Portage County obituaries for Oct. 3-5
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala, 82, dies after three decades of service
Kent’s longtime mayor, Jerry Fiala, who had served for more than a decade since his election in 2009, died Sept. 30 at the age of 82.
Ravenna looking to make access to Emerald Lake Preservation easier
Ravenna city leaders are waiting to learn if the city will receive a state grant to acquire two parcels of land adjacent to Emerald Lake Preservation.
Kent City Council rejects overlay possibilities on zoning bid
Kent City Council unanimously abandoned its previous motion to explore the possibility of an overlay district on two parcels of land on Franklin Avenue at its committee meeting on Oct. 1.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 1-2
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
PUCO issues reconnect order so customers won’t lose gas, electric during winter
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on Sept.18 issued a Special Reconnect Order ensuring that people served by PUCO-regulated utilities won’t have their gas or electric service cut from Oct. 13, 2025, through April 15, 2026.
Dating is hard: A look at how Portage County determines building age
Earlier this summer, The Portager reported that Ravenna’s police/fire complex was built in 1901. That was news to Portage County Historical Society Vice President and Curator Kevin Gray, who lost no time setting the record straight on social media.
Around Ravenna: A Ravenna resident’s family journey through Germany
- Angie Reedy.
Planes, trains and automobiles were part of a three-week vacation. Jack Trauth of Ravenna flew to London to visit his daughter, Karrie, and her wife, Angela. He and Karrie flew to Switzerland to meet his son, Jim, his wife, Mariana, and grandson Evan. Adding to the excitement of the outing were travel by a dual-gauge railroad, a cog rail, a zip line, a funicular (a cable railroad, especially one on a mountainside, where ascending and descending cars are counterbalanced) and a vintage paddle wheel boat.
Baker: A lesson from The Velveteen Rabbit
- Kathy Baker.
Do you remember the classic book, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” by Margery Williams? It’s the delightful tale of a stuffed bunny that becomes real. If you can suspend the grownup, practical voice that says, “Yeah, right! As if a stuffed animal can become real” you might just learn something. Because all the best children’s stories offer meaningful messages for people of all ages.
Portage County obituaries for Sept. 29-30
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Around Brimfield: Getting ready for voting
- Shirley Mars.
Nov. 4, 2025, General Election Day, is about a month away. Studies have shown that healthy democracies, where people vote in higher numbers, lead to healthy communities because elected officials are accountable to voters. I consider voting a privilege and a responsibility. It is my “super-power”! The official general election ballot for Brimfield is not long, but the results of the election will affect every person who lives in Brimfield. The ballot consists of candidates running for:
County roundup: Rootstown road work still in progress, plus news from Paris
- Roger Gordon.
An update by OHM Advisors on the state Route 44 project was held Sept. 22 at Rootstown Middle School.
Portage County legislators condemn Minnesota school shooting
- Staff Report.
Some of Portage County’s legislators responded on social media, expressing sympathy or calling for action to end gun violence, after two children died and 21 people were wounded during a shooting on Aug. 27 in Minnesota.
Portage County obituaries for Sept. 26-28
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Kent DORA district expands to include three more businesses
Kent City Council voted to expand the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) district at the council committee meeting on Sep. 3 and officially approved the expansion at the regular council meeting on Sept. 17.
Rooted Ramblings: Spotted Lanternflies in Portage County
You may have heard of Spotted Lanternfly. You may have even seen one. What should you do when you see them? Kill by swatting, stomping, scraping, squishing, or contain, trap, vacuum. Read on for details. They may be pretty, but they are dangerous to our plants and trees.
Been There, Done That: Can you wear white Crocs after Labor Day?
Crocs, you either love them or you hate them. I happen to love them. I like light and airy shoes in good weather just like the next person, but no sandals or flip-flops for me. I’ve suffered too many broken toes over the years for that.
Portage County obituaries for Sept. 24-25
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Longtime Community Action Council leader David Shea retires; John Kennedy appointed
David Shea, executive director of Community Action Council of Portage County for 26 years, is stepping down Oct. 22. Taking the lead role is former county treasurer John Kennedy.
Shower, laundry program restarting at Axess Family Services
Starting this week, Axess Family Services is resurrecting a hygiene program that was one of many shuttered during the Covid era.