330-476-6343 | [email protected]
The murder trial of Audrey Jean Cole (Branch) was postponed for a second time and bond was modified during a hearing Dec. 6 in Carroll County Common Pleas Court. On the day the jury trial was set to begin, Judge Michael V. Repella II granted the postponement and set a new trial date of Jan. 31, setting five days aside. Defense Attorney Chase Mallory said the request was made due
Activities Carrollton The Ashton House Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 24. Decorated for the season. Located at 120 3rd St. NW, Carrollton. Dec. 9 – Christmas Crafts Lock-In at Carroll County District Library at 5:30 p.m. For info, call 330-627-2613. Dec. 11 – Cookie Walk 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Carrollton Church of God, 271 Moody Ave. SW, Carrollton. Small box $18, large
Pick up a copy of the Dec. 1 issue of The Carroll County Messenger for holiday information, including the gift guide, parade results and more. Find out the new “item” you can borrow from the Carroll County District Library and see winter sports teams opening games.
By Leigh Ann Rutledge CCM Reporter The Carroll County General Health District (health department) board learned of an E. coli issue at Stony Lake during the Nov. 17 meeting. According to Courtney Grossman, director of environmental health, there could be several reasons for the issue. She noted the lake has been drained due to a dam issue and a lot of the homes are up for sale. The lots are
The jury trial of Audrey Cole, also known as Audrey Branch, is scheduled to begin Dec. 6 in Carroll County Common Pleas Court. Cole, 34, has been held in the county jail since being charged with murder and felonious assault in the May 3 shooting death of Matthew Michael Mott, with whom she resided, at 6344 Arbor Rd. NE, Mechanicstown. Cole is represented by Attorney April Campbell and Atty. Chase
A booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine is now available for individuals who have received the first and second doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine only at least 6 months ago (or a third dose if immunocompromised), and at least 18 years old. Booster doses are also authorized for all recipients of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months following the initial dose, or at least
By Leigh Ann Rutledge CCM Associate Editor Like a scene from a Hallmark movie, a light snow fell as people lined the streets in Carrollton for the first night Christmas parade. Bundled up against the chill in the air, parade goers of all ages waited for the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Their “sleigh”, a restored 1931 Chevrolet fire engine owned by Ron and JoAnn Dennis. On cue, when the
The Nov. 24 issue of The Carroll County Messenger is packed with information for the holiday season and the winter sports season. A list of area holiday events is inside, along with school news and community government reports. Read about your favorite sports teams, who is returning, promising newcomers and more. On newsstands today.
A mother and her four children are homeless after a fire destroyed their home in the early morning hours Nov. 20. Ralph Castellucci, chief of Great Trail Fire Department, said the department was toned out at 2:26 a.m. for a fully involved structure fire at 49 Arbor Rd., Minerva. Castellucci said both floors of the two-story home were engulfed when they arrived on scene. The occupants were out of the
Amsterdam, Minerva hosting December parades CCM Staff Report It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in area communities. The first light snowfall of the season blanketed parts of the county Nov. 14, setting the mood for the holiday season. It’s all about lights this year in Carrollton with a Public Square lighting ceremony planned Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade,
Minerva will celebrate Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and ensure communities stay strong and vibrant. On Nov. 27, a wide variety of businesses throughout the village will offer discounts, giveaways, door prizes, activities and more. A map of all participating businesses, their hours and special offers will be available at the businesses and on the Minerva Area Chamber of
The Ohio Department of Development and HARCATUS Tri-County Community Action Organization, Inc. are reminding Ohioans assistance is available to help with home energy bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay heating bills. Ohioans who are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected from their utility service, transferring services, establishing new services, at or below 25 percent fuel, or
Carroll County dog licenses will be on sale Dec. 1 through Jan. 31, 2022, for the 2022 year. Late fees will apply to all tags purchased after Jan. 31, 2022. Cost is $16 for a one-year tag, $48 for a three-year tag, $80 for a kennel license and $160 for a permanent tag. Kennel licenses must be purchased in the Auditor’s office and the applicant must have a valid vendors
The Nov. 17 issue of The Carroll County Messenger is filled with information, including business, school, sports and more. Read about GPS’s expansion project, economic development updates, a new business and area council meetings. Read about area resident Ed Tasker’s recently published book and where to purchase your copy.
