Good morning, Wooster.

Chase Williams manages Black Oak Restaurant on Portage Road where customers can enjoy a range of entrees made from scratch — a specialty that highlights local flavors.

Skylar Brook Farm in Orrville transformed from a failing dairy into a diverse business offering Christmas trees, alpaca fiber, and event hosting.

Owners Dave and Christy Forrer began planting trees in 2006 and added alpacas in 2007 to show farms can support varied operations + energize local agriculture.

The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 that will boost Ohio benefit payments by up to $176 million per month; Social Security checks will begin in January and SSI payments will be sent on Dec.

31 (notifications will be viewable online in late November).

The Austin-Bailey Foundation is marking 30 years of supporting local health programs with over $11 million in grants and $790,000 in scholarships.

It funds Beacon Charitable Pharmacy, Pegasus Farm and clinics in Stark County and surrounding areas to boost medication access and health education.

Hiland boys golf team competed at NorthStar Golf Course near Sunbury on Oct.

12-13 & secured fourth place after a three-hole struggle on day two. Senior Andrew Beun earned first-team All-Ohio honors in a season marked by near misses for a state title.

Hiland senior Olivia Miller broke the school’s career digs record during IVC play on Oct.

13 as the Hawks swept Sandy Valley 25-6, 25-13, 25-17.

Hiland girls soccer beat West Holmes 2-1 on Oct.

13 as Italee Mullet scored twice in the first half to put Hiland ahead before West Holmes tied the game with a late goal. The win extends Hiland’s three-game streak heading into tournament play.

West Holmes beat Ashland 42-21 on Oct.

9 as Parsons threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns while Blake had three interceptions. The girls cross country team placed second at the Wayne/Holmes Invitational on Oct. 10 with Ava Reiheld setting a school record of 18:06.9.