Category: News

By Carol McIntireEditorThe 2023 holiday season arrived in Carrollton amid colorful holiday lights, the smiling faces of children and that oh, so familiar Ho, Ho, Ho Merry Christmas! from Santa Claus.Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in the village during the Nov. 25 annual Christmas parade, which traditionally kicks off the season. The parade was moved to a 6 p.m. start last season. Participants took full advantage of the evening start

The Arbors at Minerva is hosting an Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) show and auction Dec. 4 from 6-9 p.m. at the 400 Carolyn Court facility.  Opening Minds Through Art is an intergenerational art-making program for people with dementia. It was created by experts at the Scripps Gerontology Center at Ohio Miami University over 10 years ago. It has won several awards and been featured in many scholarly articles. You

A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new Aultman Orrville Carrollton Schools Health Center at the Carrollton High School/ Middle School complex on Scio Rd. Nov. 17. The facility is the first brick and mortar clinic of its kind, bringing together a school district and a health facility that provides primary care services to both students and the general public.  Funds for the project were secured through a

Suburban Garden Club and Carroll County Arts Center are collaborating for a new event known as Fine Art – Pine Art.  Beginning Dec. 1, garden club members will create arrangements, swags, centerpieces, wreaths and, basically anything made with pine and other greenery. The items will be on display for purchase at the Arts Center, located on Main St. in Carrollton.  Club officials noted items will be moderately priced and proceeds

The communities of Carrollton and Minerva will kick off the holiday season over the next two weeks with parades and a variety of events. The Carrollton parade is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. The theme is Christmas Movie Magic.  Lineup is from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on 3rd St. off Park Ave.  Pre-registration is not required. Categories include White Christmas Award, Rudolph Award, Polar Express Award, Elf Award, Christmas Vacation Award

Ohio’s oil and gas industry is partnering with Toys for Tots in five counties in eastern Ohio to distribute toys that have been donated to those in need in early December. The Toys for Tots program, with roots dating back to 1947, has helped countless families over the years. This year, as in the past, the local oil and gas industry has joined in to help.     Many local churches, small businesses, schools and individuals have

A Massillon man is being held in the Carroll County jail on a $.5 million bond after being indicted by a Carroll County grand jury Nov. 1. Michael J. Geckler, 20, was indicted on two counts of Attempted Murder, and Felonious Assault in connection with a Sept. 30 attack on a Carrollton teen at a King Rd. residence. Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney Steven D. Barnett said Geckler purposedly shot the

A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. to mark the opening of the new Aultman Orrville Carrollton Schools Health Center at the Carrollton High School/ Middle School complex on Scio Rd. A free community open house will be held in the center  following the ceremony until 12:30 p.m.  Through a partnership between Aultman and Carrollton Schools, the Aultman Orrville Carrollton Schools Health Center will provide wellness exams,

CHS senior perishes in weekend house fire By Carol McIntireEditor A Carrollton teen who perished in a tragic weekend house fire is being remembered as “an awesome kid with a great sense of humor.”Aiden McNutt, 18, a senior at Carrollton High School, died in a fire at his Andora Rd., Carrollton, home in the late night hours of Nov. 11.Carrollton Fire Chief Shane Thomas said his department was toned at

One hundred and ninety-five Carrollton Middle School 7th and 8th grade students ventured to Washington D.C. for a memorable experience October 17th-19th.  Students had the opportunity to tour our nation’s capital and visit many historic sites during their three-day adventure.  A few of the students’ favorite stops on the itinerary included the Udvar Hazy Smithsonian where they were able to get an upclose look at the space shuttle Discovery, the Lincoln Memorial, George and

The dedication of a sculpture honoring William Powell will take place Thursday, Nov. 16, 4 p.m., on the grounds of Minerva Public Library. The sculpture was commissioned by Minerva Arts Council with the cooperation of the Powell family and created by Canton artist Patrick Buckohr.  Powell, a Minerva High School graduate, was a businessman, entrepreneur, veteran and pioneering golf course owner who designed Clearview Golf Club, the first integrated golf

Minerva will host “An Afternoon on the Battlefield: Honoring All Who Served,” a Veterans Day event on Saturday, Nov. 11, 1:30 p.m., at the Roxy Theatre. All veterans and community members are encouraged to attend. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and the event will feature music from the WWII era, recognition of all veterans, light refreshments, and a screening of “Memoirs of WWII: Bill Pilati,” a short film by

