Star Beacon

ASHTABULA — After a seven-year hiatus, the Ashtabula County Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded during a face to face event Friday during a luncheon at Andrus Party Center. Janie Gildersleeve was given a plaque and a bouquet for her efforts in the community. She was chosen from 9 candidates ranging in age from 66 to 85 for their service to the community, said Lisa Bruckman, director of the Center for Active Living in Ashtabula who helped coordinate the event.

MOGADORE — The Mogadore Wildcats have made the OHSAA football playoffs 39 times, more than all but five other programs, and the formula has changed very little in that time. That was never more evident than on Friday night as the Wildcats defeated Pymatuning Valley 38-7. A veteran Mogadore squad held control against a smaller, younger Lakers (3-4) squad, holding PV to just 44 yards in the first half while rolling up a 38-0 lead.

MADISON TOWNSHIP — A plan to increase truck parking along Interstate 90 is seeing some concrete results as dirt is being moved just west of the Ashtabula County line. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s office announced a plan in 2025 for more parking throughout the state, especially along Interstate 90. The announcement detailed the growth in the economy and truck traffic, leading to a lack of places to park for those transporting goods through the state.

DENMARK TOWNSHIP — The Northeast Ohio Regional Airport continues to adjust to the aviation needs of the area, with numerous major projects underway. The airport was created in 1967 with slightly more than half a million dollars, and has grown into a facility valued at more than $108 million, according to information provided by the airport. The original funds to create the airport included $210,216 in federal aviation funds, $212,540 in local funds, and $100,000 in state money.

ANDOVER TOWNSHIP — Students and staff at Pymatuning Valley Primary School were treated to an apple and a visit from Munch the Fox Friday morning. The apples came from Brant’s Apple Orchard and were a part of “Apple Crunch Month” at part of National Farm to School Month, said Pymatuning Valley Local Schools Food Service Supervisor Jodie Fetters.

GENEVA — The city is a finalist for the Environmental Champion Award, to be announced Oct. 8 at a dinner in Columbus, according to a press release from Power a Clean Future Ohio. The organization works with governments across the state providing resources that assist counties, cities, townships and villages as they seek to deal with environmental issues that face Ohio communities.

AUSTINBURG TOWNSHIP — As the nation celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, the First United Church of Christ is celebrating its 225th anniversary. A variety of activities are planned for the month of October, ranging from World Communion Sunday, with an international flavor and a 4 p.m. organ concert with Frank Behne III performing on the piano and organ, according to a press release from the church.

ASHTABULA — New trash and recycling routes are being rolled out on Oct., 12, 2026, according to a press release from City Manager Jim Timonere. “Trash and recycling totes are headed our way to complete curbside recycling throughout the city,” the release states. “We’re making changes to our pickup routes ahead of the tote rollout to work out any issues which may arise. The new routes will begin on Monday, October 12, 2026.

SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — On a night where early on it looked like the Saint John offense would simply run away with the game against Richmond Heights, the Heralds defense had to step up in the final minute. Richmond Heights receiver Ashton Lee could not get his feet down in the back of the end zone on the potential game-winning reception, allowing Saint John to escape with a 28-22 win in non-conference football action at Lakeside High School.

Signature Health’s Ashtabula Area Child Advocacy Center is partnering with local school districts to train community members to recognize and report child abuse. The outreach is part of the AACAC’s new initiative, Safe Kids Ashtabula, Coordinator Dani Weiser-Cline said. “The idea sprang from the fact that I, as an outsider coming into the AACAC, noticed that there has not been a comprehensive child abuse prevention program in the county,” she said.