Windham Township
Windham Township was successful in getting a grant obtained by the Portage County Land Bank to have the structure at 9092 state Route 303 razed and the property cleaned up.
“The structure and the property are deplorable,” township Vice Chair Rich Gano said. “The property is currently in tax foreclosure, so the auditor will keep it until the debt is paid.”
Ryan Shackelford of the Portage County Emergency Management Agency was at the Windham Township Trustees meeting Dec. 5. He did a slide presentation and talked about the aftermath and after-action plan from the tornado that hit the township in April, including the Portage County Disaster Relief Fund that raised $20,000 in donations for township residents who were affected by the tornado.
The township’s streetlights are going to be switched to LEDs to save money on its utility bill. A grant from the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council will pay for it.
A new fence was put up and new pillars will be installed soon at the entrance of what will be the new Windham Cemetery on North Main Street. It is just vacant ground at the moment.
Village of Hiram
The annual “Shop with a Cop” is now “Shop with a Hero.” No matter the name, it is now a combination of the Village of Hiram and Garrettsville fire, police and EMS departments collaborating on helping more than a dozen families from the Crestwood and Garrettsville school systems. Fire, police and EMS personnel take these families shopping for Christmas presents.
Throughout the year, the safety services raise money for this. A Christmas party was held Dec. 7 at the Garrettsville Police Department. AVI Food Systems from Hiram College donates a luncheon for all of the families, too.
“It’s really a great program for our local community,” Village of Hiram Mayor Anne Haynam said.
There will be a holiday bake-off from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Hiram Christian Church at 6868 Wakefield Rd. This is a joint venture through the AmeriCorps volunteers at Hiram College. All proceeds will go toward stocking the pantry at the college as a free resource to college students with basic needs. Donations of $5 will be accepted from community members. There is no fee for Hiram College students.
A community Christmas concert will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Hiram Christian Church at 6868 Wakefield Rd. It will feature music by the Hiram Community Concert Band and the Hiram Community Chorus. The performances will be directed by Dr. Isaac Winland of Hiram College. Admission is free.
Hiram Township
Hiram Township’s road and bridge levy that lost by eight votes in last month’s election will be back on the ballot for next year’s primary.
“I’m not quite sure why it did go down,” township Chair Jack Groselle said. “I thought we had pretty good roads and that we were doing a pretty good job. Nobody is quite sure what happened.”
Village of Mantua
“Raise the Stage” & Junior/Senior Seminar will present “Open Mic Night” from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Jake’s Eats at 4680 Prospect St. There is a $5 sign-up fee (bring cash!). A microphone and a speaker (with Bluetooth) will be provided. Funds will support the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation. Donations will be appreciated. You can email [email protected] or [email protected] ahead of time and sign up for free.
The annual “Breakfast with Santa” will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Jake’s Eats at 4680 Prospect St. Reservations are required by calling the restaurant at 330-274-0700. Cost is $8 per child, which includes a kids breakfast.
A live Nativity scene will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 on the Mantua Green Space. There will be a free craft activity for kids at the Restoration 44 Coffee Company event space across the street at 10675 Main St.
Vivid Vibes Boutique had its grand opening and ribbon cutting Nov. 22. Vivid Vibes is located in front of LuLu Tru Holistic Salon & Spa at 4690 E. Prospect St. The boutique’s website is vividvibesboutique.shop.
Mantua Township
The Mantua Township Trustees are requesting letters of “intent to serve” on the Mantua Township Zoning Commission and/or Mantua Township Board of Zoning Appeals as an alternate for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2026. There is a possibility the alternate position could convert to a permanent board membership should a vacancy occur. Applicants must be a resident of Mantua Township to be considered.
Send letters by Jan. 1 to: Mantua Township Fiscal Officer, P.O. Box 841, Mantua, OH 44255.
There are two more Mantua Township Trustees meetings scheduled in December. A special meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 to discuss American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The “End of the Year” meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27.
The township trustees will be approving the balance of the ARPA at that meeting. Some of the projects for consideration that warrant ARPA funds are the sewer and water project at the township town square, a new outdoor pavilion at the township park, a new mini-excavator, electrical upgrades at the township service garage, Town Hall upgrades and repairs, and road speed-warning signs at and around the elementary and middle schools.
Should any leftover funds be available, they will go toward office equipment and supplies. All trustees meetings are held at Mantua Township Town Hall at 4122 state Route 82. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Mantua Township officials and employees are wishing everyone a very merry holiday season and a happy, prosperous New Year. Visit the township website at mantuatownshipohio.gov for additional township information and events.
Nelson
The new Portage County health commissioner, Becky Lehman, spoke at the Nelson Trustees meeting Dec. 4. She brought the trustees and those in attendance up to date on what is available through the health department.
“It was very informative,” township Chair Anna Mae VanDerHoeven said.
Nelson’s next trustees meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, not Jan. 1, due to the New Year’s Day holiday. Like always, the meeting will take place at the Nelson Township Community House at 11642 Windham Parkman Rd.
Freedom
Freedom’s annual “Cookies with Santa” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Town Hall at 8966 state Route 700. Santa will be there, gifts will be handed out to the kids, and there will be kids crafts. Cookies, punch and more will also be available.
Garrettsville
Construction of the new AutoZone in Sky Plaza on Windham Street has begun. It is expected to be open by spring.
