Downtown Wooster will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth with the sixth annual Chocolate Daze, Feb. 10-11. Retailers and restaurants will provide sweet treats and special sales as they welcome shoppers.

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Keim Lumber paid homage to their customers during the Woodworker's Appreciation Night Thursday, Jan. 26, in Charm.

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The music faculty of the Wooster City School District proved that they could do more than teach during the district's annual Music Faculty Recital Jan. 26.

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Talented band members from high schools across Wayne, Holmes and Ashland counties shared the stage when the Tri-County Honors Band performed at McGaw Chapel on the campus of The College of Wooster Jan. 29.

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The 2012 Wooster Bridal Showcase at the Greenbriar Conference and Party Centre offered brides-to-be one-stop shopping for their big day.

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Agriculture News & Events

‘The Power of Community’ film showing and discussion

Learn how you can create positive change at a local level and help people feel more hopeful about the future. Join Local Roots and Wooster Area Transition for the screening of the film, "The Power of Community" at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

Steiner retires after 51 years

Carlton K. Steiner celebrated 51 years of service as he retired from Lowe and Young in December. A recognizable character in the community, Steiner prides himself on staying actively involved with young people through participation in FFA, fairs and the schools.

Learn just how sweet it is with Brix workshops

Anyone interested in learning about Brix values in determining the sweetness of vegetables, fruits and juices is invited to two February workshops, hosted by The Ohio State University OARDC.

Agricultural programs face real challenges

Right now, the wheels of federal farm programs are running smoothly, which may not bode well for the farm bill and agricultural funding amid the tight budget situation.

OSU experts to share their knowledge on the upcoming agricultural year

The 2012 OSU Extension Ag Outlook Meeting will be held Feb. 3, on the OARDC campus.

Plan to attend the 2012 Ohio Beef School

Beef school will focus on optimizing efficient beef production in a rapidly changing business and consumer environment.

The beef business: Optimism looking toward 2012

There is a general consensus that beef cattle prices should be good through the foreseeable future.

Baker elected to Ohio Farm Bureau board

Baker elected District 8 trustee, to fill the seat of Bob Slicker, who retired.

Dairy grazers come together for conference in Dalton

The North Central Ohio Dairy Grazing Conference will be held at the Buckeye Event Center in Dalton, Jan 26-27, 2012.

Active time for deer means extra caution for Ohio drivers

White-tailed deer provide abundant recreation opportunities for hunters and wildlife watchers, but they can also cost millions of dollars every year through deer-vehicle collisions.

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Business News & Events

Dazzled by chocolate at Chocolate Daze in downtown Wooster

Downtown Wooster will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth with the sixth annual Chocolate Daze, Feb. 10-11. Retailers and restaurants will provide sweet treats and special sales as they welcome shoppers.

Woodworkers unite, relationships grow at Keim Lumber appreciation evening

Keim Lumber paid homage to their customers during the Woodworker's Appreciation Night Thursday, Jan. 26, in Charm.

PNC announces appointment

PNC announces the appointment of James Pittman Jr. to vice president/agricultural banking.

Bridal Showcase offers brides one-stop shopping

The 2012 Wooster Bridal Showcase at the Greenbriar Conference and Party Centre offered brides-to-be one-stop shopping for their big day.

Connecting the disconnected: Ohio groups coordinate to bring the Internet to rural Appalachia

Many rural Ohioans find that they do not have access to the Internet, and when they do, that the cost is prohibitive and bandwidth is restrictive. Nonprofit Connect Ohio is banding together with others to close the gap.

Steiner retires after 51 years

Carlton K. Steiner celebrated 51 years of service as he retired from Lowe and Young in December. A recognizable character in the community, Steiner prides himself on staying actively involved with young people through participation in FFA, fairs and the schools.

Wayne County Airport receives international award

The Wayne County Airport has received a prestigious international award for the design of its new, state-of-the-art runway lighting system.

Chamber honors community contributions

More than 800 members of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Greenbriar Party and Conference Centre in Wooster Jan. 19 to honor local businesses and civic leaders during the organization's 112th annual dinner meeting.

CSB announces promotion of Kevin McAllister

McAllister promoted to vice president, trust officer at The Commercial & Savings Bank.

Celebrate a new year at Local Roots

Local Roots Market and Cafe to celebrate anniversary with "Get Back To Your Roots" festival and birthday party.