A free Thanksgiving dinner is planned, Saturday, Nov. 20, at Amsterdam Community Church of God, located at 8247 Bear Rd, SE, from 4-6 p.m. Pastor David Guess said one of the main purposes of the dinner is to foster community in the area and express thankfulness to God for the past year. The meal consists of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, roll and dessert. The event is an eat-in-only
By Leigh Ann Rutledge Associate Editor A chat with a neighbor at the fence between their backyards led to a 30+ year career in law enforcement for Ed Tasker. A memoir written for his children, detailing those 30+ years, resulted in “Rocks and Bottles”, a recently published book. Tasker, who now resides in Perry Twp., began jotting down the true account of his years in law enforcement nearly five years
The Nov. 10 issue of The Carroll County Messenger salutes US veterans in recognition of Veterans Day 2021. Celebrate the Lady Lions cross country state championship, see what is up with the county Commerce Park, grand jury indictments and more.
By Leigh Ann Rutledge Associate Editor According to an official U.S. Navy website, history.Navy.mil, “within five seconds of the accidental firing of a Zuni 5-inch rocket which slammed into an A-4E Skyhawk (fighter jet) and caught fire Skyhawks on either side of the wounded aircraft were rapidly engulfed by fire.” This was the beginning of a horrific tragedy July 29, 1967, on the USS Forrestal, a Navy aircraft carrier stationed
A Canton man who fled law enforcement after a high-speed chase Oct. 28 in Carroll County was one of 11 indictments handed down by a Carroll County grand jury Nov. 3. Kaleb Scott Armstrong was indicted for Failure to Comply With the Signal of a Police Officer, a third-degree felony, and remains at large. Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney Steven D. Barnett said Armstrong fled from a sheriff deputy who attempted
The Carroll County Republican Central and Executive Committee is planning a 2022 candidate forum and town hall meeting Nov. 11 in Good Shepherd Hall at Malvern. A meet and greet is scheduled for 5 p.m. followed by the candidate event at 6 p.m. The following candidates (subject to change) or their representative are scheduled to attend: Congress: Bill Johnson. Governor: Mike DeWine, Jim Renacci and Joe Blystone. Senate: Mike Gibbons, Josh
Planning a holiday activity, gathering or concert? Email The Messenger at ccmessengernews@ gmail.com to get listed in our holiday events section. For questions, call 330-476-6343.
Pick up a copy of the Nov. 3 issue of The Carroll County Messenger on newsstands Tuesday around the county. Read about county resident Duane Abel’s Christmas film, receive a Carrollton history lesson and stay updated on holiday activities. Learn about the Minerva Lions cross country teams and football playoffs.
By Eric Lowe CCM Correspondent The Village of Amsterdam recently received a generous donation in memory of former resident John Tiziani. The funds will go to the Amsterdam Volunteer Fire Department and the police department. Husband and wife, Matt and Hannah Boggs, along with their daughter, Adyn Boggs, appeared as guests during the October council meeting. They presented the donation acquired from a Cruise-In held at Rogers Park in Amsterdam
The annual Christmas parade will return to the streets of Carrollton later this month. The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce agreed last week to oversee the annual parade and scheduled it Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. The Carrollton Rotary Club sponsored the parade for several years, but due to COVID-19, opted not to sponsor the event last year. Local merchants organized a stationary parade, which was held at the county
Duane Abel appears in holiday romance, ‘Christmas Collision’ By Carol McIntire Editor Duane Abel remembers attending Carrollton High School (CHS) musicals as a young child with his mother. “All I ever wanted to do was be on the stage of a Carrollton High School musical,” he said during the recent interview with The Messenger. “My thoughts and dreams never extended beyond that.” Abel fulfilled his dream on the stage at
By Carol McIntire Editor Kyle Killinger is closing in on the final leg of a 3,000-mile, four-month journey across the United States to bring awareness to veteran suicide. He made a stop in Carrollton Saturday, visiting the Blue Star Memorial at the top of Public Square. He was met there by a family whose loved one, a veteran, was lost to suicide. That’s what it’s about,” Killinger, a veteran himself,
The Carroll County 4-H Committee and Ohio State University Extension are hosting a Fall Fest Oct. 30 at the county fairgrounds. The event will be held in conjunction with trunk-or-treat, sponsored by The Bridge, and include the presentation of county 4-H awards, line and square dancing and refreshments. The awards presentation begins at 1 p.m. in the new show arena, followed by trunk-or-treat from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Bud and
Four teams and two individuals are advancing to the Regional Cross Country meet Saturday at Pickerington. Minerva is sending its girls and boys teams and Carrollton and Sandy Valley will send their girls teams in Division II, while Malvern is sending Lanie Bower and Landyn Huffman in Division III. The Lady Lions swept second through sixth places to clinch the team title with 20 points Saturday at the East District
The Oct. 27 issue of The Carroll County Messenger features the special section “Women in Business”. Pick up a copy and see how area women have overcome hardships, worked hard and are reaping the benefits of owning and operating their own businesses. Also inside, readers will find updates on fall sports, information regarding the upcoming election, school news and more.
