Thousands rally in Portage County against Trump; protesters restrain armed man
Protesters flooded the streets of downtown Kent on Saturday during the nation’s second No Kings rally to oppose the Trump administration.
County roundup: Mantua to host public forum about DORA proposal, plus news from Freedom, Hiram, Mantua and Nelson
- Roger Gordon.
The Mantua Village Council will hold an open meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 and welcome your comments on the DORA proposal. The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce has requested that the downtown area be designated as a “Designated Outdoor Recreational Area,” which would exempt that area from open-container laws.
Around Garrettsville: Audition for ‘Phantom’ or dress up as one this Halloween
The Garrettsville is holding auditions for “Phantom of the Opera” (non-musical) at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 13 at the James A. Garfield Iva Walker Auditorium, 10233 S.R. 88, Garrettsville. The show dates are Jan. 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 17-19
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Documenters: Streetsboro City Schools Board of Education meeting for Oct. 13, 2025
The school is in the final stages of creating a girls flag football team through a program sponsored by the Cleveland Browns. The NFL team would be paying for all expenses except transportation.
Kent City Council appoints Jack Amrhein to finish late mayor’s term
President Pro Tem and Ward 2 council member Jack Amrhein was appointed as the mayor of Kent and president of City Council at the regular council meeting on Oct. 15. Amrhein will finish out the remainder of the late Mayor Jerry Fiala’s term.
Around Windham: Fall events are in full swing in Windham
- Nicole Sweet.
Hello Windham Family! October is halfway over already. Outside, our beautiful Windham rural landscape is changing, air is getting colder, nights are getting longer, and the leaves are all changing colors. Embrace the changing beauty of our little Bomber community; there are many things to look forward to, as you’ll read below.
Ways to celebrate Sustainability Month in Kent
Proclaiming October as Sustainability Month was one of the late Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala’s last official acts before he passed. The proclamation affirms the city’s commitment to implementing policies and practices designed to preserve and protect the community and underscores council’s April 2023 adoption of a Community Action Plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Documenters: Streetsboro City Council meeting for Sept. 29, 2025
At the start of the meeting, Erick Ritz was sworn in as a member of Streetsboro’s police department, as well as three part-time firefighters, Patrick Bergen, Jacob Boon and Joshua Strunk. A resolution to recognize Eileen Fitzsimmons for her service to Streetsboro’s community and parks was passed.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 15-16
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Around Ravenna: Soudils celebrate 50th anniversary, plus upcoming events
- Angie Reedy.
A 50th wedding anniversary party was held by Cliff and Denise Soudil on Oct. 4, 2025 – 50 years to the day of their wedding, Oct. 4, 1975.
Brimfield fiscal officer race: Golden’s bankruptcy spurred opponent to run
Appointed as Brimfield’s fiscal officer Aug. 1, Jasmine Golden holds a master’s degree in forensic and fraud accounting and has extensive experience in local government, nonprofit organization and educational accounting.
Around Edinburg: Halloween is closer than you think
- Cathy Klein.
Books a Go Go will have two more author events coming up, beginning with New York Times best-selling author Misty Wilson from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. Her newest title is “Falling Like Leaves,” which is a young-adult romance. Books signed by the author will be available for purchase.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 13-14
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
County roundup: Construction continues around Brimfield, plus news from Atwater, Mogadore and Randolph
- Roger Gordon.
Starting at 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 26, the railroad crossing located between 3525 Gilchrist Rd. and 3575 Gilchrist Rd. in Mogadore will be closed for repairs.
Ohio’s Bats: Blood-suckers, or benevolent?
- Julie Watson.
It’s autumn, time for bonfires, Friday night football, and trick-or-treat. In October we celebrate all things spooky and frightening.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 10-12
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Restoration of VANTAGE employment funding a relief for local nonprofits
The loss of a single employee can make a huge difference. So when a handful of federally subsidized employees returned to their workplaces Oct. 6, their bosses indulged in a collective sigh of relief.
Your 2025 guide to fall in Portage County
- Lauren Cohen.
As we get further into the fall season, make some time for autumnal events this year. Use this guide to pick out your can’t-miss events around Portage County.
Rooted Ramblings: Fall cleanup– when less is more
With fall upon us and winter just around the corner, we begin to feel the urge to make everything outside neat and tidy so when spring arrives, we are ready.