As America’s baby boomer generation ages, assisted living facilities are in increasing demand. Kent and Streetsboro are each gaining facilities: Kent, on South Water Street, and Streetsboro, at Market Square Drive and Route 43.
Ohio’s U.S. senators split on a foreign aid package that will be key to sending weapons and equipment to war-torn Ukraine this week.
Too much month left at the end of your money? Unexpected expenses? Maybe the St. Vincent de Paul Society can help.
Keeping the community’s celebration of Earth Day going, the Davey Tree Expert Co. and The Battleground restaurant in Kent have teamed up to offer a Davey Tree Double IPA.
With 2024 marking my 30-year anniversary of covering sports in Portage County, I figured I’d take a walk down memory lane and look back at the years I spent covering high school track and field (and cross country, too, since it’s pretty much the same coaches and athletes). The stories are endless, but I thought I’d cull a few of my favorites for Round Two.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Bell tent glamping — or glamourous camping — has become a popular pastime among campers who want to experience nature with comfortable beds, nightstands and coffee tables.
Wow! The Windham area was hit by a violent storm/tornado! I am very blessed; my houses and buildings are fine.
The Federal Administration for Community Living has designated May as Older American Month. They have made this designation “to encourage our neighbors across the nation to prioritize meaningful relations, connecting older Americans with local services such as transportation, and to encourage older adults to engage in community events, social clubs and to volunteer.”
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Windham Township continues to deal with the aftermath of the EF-1 tornado that ripped through farm and residential areas April 17. The storm damaged numerous homes and displaced families. You can help the community recover.
Mogadore’s annual Shred Day and Food Drive will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4 in the police department parking lot at 135 S. Cleveland Ave. Fitting Tax & Financial is sponsoring the event. Non-perishable food items will be accepted. The food will be donated to charity.
Wildfires are affecting us all now, even here in Northeast Ohio. Last summer the smoke from the Canadian fires drifted down to our airspace, setting off alerts to take caution...
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
In just minutes, a tornado decimated a Windham neighborhood Wednesday evening, and it was over before some residents even made it to the basement.
Two Atwater women participated in a real-life Forrest Gump run Friday, April 12, when they joined U.S. Navy lieutenant Paul Johnson on his cross-country run.
After months of debate, Kent City Council on Wednesday, April 17, approved new ward maps that will be effective with the 2025 primary elections.
Kent residents pressured city council Wednesday, April 17, to lift its moratorium on adult-use cannabis operators, testing labs and individuals required by the state to be licensed, but city leaders are still pressing the pause button.
I really appreciated the packed house at Wednesday's Kent City Council meeting. Thanks to many many folks who came to speak in support of recreational weed in Kent. It was inspiring, especially to see many generations represented in the room. But I'd like to unpack the issue because, unfortunately, there was a lot of misinformation flying around that I feel needs addressed.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
For the second time in less than a decade, a Village of Mogadore employee has been accused of theft in office.
Ohio voters approved Issue 2 in November’s general election, but there’s still nowhere in Kent to legally purchase recreational marijuana.
What do you do when a once in a lifetime event is happening? You plan a party, right? That's exactly what I did! An eclipse party!
The first-ever Pirate Community Day is almost here. Come to Southeast High School at 8423 Tallmadge Rd. on Tuesday, April 23 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Southeast track. The event begins at 4 p.m.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
A recent film revealing the firsthand experiences of Black people who faced racism, segregation and poverty in the McElrath and Skeels neighborhoods of Ravenna during the 20th century will be screened in Kent this week.
City council received permission to advertise for bids to tear down the old water tank off state Route 14. A new water tank will be built and will hold a little less water and be raised off the ground.
So we had a mouse in our house. I can't stand it. I'm deathly afraid of mice. Horrified, mortified. That old line about they're more afraid of you than you are of them is a just a load of hooey. For the most part, seeing a mouse isn't how you know you have one.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Three weeks ago, Facebook disabled the Kent League of Women Voters page, leaving its members mystified.
Longtime political activist — and current Republican candidate for Portage County Clerk of Courts — Brian Ames is suing the county commissioners for an alleged breach of Ohio’s open meetings laws.
