Around Brimfield: Happy 10 years to Brimfield Bread Oven
- Shirley Mars. In the summer of 2014, Bill and I met a darling young couple at the Brimfield Farmers Market selling bread and pizza.
Portage County obituaries for Dec. 22-Jan. 4, 2026
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Coyote’s Express Mexican Grill opening new space in Hiram
- Jeremy Brown. The Coyote Mexican Grill & Cantina, a Mexican eatery with locations in Chagrin Falls, Kent and Atwater, will soon have its fourth brick-and-mortar location at the corner of state Route 82 and state Route 700 in Hiram.
Costs adding up around Mantua’s police chief firing
- Wendy DiAlesandro. The Village of Mantua’s Oct. 21-22 hearing that resulted in Council firing former Police Chief Joseph Urso carries a slew of financial consequences.
Kent City Council swears in three members
- Margaret Lennox. Kent City Council officially swore in Council At-Large members Benjamin Tipton, Tracy Wallach and Sarah Elizabeth Wesley at its meeting on Dec. 17. Their terms will begin on Jan. 1, 2026.
County roundup: Rootstown event lights up the season
- Roger Gordon. Rootstown’s annual “Light It Up” event took place Dec. 6 adjacent to Town Hall and the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ right in the center of town.
Been There, Done That: Giving is the magic of the season
- Laura Nethken. Are you ready for Christmas? That's been the hot question this whole month. And my answer has been "yes." We had a few gifts yet to get but for the most part, we are ready. Santa has been very good to us this year.
Portage County obituaries for Dec. 19-21, 2025
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Around Windham: Windham PD will bring back 'Warning for Christmas Morning'
- Nicole Sweet. From the Windham Police Department: Until Dec. 25, Windham PD officers will be providing individuals who are pulled over for minor traffic infractions a “Warning for Christmas Morning” voucher instead of a traffic citation.
Rooted Ramblings: O, Christmas Tree!
- Master Gardener Volunteers. Bringing home a fresh-cut Christmas tree is a cherished tradition for many people during the holiday season, with 25-30 million live trees sold in the U.S. every year according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
Baker: Christmas Kaleidoscope
- Kathy Baker. SHOPPING: What should we get for Uncle Impossible? Where can we find that widget Dad wants? We’re blowing the budget, Marion! But, John, it adds up; we have so many to buy for! Where did I hide Mildred’s gift?
Portage County obituaries for Dec. 17-18, 2025
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Hiram takes control of Mantua’s police department, dispatch center
- Wendy DiAlesandro. Mantua Village Council on Dec. 16 unanimously approved a $170,000 contract handing Hiram Village control of its police department and dispatch center. Hiram’s village council has already authorized the contract.
One for the Books: Christmas stories for your Christmas holiday
- Mary Louise Ruehr. To get into the holiday spirit, I found a few stories set during the Christmas season.* Mostly, I was looking for heartwarming and cheerful, and mostly, I found it. Some of these are short and sweet, so I’ve included the number of pages in each.
Around Randolph: Wreaths Across America and carolers at the gazebo
- Sandy Engle. On Dec. 13, more than 40 students and many community members braved the frigid temperatures to honor the veterans buried in Hillside Cemetery. Students placed a wreath on the graves of each veteran.
Portage County obituaries for Dec. 15-16, 2025
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Renovations complete on former grocery store in Kent’s South End
- Wendy DiAlesandro. A hundred year old building in Kent’s South End neighborhood is ready for new life, thanks to a rehabilitation effort by the Hometown Foundation.
Hike-and-bike trail connection faces opposition in Mantua
- Wendy DiAlesandro. Continued opposition to a hike-and-bike trail connection in Mantua Township may mean no connection at all. In short, residents and elected officials aren’t on board.
County roundup: Hiram offers police management to Mantua, plus Freedom, Garrettsville and Windham news
- Roger Gordon. Village council has authorized Mayor Anne Haynam to offer a management contract to the Village of Mantua that would allow the Hiram Police Department to manage the Mantua Village Police Department on a temporary basis.