County roundup: Hiram launches Village Pass to connect town and gown, plus news from Freedom, Garrettsville, Nelson, Mantua and Windham

The Village of Hiram recently launched the Village Pass, a collaboration between the village and Hiram College. Hiram residents who purchase a Village Pass have access to the college’s athletic facilities and other events on campus. In return, Village Pass members must commit to supporting the college in a variety of ways. They can choose their flavor of choice: supporting the garden club, the theater, an athletic team or hosting out-of-state students. There is a large array of things a member can do.

“Essentially, this becomes a vehicle to help students who might gain a lot from the support of village residents,” Mayor Anne Haynam said. “A lot of village residents want to help the college, and this creates a way for them to do it.”