By Carol McIntire Editor The public will get its first peek at the progress inside the Carroll County Animal Protection League’s (CCAPL) no-kill animal shelter during a Nov. 12 open house.  The event will be held at the 4901 Canton Rd., Carrollton, facility from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature tours, showcasing the facility and updating the community on what is yet to be done before the shelter can

By Thomas Clapper CCM Reporter Carrollton Village Council voted to contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to investigate a million-dollar certificate of deposit (CD) and irregularities in the golf cart amendments.  “I don’t like to have to do this, but I am making the motion for (village solicitor) Clark Battista to immediately call BCI,” said Councilman Dan Locke who made the original motion after a discussion. “We have some

By Thomas Clapper CCM Reporter S&S Farm Equipment is raffling off a limited-edition Pink BH216 Cutter by Bush Hog with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.  “I am a firm believer that to put out good will into the world, it will come back,” said owner Bud Smith. “As soon as I saw the email about this, I put an order in immediately to help.”  The pink Bush Hog

By Carol McIntireEditorTwo Carrollton sisters are leading an effort to place live holiday wreaths on the graves of veterans in Grandview and Westview cemeteries this holiday season.Emilee Boring Ayers and Kimberly Boring Berry are spearheading the campaign through an organization known as Wreaths Across America (WAA).The group’s mission is simple: Remember the fallen. Remember those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Founded in 2007 and headquartered

By Thomas ClapperCCM ReporterJoe Heretta is the new owner of Erwin Septic Service and is continuing to provide the same quality service.“I never thought I would be in this business,” said Heretta. “Previous owner Bill Erwin has always been around the community, and I plan to continue providing the best service I can.”Heretta owned a lawn care business in Columbus and worked on race cars there. In 2005 he returned

By Carol McIntireEditorSchool board members and news media were treated to a tour of the new Carrollton elementary school prior to the Oct. 10 board of education meeting.Brian Malinsky, project manager for the general contractor, Greenspace Construction Services, and Carrollton School Superintendent Dave Davis provided commentary, explaining the ins and outs of construction of the 63,415 square foot addition to the present high school /middle school complex on Scio Rd.Construction

Meagan Rutledge and Ryan Kiko are the October Carrollton High School Students of the Month. Meagan Rutledge is the daughter of Bert and Julie Rutledge, of Carrollton. She has three brothers, Connor Rutledge, 23; Thomas Rutledge, 21 and Troy Rutledge, 14. In school she is a member of the CHS Club, Youth 2 Youth Club, Middle School Mentors, Student Council, NHS and volleyball. Outside of school she is on the

Ghosts, goblins and ghouls will certainly be out and about as communities celebrate Halloween with a variety of events.  In the case of trick-or-treat events, villages ask that residents participating turn on porch lights.  Following are events submitted to The Messenger: Oct. 21: Harsh Memorial Church Halloween Party from 2-5 p.m. Event includes trunk-or-treat (anyone with a vehicle can hand out treats), a chili cook-off, bounce house, face painting, wiener

By Thomas ClapperCCM ReporterThe Carrollton Village website now has monthly water leak reports on its website.The announcement was made during the Oct. 9 council meeting.Village officials explained the process to locate the list.Open the village website, https://www.villageofcarrollton.com in a browser. Go to “Public Utilities” at the top and click it, it will give a list of August and September leak reports which will be updated monthly.This stemmed back to Carrollton

By Carol McIntire Editor Smoke continues to blanket the area of Arbor and Apollo roads near Minerva this afternoon as emergency personnel work to extinguish a fire in a pile of old railroad ties. Carroll County Emergency Management Director Tom Cottis, who has been on scene since the early morning hours, said the fire began in a large pile of shredded railroad tires stored at the railroad yard off Arbor

By Thomas Clapper CCM Reporter Dysautonomia Advocate Darcy Bolanz and several local residents affected and families attended the Carroll County Commissioners Oct. 2 meeting to spread awareness of the rare disease and read proclamation.  Bolanz, who’s daughter Elyza has dysautonomia, is one of the leading voices and advocates in Carroll County to bring awareness to this condition.  “Dysautonomia is an umbrella term used to describe several medical conditions that cause

Dustin Lucas was recently hired as deputy director at the Carroll County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).  The Dellroy native brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the area of emergency response, having been a firefighter since the age of 18 and a full-time firefighter at the city of Salem for 15 years.  His new position allows him to utilize the knowledge and hands-on-skills in a local setting.  “I have

Carroll County Municipal Court Judge Gary Willen (right) watches a video screen on the bench via which Michael L. Geclker appeared for a hearing Wednesday morning. Geckler can be seen on the larger screen at left.

