characters are all in costume and every guest is armed with a motive. This exciting 1920s-themed event promises an unforgettable evening of mystery, fun and community. Dinner will be provided and prepared by the Horseshoe Diner, with a cash bar available. In addition to the performance, guests can enjoy a themed photo station to commemorate the night. Tickets are $50 per person. For sponsorship opportunities and more information, call 330-296-3886.

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Carman Laudato was recently elected to Ravenna City Council as an at-large member, replacing Cheryl Wood, who stepped down after four years in the position. Laudato was also appointed chair of the planning committee by the council president.  

Aurora

The Aurora Ohio Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s “Night at the Races” will be held Friday, Feb. 6 at the Hawthorn Clubhouse at 685 Walnut Ridge Trl. #322. Join in for an unforgettable night of high-stakes racing, food, fun and fellowship, all while supporting the scholarship fund. Save the date!

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“Sip, Savor, & Support,” the Aurora Schools Foundation’s annual fundraising event, will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at Club Walden at 585 Country Club Ln. Save the date for an evening of bourbon, wine and community. More information coming soon!  

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The Friends of Aurora Memorial Library will hold a book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10 on the lower level of its location of 115 E. Pioneer Trl. Cash or check only. For details, call 330-562-6502 or go to facebook.com/friendsauroramemoriallibrary.

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Visit the Rotary Club of Aurora at 7:30 a.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month for breakfast and at noon the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month for dinner at The Church in Aurora at 146 S. Chillicothe Rd. For more information, contact Gail McCullough at 330-717-7205 or visit aurorarotaryclub.org.