Local governments will get a surprise increase in federal funding
Officials throughout Portage County will have a few dollars more in their wallets, thanks to some communities that turned down their share of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Hardesty: An interview with Michael Hall Jr. after a year in Columbus
- Tom Hardesty.
Michael Hall Jr. was among the most sought-after prep football players in the country during his star-studded days at Streetsboro High School.
Portage Foundation Awards Over $58,000 in Scholarships to Local Students
- Submitted.
The Portage Foundation announced the names of scholarship recipients for 2022. This year’s awards totaled over $58,000 and represent the diverse nature of Portage County and its residents.
Portage County obituaries for May 27-29
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Sheriff’s office did not adopt body cams despite earlier statements and commissioners’ support
After Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski took office in 2021, his chief deputy assured Portage County commissioners that getting body cameras was a priority. Over a year later, Zuchowski has not adopted the technology, even as much smaller police departments in the county outfit their officers with cameras and county commissioners say they would provide the necessary funding.
Consultants will study options for new management of the Portage County airport
Portage County commissioners approved a proposal from Aviation Management Consulting Group for up to $111,500 to help determine the future of the debt-ridden Portage County Regional Airport.
Open mics for the week of May 29, 2022
- Jeff Gambone.
The week of May 29 brings us nine different choices for open mic entertainment. It doesn’t matter where you live in the Summit/Portage County area there is an open mic for you. Come out and play or listen to this unique part of the area music scene.
Pastor Eddie Harris brings his ‘mystical’ passion back to the Kent Art and Wine Festival
- Jeremy Brown.
Those who attended the Kent Art and Wine Festival in 2019 may be familiar with Pastor Eddie Harris’ oil and acrylic paintings. Harris, a resident of Atwater, will be at the festival again this year with a collection of artwork he’s eager to showcase.
Documenters: Palmyra Township Trustees meeting for May 24, 2022
- Max Swartout.
Fire Chief Mark Garvin is hoping the township will purchase new flooring for the fire station. The board asked that the chief supply it with color samples and a cost.
Documenters: Streetsboro City Council and Finance Committee meeting for May 23, 2022
- Max Swartout.
Finance Director Matt Miller updated the body on the city’s finances. Spending from the general fund is at 39%, with the goal being only 33%. Overall, however, the city’s spending is down. Revenue has increased, with the city being up $350,000.
Portage County obituaries for May 25-26
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Deputy shot Windham woman after she refused orders, body cam video shows
At 9:32 a.m. on May 14, a Garrettsville police officer and a Portage County sheriff’s deputy responded to a 911 call about an armed woman trying to break into her neighbor’s house in Windham Township.
Portage County NAACP dedicates new office in Kent with a celebration and fundraiser
- Jeremy Brown.
The Portage County NAACP held a dedication ceremony and a “Celebration of Racial Justice” for its new office at the United Church of Christ in Kent, which rang with sermons and songs May 22.
Portage Foundation hires longtime nonprofit leader as its new executive director
- Tom Hardesty.
The Portage Foundation announced Tuesday that Scott Taylor will take over as the community foundation’s permanent executive director starting June 6.
Portage County obituaries for May 23-24
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Ravenna business owners and city council assure safety as DORA vote approaches
- Ben Pagani.
If Ravenna joins the other 99 Ohio Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas this summer and brings open container alcoholic beverages to downtown, local businesses and city council members promised it would be done safely.
Here’s every Memorial Day event taking place in Portage County this year (2022)
We gathered information from every city, village and township in Portage County to learn what observations are planned for Memorial Day 2022. Here’s the complete roundup.
‘Around me is like a moat’: Housing development in Franklin Township causes flooding for neighbors
- Wyatt Loy.
Keith Schmader has lived on his 20-acre farm on Johnson Road in Franklin Township with his wife since 2016. Every spring, he said, there would be small- or medium-sized puddles on his property when it rains, but they would usually drain into the ground as fast as they would appear. Recently, though, it’s been getting worse.
Documenters: Nelson Township Trustees meeting for May 18, 2022
- Max Swartout.
Fiscal Officer Kevin Cihan reported that currently the Township has $651,299.51 in funds. A second check from the American Rescue Plan is expected. Outgoing payments reported totaled $28,014.27, and the Township took in $5,708.73 over the last month.
Automation Plastics seeks tax abatement to expand in Aurora
Aurora City Council will vote on a 15-year, 100% property tax abatement for Automation Plastics Corp. during its May 23 meeting.