After several chilly days, I thought I’d take advantage of some spring-like weather on the eve of our eagerly anticipated eclipse. My plan was to get in a 30-mile bike ride before setting up for an evening concert I’d helped organize. A few weeks ago, I bought a new pair of tires that promised high performance, combined with flat resistance. Everything seemed perfect.
Big news – Karen’s Hair Design is relocating! Karen is moving her beauty salon to the Medical Arts Building at 6693 N. Chestnut St., across from Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna. She plans to move when remodeling is completed around May-ish.
To be on the Excellence Roll, students must have earned a grade point average of 4.0 or above for the third nine weeks.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Garage Sale Weekend is just around the corner, May 17-19 is the big weekend to join all the other garage sellers. You can now register online at 44231.org/shop. There is also a form in The Villager.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Below are the testimonies and photos of Portage County residents who viewed the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Edinburg Township is still looking into building a new fire station. The township’s ideal location for it would be near where the current fire station is but closer to the intersection of state routes 14 and 18.
Garrettsville Cinema will remain open thanks to an unexpected gesture from its new landlord. The locally owned theater had been at risk of closure after the building changed ownership.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
A school bus stops. Its lights flash and the familiar stop sign flicks out from the driver’s side as children exit or enter the bus. Suddenly a vehicle goes around the bus, either not noticing or simply ignoring the many commands to stop.
Each year, Kent State University community members and visitors gather on the Kent State Commons for the annual May 4 Commemoration to pay tribute to those who were killed and wounded on May 4, 1970.
Crestwood Local Schools is set to rededicate its fieldhouse April 6 as a memorial to students who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Portage County’s own KSS Robotics 4th-8th grade team, Charged Up 37348, will go on to the FIRST world championships after claiming victory at the state championship in Troy, Ohio, on March 8.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the body. While often overlooked until problems arise, the gallbladder plays a crucial role in the digestive process. Understanding its functions, recognizing symptoms of gallbladder disease, knowing when to seek medical attention, and exploring treatment options are essential for maintaining optimal health.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
The Village of Hiram recently launched the Village Pass, a collaboration between the village and Hiram College.
It is no secret that Joe’s Barbecue has great food. I am one of his customers and am excited to see a “brick and mortar” restaurant on that corner someday.
The Thomas-Anderson Memorial Garden, one of four endeavors of Kent’s Historic South End Association, will be the site of the annual garden blessing from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 7 at 1110 Walnut St., Kent.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
In the wake of an affordable housing summit State Rep. Gail Pavliga held in January, she is working with local agencies to ensure staff and applicants know about various programs and grants.
April is National Volunteer Month. I do not know when this designation began, but I did read that Benjamin Franklin initiated the first volunteer fire department in Philadelphia. I remember that John F. Kennedy asked us to “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Kent City Council’s continuing struggle with its political ward boundaries took another turn March 20, when Mayor Jerry Fiala cast the deciding vote to accept a set of maps Community Development Director Bridget Susel had created.
Aurora City Council gave final approval March 25 to a conditional zoning certificate for a 10-foot-wide hike-and-bike trail to be sited along the former Norfolk Southern Railroad property.
Kent City Council recently amended its noise ordinance to allow radios, stereos and musical instruments to be played outdoors in the city’s designated outdoor refreshment area.
Eight deer accept the dinner invitation, each arrayed in their best bib and tucker. They gather in the clearing just as dusk begins to settle over the trees and sky, like a soft blanket enveloping a sleeping child.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
The Portager’s call for more local inventors hit paydirt. Thanks to our readers, here are a few more names and inventions rooted in Portage County:
Atwater Township’s Clean-up Days will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 3 and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4 at Town Hall at 1219 state Route 183.
Waterloo Local Schools K-12 campus in Atwater is undergoing a major upgrade in its lighting system.
Our Beagle Boy Cletus turned 11 in October and has been with us for eight years now. And he seems to be channeling the ghost of our boy Duke more and more all the time. The two boys never met, Dukie died about six months before Cletus came to live with us.
Vice Chair Sue Fields called a near-capacity room to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Tensions were elevated due to recent social media content regarding Joe’s Barbecue.
Dennis Cardello, a 40-year resident of Mumford Road, spoke for several minutes regarding traffic patterns on Mumford, citing county traffic statistics as listed in The Portager.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
The closure of a Brimfield BBQ stand has sparked rumors and speculation, as well as rapidly changing township regulations.
