Roundup of community news and events from the Dover-New Philadelphia area

Legislation for Tuscarawas Valley Memorial Highway moves forward

COLUMBUS − The Ohio House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 213, legislation designating a portion of Interstate 70 in Etna Township, Licking County, as the Tuscarawas Valley Memorial Highway, according to state Rep. Kevin Miller’s office.

The designation honors John Mosley, Katelyn Owens, Jeffery Worrell, Dave Kennat, Kristy Gaynor, and Shannon Wigfield, students and chaperones from Tuscarawas Valley High School who lost their lives in a crash on Nov. 14, 2023, while on their way to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus. The band was scheduled to perform at the conference. The legislation was sponsored by Miller and Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar). The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

Power of Perspective advocates for those with developmental disabilities

NEW PHILADELPHIA − Jordyn Zimmerman and the Chris Nikic Team will offer their journeys and insights during an open event to promote advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. The Power of Perspective will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16, at the Kent State University Performing Arts Center and is hosted by the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Doors open at 9 a.m. with Zimmerman speaking from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by lunch. The Chris Nikic Team presentation is 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. followed by speaker Nate Kamban.

Reservations are required and can be made at forms.office.com/r/EBGu4mvmwk. A pasta bar and garden salad will be provided for lunch. For more information on TuscBDD’s programs and services, visit www.tuscbdd.org. For more information on the presenters visit jordynzimmerman.com and chrisnikic.com.

Be part of the 2026 visitors guide

NEW PHILADELPHIA − The Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau is finalizing the 2026 Visitors Guide, which will focus on events, activities and information surrounding the 250 anniversary of the nation. To have an event listed, call 800-527-3387 or visit traveltusc.com.

William Shultz takes Best of Show in art exhibition

NEW PHILADELPHIA − Dr. William Shultz won Best of Show for his stone carving, Heading Up Stream, during the Tuscarawas County Art Guild’s 2025 Fall Art Exhibition.

Other winners included Patty Foster, Jason Hershberger, William Koch, Betty Liptak, and Stephanie Space, who received an Award of Excellence; Dennis Jones, Steve Muhs, Don O’Grady, Tim Sidel, and Peggy Sibila, who received an Award of Merit; and Terry Barnhill, Jackie Holan, Andy Liptak, and Michelle Wittensoldner, who received an Honorable Mention.

The exhibition was juried by Tuscarawas County resident Arthur “Skip” Limbach, a former professor at Kent State University, a member of the Ohio Arts Council, and a lifelong artist. The exhibition will remain on display until Dec. 13, at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts, 461 Robinson Drive SE.

CPR classes on Dec. 4

DOVER − Staff members of Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital will lead a CPR class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Dover Public Library. Class size is limited and registration is required. Participants must be 12 years or older and minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. To register, call 330-602-0779.

Minerva Elementary earns PBIS award

MINERVA − Minerva Elementary School has been honored with the PBIS Silver Award by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. This recognition celebrates the school’s success in implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a framework that fosters a positive and safe learning environment for all students. The school was one of 129 across the state that received the Silver Award for its dedication to its three main rules – be safe, be responsible and be respectful.

The Ohio PBIS Recognition System, managed by the Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio PBIS Network, acknowledges schools and districts for the quality and fidelity of their PBIS implementation. PBIS is an evidence-based system that uses proactive, data-informed practices to improve academic, social, and behavioral outcomes.

Nominations sought for Sandy Valley Distinguished Alumni Award

MAGNOLIA − The Sandy Valley Local Schools Alumni Association will be accepting nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Award. Applications open Dec. 1 and close March 1, 2026. The award recognizes outstanding alumni and staff who have gone above and beyond in their professional and personal endeavors, benefiting their profession, community, and others. A selection committee will review the nominations.

Award recipients are honored at the induction ceremony during the Sandy Valley High School’s annual scholarship banquet, held on the first Saturday in May. Nominees must have graduated from Sandy Valley High School at least 10 years prior or have been employed by Sandy Valley Local Schools for a minimum of 10 years. Posthumous nominations are accepted. Nominees cannot nominate themselves and nominations are retained for three years. For applications and more information regarding requirements, visit www.sandyvalleylocal.org/alumni or call 330-866-3339.

Meetings

● The Tuscarawas County Board of Elections meeting for Dec. 1 has been canceled. Its next meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 15.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Roundup of community news from the Dover-New Philadelphia area