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Now that we’ve dug out from the latest snowstorm that barreled through the county, long-range weather forecasts suggest temperatures may finally climb above freezing next week.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Art enthusiasts in northern Portage County finally have a space to call their own.

The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities will begin celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with a lineup of events starting in February, including the return of Limitless Art.

The 39th annual Celebration of Lights was held in December at the University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, hosted by the hospital’s Auxiliary. It was a successful evening and the committee wants to thank everyone who came, donated money or helped in any way for their participation, and especially Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Homes for its sponsorship.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Eric Dreger is the newest member of Kent City Council. Dreger was selected by council to serve Kent’s Ward 2, which was left vacant when Jack Amrhein ran for — and was elected to serve as — mayor in November of 2025.

Ben Wolford’s thoughtful comments about “values that we should be able to agree on” reminded me of why I allowed him to talk me into reviving the Around Brimfield column a few years ago. Freedom, safety, respect, dignity, decency, diversity and seeing others as neighbors – I share those values and find comfort in knowing that most of The Portager readers share them as well. If we are to “hold the line” as Ben suggests, we cannot be complacent or naïve.

Following the acceptance of the Jan. 12 meeting minutes, members of the public were invited to address the council. Ted Hurd spoke with great pride about the new City Hall, which he said “was always my dream to see.” 

Ravenna City Council voted to extend its moratorium on storage facilities six months before it considers allowing any more to go in.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Ravenna City Council is poised to add additional new firefighter/EMT positions, but how many remains up for debate. In draft legislation council considered last month, the number of new hires was not specified.

The Portage County Farm Bureau recently honored Dale Nething with its Distinguished Service Award. Dale and his son, Don, are co-owners of Maplecrest Farms on Knapp Road.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Construction crews continue to make progress on Kent’s East Main Street project, expanding sidewalks, completing underground work and creating a temporary roundabout, helping the project remain on track for its 2028 completion.

I try not to pay any attention to the commercials on TV. When they come on, that's my cue to leave my puzzle alone and go knock something off my to-do list. I say I "try" because lately a half-hearted attempt is all I've been able to accomplish. One, the volume alone makes it difficult to ignore them completely.

Suffield has quite a few activities scheduled for February!

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

We don’t cover news outside of Portage County. That’s a business decision as much as an ideological commitment to focusing on the local.

Do you remember going to grandma’s house for a family dinner? The way it smelled, the way the adults chatted while you and the other kids laughed in front of a TV playing colorful cartoons. Most importantly, do you remember the food? I remember, and Mandy Yannucci, co-owner of Maddalena’s in Kent, remembers, too.