Free health fair in Ravenna on Nov. 5
Free snacks, blood pressure checks, flu shots and more will be available at a health fair set for 4-6 p.m. Nov. 5 at 575 Lake St., Ravenna.
County roundup: Aurora breaks ground on Geauga Lake park, plus news from Ravenna, Shalersville and Streetsboro
- Roger Gordon.
Aurora The groundbreaking ceremony for Aurora Park at Geauga Lake took place Oct. 23. The city purchased approximately 47 acres of lakefront property at the former SeaWorld site from Industrial Commercial Properties in 2024. “It was a great event,” Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin said of the event that drew 50 to 60 people. Because a section of the park spills over into Bainbridge Township, the Bainbridge Trustees had to approve Aurora’s preliminary design plan for the park, which they did. […]
Senior Life: Navigating insurance for seniors
- Sally Kelly.
You know it is fall when you start seeing pumpkins and skeletons in your neighbors’ front yards. And if you are over the age of 65, your phone starts ringing and your mailbox is always full with advertisements about health insurance programs.
Letter to the editor: The challenge of eating clean on SNAP
Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest. I am a severely ill, disabled person. I live in subsidized housing; I get the Social Security Disability benefits I worked for over the course of 30 years; I have Medicare and Medicaid for the disabled; and I […]
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 31-Nov. 2
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Urso appeals firing in lawsuit against Mantua officials
The recently fired chief of Mantua police, Joe Urso, has appealed his dismissal in Portage County Common Pleas Court, arguing that the village council hearing against him was unfair and that he was denied due process.
Millions on the line for Streetsboro schools if proposed levy does not pass
After a failed attempt earlier in the spring, the Streetsboro City Schools is aiming to pass a continuing operating levy for regular expenses during the Nov. 4 election.
Around Brimfield: Chilly weather won’t stop these November events in Brimfield
- Shirley Mars.
While the leaves have not been as brilliant as in some past years, there is still plenty of beauty in Brimfield, and, for the most part, the weather has been pleasant. Nothing says fall like a 4-year-old picking out pumpkins at Dussel Farm on a perfect autumn day. My husband and I enjoyed watching Dylan McSweeney as he was laser-focused on filling his wagon with his treasured pumpkins.
Legislative update: Sykes and Joyce cast opposing votes on government shutdown
- Lauren Cohen.
U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes and U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, who represent Portage County residents, voted against each other on H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, on Sept. 19. The bill was created to fund the government short-term to prevent a government shutdown.
Documenters: Franklin Township Trustee meeting for Oct. 28, 2025
The Franklin Township trustees held a regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 28, 2025, at Township Hall. In attendance were Chairperson Kellie Kapusta and trustee Scott Swan. Also attending were Zoning Inspector Joe Ciccozzi, Deputy Fire Prevention Officer Richard Smith and Road Superintendent David Akerley.
Letter to the editor: Streetsboro schools need tax support
Streetsboro City Schools has a levy on the ballot and I hope people will vote to support the levy. I completely understand that the additional tax can be quite a burden on some folks, so I want to make sure people understand some important points regarding the levy and school funding.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 29-30
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Election preview: Crowded races fill the ballot in Portage County
Development is a major concern for candidates running for trustee in Brimfield Township, while communication is a hot topic in Hiram Village.
From the publisher: New podcast series reveals hunger problem in Portage County
- Ben Wolford.
Six-hour bread lines. A person digs through the garbage. A 75-year-old Army veteran wonders aloud: “What the hell am I going to eat?”
Submitted: Backyard Maple Syrup Production Class coming to Ravenna
- Submitted.
Although we typically think of winter as a hibernation period for agriculture, this is actually the perfect time to take part in the time-honored tradition of maple syrup production unique to the northeastern United States, including Ohio!
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 27-28
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Letter to the editor: Vote yes on Issue 24 to support Streetsboro students
I am writing in support of Issue 24, the proposed Streetsboro City Schools’ levy, in the upcoming election.
Documenters: Streetsboro City Council meeting for Oct. 27, 2025
In development news, O’Malia said that 717 Credit Union had taken over the vacant Walgreens. He also announced that O’Hooligan’s barber and tattoo shop was planning a soft opening in November.
Planting will start soon in South End Tree Project
Phase Two of Kent’s Historic South End Tree Project is set to start soon with the addition of over a dozen trees.
Been There, Done That: Unexpected transitions
This summer started out like every other — high hopes for good weather on the weekends for time spent at our camper. Well, so much for that. By the end of June, I was demanding a refund because of the weather: cold and rainy every single weekend. Little did I know that within a month’s time, the weather would be the least of our worries.