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Church News & Events

Panhandling on the rise in Wooster

For at least a year, the north end of Wooster has been the host of panhandling. Efforts to directly assist them with food and other services by local churches and agencies have not been successful. The concern articulated by local churches is that the generosity of Wooster is being taken advantage...

Rev. George Johnson fills East Chip CoB pulpit Sunday

Special guest speaker to fill the pulpit at East Chippewa Church of the Brethren Jan. 1.

Dalton Presbyterian opens food pantry

Dalton Presbyterian Church is responding to tough economic times by opening a food pantry, hoping to help those in the community who are struggling. They welcome donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene products.

Orrville churches celebrate the season with Candlelight Tour

Two Orrville congregations opened their doors for the public to tour their historic church buildings and enjoy seasonal music during the city's first ever Candlelight Church Tour, organized by Main Street Orrville, Inc.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services announced

Smithville United Methodist has announced Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

Concert scheduled at Oak Grove Mennonite

Oak Grove Mennonite Church to perform Handel's Messiah.

Alternative Gift Market allows shoppers to support global humanitarian causes

Shoppers at the Alternative Gift Market discovered that the most meaningful gifts don't always come from a store.

Candlelit churches greet visitors to annual walking tour

Members of the community experienced the real meaning of Christmas Dec. 2 when Main Street Wooster hosted its annual Candlelight Walking Tour of Downtown Churches.

Smithville UM adult choir to perform

Smithville UM adult choir to perform.

Two Orrville churches featured during Candlelight Church Tour, Dec. 8

Two churches, as well as the Smith Orr Homestead are featured stops along the Candlelight Church Tour in downtown Orrville, presented by Main Street Orrville.

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Community News & Events

Dazzled by chocolate at Chocolate Daze in downtown Wooster

Downtown Wooster will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth with the sixth annual Chocolate Daze, Feb. 10-11. Retailers and restaurants will provide sweet treats and special sales as they welcome shoppers.

Couple sentenced to prison time in Holmes County burglaries

Pair entered Amish homes while occupants away at church.

Butters the beagle visits Orrville Lions Club

At a recent Lions Club meeting, everyone's softer side surfaced, as they reached down to talk to and pet Butters, the beagle.

Local Roots Café expands hours, menu

Local Roots has once again expanded their services to include longer café hours, a selection of freshly prepared "to-go" items, catering, box-lunches and more.

Woodworkers unite, relationships grow at Keim Lumber appreciation evening

Keim Lumber paid homage to their customers during the Woodworker's Appreciation Night Thursday, Jan. 26, in Charm.

Friendship Meals, Inc. welcomed new board members

Friendship Meals is offering a second meal to the community, free of charge, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the rented lower level of Orrville's Christ United Church of Christ.

Jazz quartet to entertain at OrrVilla

Standard Time Jazz will be performing on Monday, Feb. 6, at 2:30 p.m., at OrrVilla Retirement Community.

PNC announces appointment

PNC announces the appointment of James Pittman Jr. to vice president/agricultural banking.

Concert scheduled for Feb. 9 at OrrVilla Retirement Community

Willie and Rodi Longenecker will perform familiar hymns, country gospel and their own original gospel songs at OrrVilla Maple Terrace on Thursday, Feb. 9.

Wooster students earn All-American honors at Moot Court Nationals

Sixteen participants represent Wooster; eight achieve All-American status.

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Cooking News & Events

Local Roots Café expands hours, menu

Local Roots has once again expanded their services to include longer café hours, a selection of freshly prepared "to-go" items, catering, box-lunches and more.

Celebrate a new year at Local Roots

Local Roots Market and Cafe to celebrate anniversary with "Get Back To Your Roots" festival and birthday party.

Shop locally for your last-minute holiday gifts

You don't have to leave town to find the perfect Christmas gift this year. Just head to Local Roots where you can choose from a wide variety of unique, handcrafted gifts made right here in your community. December 17 is a great time to stop by, as it is Artisan Day.

Cookies at Wooster UMC

Cookie sale will benefit mission projects of the United Methodist Women.

Old-fashioned Christmas at Dalton Holidays Festival

Dalton Holidays Festival the coolest event in town.

Find fresh winter produce at Local Roots

Even though the outdoor farmers' market season is over, you can still find fresh, locally-grown winter produce at Local Roots.

No need to wreck the budget to enjoy a well-seasoned repast at Tarragon.