Pick up a copy of the Oct. 20 issue of The Carroll County Messenger on newsstands today. Read about our stellar youth athletes, Halloween events, grand jury results and more from around the county.
TRUNK-OR-TREAT AUGUSTA: Oct. 24 from 2-4 p.m. with activities for kids at Augusta Community Park (former school grounds). A costume contest and refreshments will follow from 4-5 p.m. the event is sponsored by area churches and is open to the public. MINERVA: Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Great Trail Community Church of God, 16561 Liberty Church St. SE, Minerva. MALVERN: First Christian Church of Malvern Oct. 30 from 1-4 p.m.
A chase that led law enforcement through two counties landed a Youngstown man in jail. While on patrol Nov. 9, a Carrollton Police officer witnessed a silver van approach the cruiser and make an abrupt turn into a W. Main St. convenience store. The driver, wearing a dark shirt, grey sweatpants and hat, went into the store and then returned to the van. A report filed by Patrolman Lionel Woods
By Leigh Ann Rutledge Associate Editor An annual Carrollton event inspired a hometown girl to put pen to paper and publish two novellas. Carrollton resident Laura Benington was 15 years old when she first visited “Scarecrows on the Square”. Having fun with her best friend, Sarah, they posed with the scarecrows, not realizing how the event would become instilled in their lives. Each year, they visited the scarecrows and took photos.
The McCook House Museum is seeking clubs and/or groups to decorate trees for the Christmas open house, “The Unveiling of the Trees,” Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The museum will be open Nov. 26 and 27 and Dec. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The gift shop will be stocked with Algonquin Mill Festival goodies. The museum is also in need of a
Carrollton Police Chief Tim Timberlake is issuing a notice to village of Carrollton residents that driving golf carts on village streets is illegal. Timberlake said he is aware some residents are driving golf carts on village streets and has received requests for inspections from residents so they can be driven on streets. “That’s premature,” he told The Messenger. “The village does not have an ordinance permitting them on village streets,
Indictments for those involved in the theft of vehicles and tools from two Carroll County locations were included in the 15 returned by a Carroll County grand jury Oct.13. Prosecuting Attorney Steven D. Barnett said the grand jury heard testimony from 13 witnesses during the half day session. Three men and one woman were indicted for the vehicle thefts including Timothy Daniel Sechrist, 37 of North Canton, Kamryn K. Frasier,
By Carol McIntire Editor Carrollton broke away from a three-way, third-place tie on the second day of the Division II boys state golf tournament and claimed sole possession of the spot when the results were announced late Saturday afternoon, Oct. 16. Gahanna Columbus Academy won the championship title with a two-day score of 611. Kettering Archbishop Alter finished as the runner up with 614, followed by Carrollton. The Warriors shot
Pick up a copy of The Carroll County Messenger with the news you want from the people you know. Inside the Oct. 13 issue, you will find court news, county COVID updates, sports news, classifieds, upcoming activities and much, much, more.
