- Sandy Engle. “Show me your cemeteries, and I will show what kind of people you have.” The oldest organization in Randolph, the Ladies Cemetery Association, is taking that quote to heart and is in the midst of restoring Sand Hill Cemetery, which is the oldest part of Hillside Cemetery.
Ohio Outdoors: May is for mayapples
- Julie Watson. Mayapples are popping up all over Portage County. These small forest floor plants native across the eastern United States and Canada, and are one of my favorites.
Portage County obituaries for May 11-12, 2026
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
AI Companions and Small-Town Life: Can Virtual Chatbots Help People Feel Less Alone?
- Submitted. Loneliness does not always announce itself. It can be quiet. It can look like a retired man eating dinner alone every night. A student at Kent State scrolling through contacts but not wanting to bother anyone. A young parent sitting in the driveway for a few extra minutes before going inside. A remote worker who realizes the only voice they heard all afternoon came from a podcast. In a small community, that kind of loneliness can feel especially strange. After all, small towns are supposed to be connected. People wave from cars. They recognize each other at the grocery store. They know whose kid plays baseball, whose roof was damaged in the storm, whose dog got loose last week. But being known is not always the same as feeling understood. That is where a new kind of technology has entered the conversation: AI companions. Not as a cure for loneliness. Not as a replacement for neighbors, friends, family or counselors. But as one more tool people are beginning to use when they need to talk, practice what to say, or simply feel less alone for a little while.
Brimfield has never paid Kent for its $44,000-a-year dispatch contract
- Wendy DiAlesandro. How is it that the City of Kent has been providing free dispatching service for Brimfield Township fire and EMS for years?
Ravenna Parks and Rec plans Summer Celebration, concert and more
- Wendy DiAlesandro. Sun Beau Valley Event Center (formerly Sunbeau Valley Farm) will be the site of two events this summer, both hosted by Ravenna’s Parks and Recreation Department.
County roundup: Officials consider Nelson/Garrettsville JEDD; plus Hiram, Mantua and Windham news
- Roger Gordon. Garrettsville Village Council President Tom Hardesty and Council Member John Brachna recently presented the opportunity to form a Joint Economic Development District between Garrettsville and Nelson Township.
Portage County obituaries for May 8-10, 2026
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Kent State cancels trial agreement with Flock Safety after pushback
- Wendy DiAlesandro. Kent State University’s administration and police had intended to use license plate readers on campus, but reversed themselves after public outcry became apparent.
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Round Two: Notes on notes
- Tom Hardesty. One constant of my 40 years in journalism is that each day has been a new adventure. Or, many times, a misadventure. Things I didn’t expect to happen, things I never dreamed could happen, things I’ll never forget whether I want to or not.
Rooted Ramblings: So many plants, so little time
- Master Gardener Volunteers. I love spring! There’s that fresh fragrance in the air. The beautiful early flowers and the new bird songs added to our winter bird songs. But best of all are the plant sales! Nurseries, greenhouses, home stores, garden clubs, master gardeners, plant swaps, and even your neighbor down the street.
Around Suffield: Fresh flowers and produce for sale this weekend
- pauline1557808. The Suffield Lions Club will hold its Annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale on Saturday, May 9. The sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until sold out. The Lions will be outside at the Suffield Town Hall located at the corner of St. Rt. 43 and Route 224. This will make it an easy drive-by pick up.
Portage County obituaries for May 6-7, 2026
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Extreme weather risks are growing in Northeast Ohio
- Wendy DiAlesandro. If recent weather seems wonky, that’s because it is. That’s the word from Portage County Emergency Management Agency Director Ryan Shackelford, whose job it is to track potential disasters and help communities respond to them.