By Thomas Clapper CCM Reporter Dr. Walter Scott Stine has retired after 37 years of being a physician in Carrollton and over 43 years as a physician after completing his residency in family medicine at the former Andrews Airforce Base. He is ready to enjoy the community that he has served for nearly four decades. “The best thing about life here in Carrollton is it has been a wonderful place

CCM STAFF REPORT Carrollton Schools officials are working with law enforcement to address a situation that occurred during the Sept. 23 homecoming dance at the high school. Superintendent Dave Davis issued a press release Sept. 25 saying a student report another student brought a knife to the homecoming dance. “We are thankful this was reported and happy no one was harmed as a result of this action,” Davis said. “We

Officials with Wayne Saving Community Bank celebrated the opening of the new Carrollton branch with a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration Sept. 22.The Carrollton loan production office, located at 1029 Canton Rd., Carrollton, is the newest branch and brings the number of branches to 13.The Carrollton staff includes Dawn Devine Price, market development manager; Erin Lucas, officer manager; Laura Liber, customer service representative; Shari Druckenmiller, customer service representative; and

By Thomas ClapperCCM ReporterThe Carroll County Farm Bureau held its annual meeting and dinner on Sept. 12 at FFA Camp Muskingum where business was conducted and awards were given among a good meal and fellowship.Board of Trustees President Jim Coy welcomed all and introduced board members and special guests prior to leading the business meeting.“I would like to thank Camp Director Todd Davis and FFA Camp Muskingum as well as

Buckeye Career Center has named the September Student of the Month recipients. A local high school student was chosen for the honor for demonstrating September’s core value of Responsibility/Accountability. An Adult Education student was also named for the honor.The high school student of the month is Electrical Systems Technology senior Kail Snair. He attends BCC from Carrollton and works at Hilscher-Clarke. Snair is a nine-year member of 4H and attends

Meagan Rutledge was crowned 2023 Carrollton High School homecoming queen during a pre-game ceremony Sept. 22 at Community Field.She was crowned by 2022 queen Madilynn Baker.The queen is the daughter of Bert and Julie Rutledge. School activities include volleyball, three years, president of National Honor Society; member of the prom committee, Caring Helping Sharing (CHS) Club, student council and P7 Bible Study.She is also a member of the Spanish Club,

Law enforcement officials are investigating a Sept. 11 barn fire in Lee Township.Carroll County Sheriff Calvin Graham confirmed the fire was arson but would not name a suspect.A report filed by Major Jonathan Kampfer stated a fire was started in two separate buildings on a farm at 7074 Bay Rd. A wheelbarrow filled with rags was on fire in the milking parlor. Fires were burning in two separate spots on

By Carol McIntireEditorAn “Extreme Makeover – Amsterdam style” is taking place in the small village in southern Carroll County.Thanks to donors and volunteers from near and far, the childhood home of Joy Knox and Jeanne Zinda has been transformed over the last few months.Jeanne, confined to a wheelchair since birth due to Spina Bifida, has lived in the home all her life. Her sister, Joy Knox, has been caring for

Malvern remained among the ranks of unbeaten with a 27-21 win over the previously unbeaten Tusky Valley Trojans Sept. 9 at Zoar.Hornet quarterback Jared Witherow accounted for all four of his team’s touchdowns.The 6-foot, 4-inch junior found senior Dylan Phillips for an eight-yard touchdown to open the scoring in the first quarter. He connected with junior Rodney Smith for two second-quarter scores on passes of 23 and seven yards. He

By Carol McIntireEditorBob Newell conducted his first auction in May 1943. In 2023, his family is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the business he built.“Through all those years, it’s been a family operation,” said his son, Bill, sitting in the Canton Rd. office of Newell Realty & Auctions, LLC with his sister, Bonnie Chiurco; wife, Barb; daughter Casey Brunoni; and daughter-in-law, Alyssa Newell. All are part of the business today.“Dad’s