Two men have been charged in Carroll County Municipal Court for the theft of a motor vehicle taken Aug. 9 from a lot at 1040 Canton Rd., Carrollton. Timothy D. Sechrist, 37, of 6943 Harvey Ave. NW, North Canton, was arraigned Sept. 21 in front of Judge Gary Willen for Motor Vehicle Theft, a felony in the fourth degree (F4) and Attempted Grand Theft. Bond was set at $50,000 cash/surety
Are the holiday seasons hard on your finances? The community has come together to help families who are income eligible supplement gifts for their children. To be eligible to apply, children must be between the ages of 1- 12 years of age through Christmas and be a Carroll County resident. The family income must be less than 200 percent of poverty guidelines. Applicants must bring proof of income for the
The Malvern man charged with aggravated murder in the January death of his roommate has been found competent to stand trial. A judgment entry filed Oct. 1 in Carroll County Common Pleas Court stated an evaluation conducted by James Ponatan PHD, of Behavioral Healthcare concluded with a reasonable degree of psychological certainty that Arlen Allen Atkinson, 54, of 2101 Bellflower Rd. Malvern, has been restored to competency. As such, he
The 50th Algonquin Mill Festival experienced a successful weekend after a year off due to COVID-19. Carroll County Historical Society President Jennifer Cramer said over 25,000 people attended the festival. Beautiful weather all three days welcomed visitors to the event. Six ton of the famous sauerkraut sold out early Friday. “The ladies from Big Brothers Big Sisters did a wonderful job,” Cramer said. “The group has already decided to make nine-ton
The Oct. 6 issue of The Carroll County Messenger is on newsstand today. Find out how area golf teams are faring in sectional competitions, catch up on grid-iron play, soccer, volleyball and cross country. Read the latest news from around the county and see what’s available in the classifieds.
The Carroll County Park District’s 4th annual Chili Cook-off is planned Oct. 23 from 12 -5 p.m. Guests are welcome to unlimited chili by donation and will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite. Votes will determine which cook takes home the coveted “golden ladle.” Along with chili, two breweries will be onsite, Hoodletown Brewing Co. of Dover and Lockport Brewery of Bolivar. The cook-off will take place at
The Carroll County Regional Planning Commission is accepting applications for citizen members. There are three open seats, which offer three-year terms. There is no remuneration for serving on the commission. The group meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of January, May, August, and November at 6:30 p.m. in the village of Carrollton Municipal Building. Special meetings may be called if the need arises. Elections will be held at the November meeting.
October – Mondays – Lunch 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. by donation at the Warren Twp. Community Center on SR 212 in New Cumberland. Includes many sides, dessert and a drink. Plus, The Loft Resale Shop open 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 7 – American Legion Post 428 “26 Week Club” Fish Fry meal at 5:30 p.m. at VFW Post 3301, Chase Rd., Carrollton. Oct. 8 – Fire Safety Story Time
EPA gives BTM 30 days to provide answers, superintendent says overflows a common problem By Carol McIntire Editor The clock is ticking for BTM Sewer District to respond to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regarding the discharge of untreated wastewater (sewage) into a catch basin that eventually made its way into Lake Mohawk. The Carroll County Messenger obtained a copy of a letter, dated Sept. 22, sent to Ralph Castellucci,
By Carol McIntire Editor A motion to suppress evidence in the Audrey Jean Cole (Branch) murder case was denied by Carroll County Common Pleas Judge Michael V. Repella, II last week. April F. Campbell, attorney for Cole, filed a motion in August to suppress evidence from Cole’s cell phone, which was seized under a search warrant. She claimed the warrant was illegal because it did not establish a connection between
Thanks to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, sauerkraut is ready, but comes with new guidelines By Leigh Ann Rutledge Associate Editor With the return of the Algonquin Mill Festival comes sauerkraut. When the sauerkraut supply ran out during the 2019 festival, the future of the longtime Mill favorite was uncertain. Due to COVID-19, the festival was cancelled in 2020. This year the festival will run Oct. 8-10. Sauerkraut will be available
The Scarecrows on the Square festival was held Sept. 25 on Public Square in Carrollton. Winners in each category include: Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, church; The Carroll County Messenger, business; Carroll County Council on Aging, government entity; and Browse ‘N Buy, organization. Scarecrows will remain on display through Oct. 18. Judges included Mayor Bill Stoneman, Village Administrator Mark Wells and Montana Schmidt.
