- Submitted. Ohio is a state that offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a great place to call home.
Judge Mark Fankhauser remembered for ‘service,’ ‘integrity,’ ‘enduring love’
- Adriana Gasiewski. After he unexpectedly died on Feb. 15, Mark Fankhauser, a longtime Portage County Municipal judge, is remembered for his ambition, passion and commitment, not only to his community but also to his family.
Village of Mantua, Crestwood Local Schools clash over school resource officer hire
- Wendy DiAlesandro. The Village of Mantua has been saying for months that it has hired a full-time school resource officer for Crestwood Local Schools, but school officials aren’t on board.
Marijuana revenue adds unexpected funds to three cities in county
- Wendy DiAlesandro. Three Portage County cities are seeing green, but it has nothing to do with the approach of St. Patrick’s Day.
County roundup: Paris plans to streamline community alerts, plus news from Rootstown
- Roger Gordon. The Paris Township Trustees approved the use of Savvy Citizen, a free, PA-based, one-way communication app and service that allows local governments, including various townships and boroughs, to send alerts about community events, road closures and important news directly to residents via smartphone notifications, text messages or email.
Rootstown Lions Club Chili Cook-off a hit in its fifth year
- Abigail Kress. Community members and businesses across Rootstown Township came together for the Rootstown Township Lions Club 5th Annual Chili Cook Off.
One for the Books: Retelling Greek legends
- Mary Louise Ruehr. Myths are among the world’s oldest stories, and the Greeks had some fantastic tales. These were usually based on the deeds of the gods, who were often mean and sometimes downright horrible. There are plenty of modern retellings of the stories, and I found these three particularly fun.
Portage County obituaries for Feb. 20-22, 2026
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Grazers Restaurant in Kent to hold farewell open house before closing for good
- Jeremy Brown. Grazers Restaurant in Kent will permanently close on Saturday, Feb. 21.
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County judge says commissioners aren’t giving the court enough space
- Wendy DiAlesandro. Portage County Domestic Relations Court Judge Paula Giulitto on Feb. 17 filed a judgement entry against the county commissioners, alleging they have failed to provide the DR Court with sufficient space to do its job.
Documenters: Ravenna Township Trustees meeting for Feb. 17, 2026
- Noell Wolfgram Evans. Coia shared an update on a $2 million neighborhood grant. The hope is that it will pay for about two-thirds of the hookups to the sewer lines in the allotted area. He also said he has been working on the township dinner, which will be held in August. Space has been reserved at the Elks and a caterer has been procured.
Around Randolph: Imagining futures
- Sandy Engle. Last fall, a tragic incident at Waterloo High School left Chastity grief-stricken. She contacted Representative Heidi Workman, who calmly listened to Chastity’s concerns. Now, Heidi and Chastity frequently converse regarding ways to help teens be more resilient and by engaging in service work Chastity has rediscovered joy!
Rooted Ramblings: To prune or not to prune? That is... not the question!
- Master Gardener Volunteers. Many homeowners do not know when or how to prune— so they don’t. Not pruning is a big mistake. We may think it is wrong to remove healthy growth, but just the opposite is true. If you want to minimize disease and insect pressure during the growing season without pesticides, then proper pruning is a must. But what is proper pruning? Let’s explore the when, why, and how of pruning.
Portage County obituaries for Feb. 18-19, 2026
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