Countywide turnout in the May 19 primary election tallied at 25.24% of registered voters, a bit lower than usual for a presidential primary election, county Board of Elections Director Faith Lyon said.
With Easter just around the corner, there is another coloring contest being held at Pettigrew Feed and Hardware for kids ages 2 to 10 years old. The age categories will...
A new program is starting at Renaissance Family Center on April 8 — Running 2Bwell. It will meet on Mondays at 4:30 p.m. It’s a group program on using running...
Georgia A. Smith Georgia A Smith, age 91, of Ravenna, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Read more Constance Marie Reedy Constance Marie Reedy, age 91, of Ravenna,...
Incumbent county commissioner Tony Badalamenti will not serve another term after this fall’s election, having lost his primary campaign to his Republican challenger, Jill L. Crawford, in a very close race.
Communities across the county are planning activities related to the April 8 total solar eclipse.
Aurora will observe “Eclipse Over Aurora” from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sunny Lake Park, 855 E. Mennonite Rd. A limited number of safe viewing glasses will be provided. There will also be food trucks on hand, a DJ and fun children's activities.
The Portage Park District will host a solar eclipse prep program April 6 to share information about eclipses and to teach participants how to safely view them. The event is set for 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Morgan Park Operations Center, 8505 Nicodemus Rd. in Ravenna.
Eclipse activities aren’t limited to Portage County’s cities. The Portage County District Library is bringing eclipse education and fun to all parts of the county.
The Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a wine tasting/craft/artisan show on Main Street from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 27. We are currently looking for crafters interested in participating in this fun event. Come out and listen to music, sip wine (in the designated DORA area) and sell your crafts.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
When Marc Robinson was in a severe traffic accident in January, the people of Portage County came together to support him and make sure both he — and his dog — made it back to Idaho safely.
City council is looking into the bright LED lighting that some of Ravenna’s businesses use that is causing complaints from residents, especially in the commercial areas.
To combat a shortage of skilled drivers, Portage County Job & Family Services will host a Transportation Job Fair from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. March 27 at the county’s OhioMeansJobs office at 253 S. Chestnut St., Ravenna.
I have added a new novel to my all-time favorite reads. “The Women” by Kristin Hannah is, simply, dazzling. This is one of the best reading experiences I’ve ever had.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Portage County Commissioner Tony Badalamenti arrived at the Ravenna Moose Lodge in September for an event to fund Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski’s re-election campaign. He thought he would take the opportunity to explain his recent budget decisions to the sheriff’s supporters.
Farmers National Bank in Windham will be permanently closing its doors on April 26.
Chris Knop was officially recognized by Mayor Patrick for his long service to the Village of Garrettsville. Knop has held numerous positions in government, serving as council member, on the board of public affairs and the zoning commission, as well as many unofficial roles within the community.
Prior to the council meeting, new fire department hire Carl Bartlett was sworn in by Mayor Anne Haynum. Several of Bartlett’s family members were in attendance for the brief ceremony, and Bartlett received rousing applause from the crowd.
MaryAnn Nething contacted me recently with the news that she and her dog, Ike, are officially a therapy team in the WAGS program at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Voters in Ravenna Township will decide the fate of two levies, and those that live in the city still have a significant decision to make.
Aurora City Council on March 11 approved Greens of Aurora’s plan to build a 10,600 square foot Goddard School and a 7,300 square foot dental clinic on the east side of North Chillicothe Road, across from Barrington Plaza. The project footprint is 8.9 acres.
The Thursday Literary Club will be celebrating “100 Years of Reading 1924-2024” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11 in the Haymaker Room of Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna.
Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin delivered a report on the Maple Lane water line replacement.
Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
The Portage Crisis Center is undergoing an expansion to increase housing for patients and broaden the center's reach in an effort to help children and adults with mental illness, as well as provide first responders with more efficient means to manage crises.
The annual community Easter egg hunt, a fundraiser for the Palmyra Fire Department, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at Palmyra Park on State Route 225. There will be games, candy and prizes. Also, the Palmyra Fireflies, which is the ladies auxiliary for the fire department, will sell donuts, coffee and hot chocolate.
During a special March 6 council meeting, Kent city leaders unanimously granted the city’s Community Development Department emergency authorization to review zoning and building permits for two downtown projects.