Gary Stone looks forward to serving Kent as new police chief
When Gary Stone was 10 years old, his mother was driving down the New York State Thruway when a flat tire caused her to pull over and tie a handkerchief around the radio antenna.
County roundup: Shalersville will dedicate Veterans Point, plus news from Aurora and Ravenna
A dedication for the new Veterans Point will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Shalersville Park. This marks a major milestone in the township’s ongoing efforts to honor local veterans and enhance community spaces.
Senior Life: Brainstorming senior programs we should have Portage County
If I had had any input into the senior needs assessment for their consideration (and I was not asked), I would have put a priority on a program to help senior citizens remain in their own homes.
Portage County obituaries for Aug. 14-16, 2026
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Shalersville holds off on zoning changes to allow a data center
Emotions ran high during an Aug. 12 Regional Planning Commission meeting, when area residents once again packed Shalersville Town Hall to object to a proposed data center campus.
Streetsboro says no to Flock cameras
Streetsboro City Council on Aug. 10 rejected the use of Flock cameras, with several council members objecting to their accuracy, effectiveness and potential misuse.
Fuerst Automotive: A local mainstay and a family legacy
Cliff Philen was repairing transmissions in Kent before Mitch Stout was born. Now, 45 years later, both men work in the same six-bay garage — Philen as the master drivetrain specialist, Mitch as the general manager who came home after two years rebuilding Rolls-Royces in Florida.
Portage County obituaries for Aug. 12-13, 2026
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
The Setlist: Portage County live music for Aug. 12-18
This week I would like to recognize a band with over 55 years of contributions to the local music scene, the incomparable 15-60-75, aka The Numbers Band.
Get The Portager for free
Join over 7,000 people reading our free email to find out what's going on in Portage County.
- Three issues per week
- Be the first to know about new tax levies, community events, construction projects and more.
- 100% local
- We only cover Portage County. No distracting national politics or clickbait headlines.
Kent council member Turner hopes to return after long illness
Absent from his duties since March 18, Kent Councilman Robin Turner said he hopes to return to council meetings by the end of the month.
Around Garrettsville: Help fundraisers for your local churches and theater
The Knights of Columbus of St. Ambrose Church will host a steak dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at the St. Ambrose Church’s Hall, 10692 Freedom St., in Garrettsville.
Portage County obituaries for Aug. 10-11, 2026
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Around Charlestown: Up close with nature at the Charlestown Summer Festival and Cruise In
If you didn't make it out to the 23rd Annual Charlestown Summer Festival and Cruise In, you missed a fun afternoon. The winner of the Grand Prize Raffle, which included a Blackstone Grill, a $150 Duma Meat gift card and grill accessories was Susan Robenstine.
County roundup: Meet the candidates in Paris, plus news from Edinburg, Franklin and Rootstown
A “Meet the Candidates Day” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Shearer Community Center at 9355 Newton Falls Rd.