Portage County obituaries for Jan. 5-6, 2026
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Introducing our newest column: Shining a light on Portage County local food
- Simon Varner. I love the relationship between a locally owned restaurant and its town. The purpose they serve is deeper than just feeding their customers, but meeting them where they are, remembering their name, having the drink poured before they walk through the doors.
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.