The staff at The Inn at Honey Run, including Executive Chef Scott Fetty, put a lot of thought into creating a name for their dining room, something that would reflect the cuisine created there - Tarragon.

Free Thanksgiving meal fills gap in the community

On Thursday, Nov. 24, Smithville United Methodist Church will host the first Community Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. Held to provide support and fellowship for community members that don't have family or the money to cook the meal, they are attempting to fill a gap in Wayne County.

Join Local Roots in thanking your local farmers this Thanksgiving

You can find almost everything you need for your holiday feast at Local Roots including plenty of produce, locally-made snacks, cider and baked goods. You can also order a locally raised turkey and pre-order specialty pies.

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Education News & Events

Wooster students earn All-American honors at Moot Court Nationals

Sixteen participants represent Wooster; eight achieve All-American status.

Parent-teacher conferences scheduled for Feb. 16 at WCSCC

Parent-teacher conferences will take place Thursday, Feb. 16, at the career center, from 4-8 p.m.

Wooster Speech and Debate team captures 25th straight district title

In a winning streak stretching back to 1988, the Wooster High School Speech and Debate team has captured its 25th straight district championship.

Student musicians shine at annual Tri-County Honors Band concert

Talented band members from high schools across Wayne, Holmes and Ashland counties shared the stage when the Tri-County Honors Band performed at McGaw Chapel on the campus of The College of Wooster Jan. 29.

First Wayne College International Festival a hit

Food, music and educational displays drew crows at the inaugural University of Akron Wayne College International Festival, Jan. 25.

WalK Hard...

Dave Mast recaps his year of walking with his wife.

Scholarship available

Scholarship available for Wayne County 2012 graduating senior who enrolls in a full-time career development program.

Top speech and debaters compete in Wooster

In the largest gathering of its kind in the state of Ohio, the top speech and debate competitors from across the state made their way to Wooster Jan. 21 for the annual Sharen B. Althoff Rotary Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament.

Wayne College welcomes new interim dean

Professor Neil Sapienza named interim dean.

Dressed for success at Wayne County Schools Career Center

Wayne County Schools Career Center hosted the Ohio Region 8 Business Professional of America Workplace Skills Judged Events Competition, Jan. 18.

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Family News & Announcements

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Health News & Events

All about cholesterol What your doctor warned you about

A lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking will be the best protection against getting high cholesterol.

Local Roots Café expands hours, menu

Local Roots has once again expanded their services to include longer café hours, a selection of freshly prepared "to-go" items, catering, box-lunches and more.

‘The Power of Community’ film showing and discussion

Learn how you can create positive change at a local level and help people feel more hopeful about the future. Join Local Roots and Wooster Area Transition for the screening of the film, "The Power of Community" at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

Strengthen your roots of health

Join Local Roots Market & Café in giving your 2012 a healthy start with a 10-week series of conversations and meals promoting healthy management through nutrition.

Something to chew on - the importance of maintaining dental health

For years many have lived under the misconception that dental health is separate from the rest of the body. Today, however, we know that keeping your mouth healthy is closely linked to overall physical health.

Celebrate a new year at Local Roots

Local Roots Market and Cafe to celebrate anniversary with "Get Back To Your Roots" festival and birthday party.

Wang opens new practice in Wooster

Wayne County's only female general surgeon is back from her time in New Zealand, where she practiced for a year. Now, Dr. Linda Wang is ready to see her patients once again, as part of Wooster Community Hospital's esteemed list of physicians.

Caregivers support a blessing to many

Caregivers don't usually stop and take proper care of themselves, but they are better able to care for someone else when they do.

Dunlap Community Hospital now Aultman Orrville Hospital

Dunlap Community Hospital now a subsidiary of Aultman Health Foundation.

The radiation dose in computed tomography (CT) scans

CT is an X-ray imaging technique that presents body structures in three dimensions.

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Obituaries

Kenneth Otto II

Kenneth E. Otto II, 69, of New Philadelphia, died Feb. 1, 2012, at Aultman Hospital.

Roman Beachy

Roman Beachy, 93, of Mt. Eaton, died unexpectedly Feb. 3, 2012, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, Fla.

Mary Hershberger

Mary Hershberger, 75, of Kidron, died Jan. 28, 2012, at her home, following a battle with cancer.
Mary was born April 5, 1936, in Wayne County, to the late Solomon I. and Malinda Miller. She married Noah D. Hershberger on Nov. 29, 1953. He survives.

