Scenes from the 2026 Portage County Randolph Fair

Sep 4, 2026 — By Jeremy Brown

The 168th Portage County Randolph Fair took place at the end of August with all the customary entertainment that makes the event a success year after year: the junior fair, including 4-H and FFA agricultural shows, rides, food, games, music, tractor pulls and much more.

Brimfield Local government

Brimfield to put fire levy on November ballot amid financial struggles

Sep 4, 2026 — By Wendy DiAlesandro

Brimfield Township is in financial trouble, but exactly how deep the hole is, who’s responsible and what to do about it remain unknown.

Events

The work behind Portage County’s corn mazes

Sep 4, 2026 — By Kayla Gleason

As summer winds down, Dussel Farm is already looking ahead to fall. For the owners of the Portage County farm, preparing for fall means rebranding its activities.

Events

The Portager 2026 Fall Events Guide

Sep 4, 2026 — By Staff Report

Here's a list of everything happening in Portage County this fall.

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Opinion Rooted Ramblings

Rooted Ramblings: The origin of plant names

Sep 4, 2026 — By Master Gardener Volunteers

The Bard said, “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Yet the names people in the past gave to the common plants in our gardens were rarely arbitrary.

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Obituaries

Portage County obituaries for Sept. 2-3, 2026

Sep 4, 2026 — By Staff Report

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Events Randolph

Portage County Shepherds awarded for conservation efforts

Sep 2, 2026 — By Submitted

The Portage County Shepherds 4-H group was presented with a conservation award at the 2026 Portage County Randolph Fair.

Shalersville

Who is the Shalersville Strong group organizing local data center resistance?

Sep 2, 2026 — By Wendy DiAlesandro

Standing room-only crowds at Shalersville Town Hall don’t faze local hairstylist Tiffany Olson.

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Obituaries

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2026

Sep 2, 2026 — By Staff Report

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

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Opinion Local government Brimfield

Around Brimfield: The long-awaited opening of the Kame-Esker Bog

Aug 31, 2026 — By Shirley Mars

An exciting and highly anticipated event finally happened — the opening of the newest Portage County park, right here in Brimfield — the Kame-Esker Bog! Who is it named after? The correct question is WHAT is it named after?

Hiram Mantua Windham

County roundup: Grand opening scheduled for Crestwood Community Center, plus news from Hiram and Windham

Aug 31, 2026 — By Roger Gordon

The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate the grand opening and relocation of the Crestwood Community Center (CCC).

Opinion

Baker: Bearing witness

Aug 31, 2026 — By Kathy Baker

I see you. I am here for you. I will not turn away. You matter to me. These words are an example of what it means to “bear witness.” We see — we witness — many things in our everyday lives, but bearing witness is something else.

Obituaries