The joys of summer, walks in the woods, trips to the park, camping, but wait— what are those plants? And now I have an itchy rash! Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak: these are three of the common poisonous plants which can cause rashes when we encounter them in the woods and at home.
O’Malia announced that a resident entrepreneur is opening a combination barbershop and tattoo studio. “We have been without the services of a traditional barber for some time,” he said.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
A public school math and business teacher for seven years, Cleveland-area native Fred Ode freely admits he became “disillusioned.”
- Shirley Mars.
Coincidence or a miracle? You can decide for yourself. I was fascinated by a short post on Facebook that had a Brimfield connection, so I asked Kim Davis, the person who posted it, for more of the story. She was happy to share. It seems that she and her husband, Mark, were visiting their son, Jerry. In her words:
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
The new owners of Laziza have added unique and approachable items to an already popular menu, like a Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich with harissa oleo, and they’ve started serving Sunday brunch, twisting familiar favorites into modern Mediterranean recipes.
- Roger Gordon.
A fundraising dinner for the Mantua Restoration Society will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8 in the Mantua Center School gymnasium at 11741 Mantua Center Rd. in Mantua Township.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Reeling from the federal government’s decision to claw back already-approved funding, public broadcasting stations are left to find money.
I finally found time in my schedule to do some weedeating in our one-acre yard. I weedate? weedeated? weed-whacked? OK, trimmed for over an hour and still only did about half the yard. I tanked two arms, two cold refreshing beverages and two batteries in the process.
On July 15, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office announced a major drug bust—an impressive operation worthy of commendation. But instead of simply sharing the official press release and commending the staff involved, administrative specialist Susan Schlarb took to Facebook to add this:
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Southeast Local Schools spent thousands of dollars this year to repair parts of a seven-year-old roof without first checking if the manufacturers’ warranty would pay for it, district officials said.
- Staff Report.
Ohio now has its fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law on July 1. Area representatives in the state House and Senate cast their votes along party lines, with not a single Democrat supporting it in either chamber.
Four members of the public, each a member of the Charter Review Board, took to the podium to use their time to express disappointment that the council voted not to advance three proposed changes to the charter at the last council meeting. The item that drew the most attention was a proposal on holding non-partisian elections. It had been suggested that this be put before the voters.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Relying on information provided by the Portage County Auditor’s Office, The Portager reported that Ravenna’s current police/fire station complex, comprising much of the block bordered by West Maple Lane, South Meridian Street, West Spruce Avenue and Park Way, was built in 1901 and remodeled in 1979.
- Roger Gordon.
The 167th Portage County Randolph Fair will be all day from Tuesday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 24 at 4215 Fairground Rd. As usual, there will be animal shows, animal contests, animal auctions, a demolition derby, live bands, karaoke, scavenger hunts, workshops, truck and tractor pulls, and a wide variety of food concessions. For more information about the fair, visit randolphfair.com.
- Nicole Sweet.
Here are some exciting events and important information coming up in our little town for the end of July and beginning of August.