Carolyn Ridenbaugh

Carolyn Faye Ridenbaugh, 72, of Millersburg, died peacefully Jan. 29, 2012, at Sycamore Run Nursing Home.
Carolyn was born June 24, 1939, in Holmes County, and was the daughter of the late Lee and Ada Knox. On July 14, 1956, she married Denver L. Ridenbaugh, and he survives.

Monroe Mast

Deacon Monroe I. Mast, 94, of Wilmot, died peacefully Jan. 25, 2012, surrounded by his family, following a period of declining health.

Anna Coblentz

Anna Coblentz, 87, of Millersburg, died Jan. 18, 2012, following an extended illness.
Anna was born July 29, 1924, in Millersburg, the daughter of the late Sam B. and Susie Weaver. On Dec. 20, 1945, she married Benjamin J. Coblentz, who preceded her in death in 2010.

Raymond Miller

Raymond D. Miller, 79, of Millersburg, died peacefully Jan. 23, 2012, at his home, following a brief illness.

Fred Hostetler

Fred Hostetler, 88, of Millersburg, died unexpectedly Jan. 19, 2012, of a heart attack, en route to Pomerene Hospital.

Arminda Galford

Arminda Galford, 94, of Killbuck, died Jan. 17, 2012, at Glendora Health Care Center, Wooster, following an extended illness.

Kenneth Geiser

Kenneth D. Geiser, 60, of Wooster, died Jan. 21, 2012, at Wooster Community Hospital.

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Opinion News

Garage sale tips for the dead of winter

It may be cold outside, but Melissa has warm thoughts about the upcoming garage sale season.

Back to the 60s, if only for an evening

Bruce Stambaugh writes about nature, weather, hobbies and people, often using personal experiences. Much to their dismay, he also writes about his family. He uses humor and pathos when he can't think of anything else to include.

God opens some doors and closes others

Struggling with loads of laundry, clutter in the kitchen and chaos in your life? Stress can easily steal our joy. Trish Berg reminds us to simplify the small stuff and find Joy in the Journey.

Earn (and keep) more of your money

If you receive monthly Social Security or SSI payments, you received a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment beginning with your payment for the month of January 2012.

Environmental regulations aim to prevent pollution from oil tank spills

The U.S. EPA and all 50 states have a wide variety of water pollution laws that prohibit a person from allowing oil to spill from tanks into streams, lakes and other water bodies.

Canned salmon good for omega-3s

Canned salmom-Does it have the same health benefits from omega-3 fatty acids?

I’m the mother of a junior Roger Ebert

Tami Lange has seen fighting robots, tail-less dolphins and one-armed surfers and has left the theater a bit happier because of it.

There are reasons to miss the snow

Ohioan's have a love-hate relationship with winter. We love the beauty of the freshly fallen, but hate the salted, slushy aftermath. And in the middle of a summer heat wave, we miss the snow.

2011 tax filing requirements for seniors

This Savvy Senior column includes a breakdown of the 2011 income tax filing requirements, along with a few other tax tips to help you determine if you need to file.

Another amazing week of January birding

Columnist Bruce Glick summarizes happenings in the local birding world. This week Bruce writes about more rare birds discovered during this unusual January.

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Political News & Events

Congressional mobile office rolls into Wooster

Congressman Jim Renacci's staff set up shop at the Wayne County Public Library Jan. 23 to assist constituents with problems.

Agreements with labor unions helping city/county deal with tough economic times

By agreeing to multiyear wage freezes, local labor unions are helping the city and county get through tough economic times.

Secretary Husted receives additional signatures for citizen-initiated dog auctions statute

Secretary of State announces 4,086 signatures submitted from petitioners.

Lieutenant governor discusses future of Ohio’s insurance industry

One of Ohio's significant industries will be affected by the federal health care reform plan.

Fifteen-year-old Amish girl shot while driving her buggy

A 15-year-old Fredericksburg Amish girl died from a Thursday night shooting while driving her buggy home on a county road.

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor to hold public discussion

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor will be at the Wooster YMCA, Monday, Dec. 12.

Renacci: Veterans Day a time to reflect and thank those who have served

Rep. Jim Renacci gives a statement regarding Veterans Day.

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Public Records

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Local Calendar of Events



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