Tuscarawas County roundup: News from the Dover-New Philadelphia region

The Times-Reporter
·5 min read
New Philadelphia Fire Department dive team members respond Tuesday to a call for a reported body in the Tuscarawas River near Buehler's Fresh Foods. All that was found were blobs of river foam. The scene was eventually cleared after the dive team made several passes up and down river.
New Philadelphia Fire Department dive team members respond Tuesday to a call for a reported body in the Tuscarawas River near Buehler's Fresh Foods. All that was found were blobs of river foam. The scene was eventually cleared after the dive team made several passes up and down river.

Local author at Dover library

DOVER – Mike Gunther, retired English teacher and adjunct professor, will launch his book “Views from the Hot Seat” at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the community room of the Dover Public Library, 525 N. Walnut St.

The book is a collection of 64 entries written from 2013 to 2022 and displayed in chronological order. Gunther shares his thoughts, opinions, and recollections focusing on a variety of topics ranging in part from high school sports, childhood, education, and occasional political observations, as well as personal revelations.

Gunther, a Dover resident, spent 44 years teaching students to appreciate the roles of writing and reading in their lives. Register for the program at www.doverlibrary.org/events or call the library at 330-343-6123.

Santa at Dover library Saturday

DOVER – Santa Claus will visit the Dover Public Library, 525 Walnut St., at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Each child will receive a book and have a chance to speak to Santa. Kids can also take a picture with Santa after he reads a story to those attending. For more information, call the library at 330-343-6123.

Writers group, poets group, Trivia Night this week

DOVER − The Writers Critique Group will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the community room of the Dover Public Library, 525 N. Walnut Street.

This group meets on the third Thursday of each month. Anyone is invited to join other writers to critique each other's work and to receive support and encouragement. Participants are asked to bring a short story, poem or sample of one's current project.

The Poets Group will meet in the library's community room from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday. Anyone can join. Participants can share their work and receive critique from fellow poets.

The December Trivia Night at the Dover Library will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Everyone is welcome to join in the friendly trivia competition. Prizes will be provided for members of the winning team.

For more information on any of these events, contact the Dover Public Library at 330-343-6123.

Christmas cheer can be seen hanging from a grain silo on a farm along Winklepleck Road NW in Sugarcreek Township.
Christmas cheer can be seen hanging from a grain silo on a farm along Winklepleck Road NW in Sugarcreek Township.

Indian Valley superintendent recognized for leadership

GNADENHUTTEN – Ira Wentworth, superintendent of Indian Valley Local Schools, was recently recognized by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators with an Exemplary Leadership Award.

The group recognized leaders from each of their 10 regions of Ohio. Wentworth was nominated by colleagues for the Region 7 award. Wentworth was first presented the award at the BASA Fall Conference in October in Columbus. BASA Executive Director Dr. David Axner visited the Indian Valley Local Schools Board of Education meeting in October to present the award.

Criteria for selection include professional work at both the local and state level to advance opportunities for students and the education profession. Since 2013, Wentworth has served on multiple regional and state education committees, has testified to committees of the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives regarding educational legislative issues, and has served on various local committees and boards for the advancement of local initiatives.

MWCD receives statewide marketing awards

NEW PHILADELPHIA − The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has received recognition for achievement in marketing and advertising at the Ohio Travel Association’s RUBY Awards presentation, held recently at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky.

The district received awards for Radio Advertisement, Print Advertisement, Television Advertisement, and Annual Report. Accepting the award were Adria Bergeron, director of marketing and communications, and Ethan Zucal, engagement and outreach coordinator.

The Ohio Travel Association’s RUBY Awards recognize excellence in Ohio’s hospitality and tourism industry. In this year’s competition, the Recognizing Uncommon Brilliance Yearly (RUBY) Awards had 184 entries in 17 categories. The awards, sponsored by Ohio Magazine, were presented during the Ohio Conference on Tourism.

High school choirs to perform Christmas concert

NEW PHILADELPHIA − The New Philadelphia High School choirs will present their annual “Gift to the Community” Christmas Concert at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the New Philadelphia First Baptist Church, 878 Commercial Ave. SW.

This concert will feature all seven of the high school choirs singing favorite holiday songs. The concert is free.

Sparr is new president at SimpleQuE

NEW PHILADELPHIA − Jim Lee, former president and now CEO of simpleQuE, recently announced the promotion of Deanne Sparr from executive vice president/COO to president.

Sparr’s background includes working for a certification body for over a decade as a lead auditor for four business standards, and a project manager for sales development, while operating her consulting business for seven years. Sparr, of New Philadelphia, has worked extensively in the automotive industry and was a quality assurance manager at an automotive company.

SimpleQuE is an industry leader in ISO-based automotive, aerospace and manufacturing quality management system consulting, internal auditing, and training.

Food and toy collection Monday

DENNISON − Food and new toy donations will be accepted for Claymont Community Christmas from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Dennison gazebo.

The food and toy drive is part of the annual Christmas program in which Claymont High School leads the district in providing Christmas for district families. The program will benefit 11 families with 23 children.

During the donation collection Monday, the Dotts String Quartet will provide music, Claymont High School Band and Choir will perform at 6:30 p.m., Santa and the Grinch will make an appearance, and free hot cocoa and cookies will be available. Attendees also can see Dennison firetrucks, make an ornament and visit with Claymont's facility dog at the Dennison Library.

Winter Wonderland at retirement community

WALNUT CREEK − Walnut Hills Retirement Community will host a Winter Wonderland drive-thru holiday light display from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Jan 1.

The event is free. The Winter Wonderland displays will be near the Assisted Living and Nursing Home buildings and drives, with yard signs directing visitors along the route. There will be a live Nativity scene the evening of Dec. 17. The Farm at Walnut Creek will provide animals, and volunteers will portray key figures in the scene.

The Winter Wonderland drive-thru starts at the Assisted Living entrance, at 4770 Olde Pump St. Visit the Walnut Hills Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/walnuthillsliving, for more details and updates.

Several businesses, organizations, and sponsors have come together to create the Winter Wonderland light displays.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Tuscarawas County roundup: News from the Dover-New Philadelphia region