Portage County obituaries for April 21-22
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Plaintiffs drop civil rights suit against sheriff’s office in carpet cleaner case
An August 2023 traffic stop landed two Ravenna men in jail on felony drug charges. The charges were eventually dropped when the alleged cocaine in the car they had occupied turned out to be carpet cleaner, and the two men filed suit in federal court, claiming Portage County Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski and three deputies violated their civil rights.
Around Edinburg: Pirates gear up for Community Day
- Cathy Klein.
Pirates Promise Community Night Fundraiser will be held on Thursday, April 24 at Southeast High School to raise funds for Phase II of the elementary school’s All-Inclusive Community Playground. Admission is $5 to watch Administration and Staff take on Adaptive Sports Ohio.
Around Windham: Spring cleanup, banquets and preschool signups
- Nicole Sweet.
April showers bring May flowers in Bomber Country. Unfortunately, thus far it has been a cold, rainy and snowy April. This old saying helps us remember: a period of discomfort or hardship can provide the basis for a period of happiness and joy. Looking forward to warmer days ahead. Spring is finally in the air and here are some exciting events and important information coming up in our little town:
Portage County obituaries for April 18-20
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Jeff Wallis retires as Ravenna’s police chief, reflects on highs and lows of career
Jeff Wallis always wanted to work in law enforcement. He realized that goal long ago, even spending eight years as his hometown’s top cop.
Kent says no (for now) to license plate cameras, citing political climate
Kent City Council on April 16 delayed the purchase of automated license plate readers, opting instead to reconsider the matter in October. The national and local political climate, as well as how the cameras would be used, were top of mind.
Around Ravenna: Spaghetti dinners, fashion shows and spring fun in Ravenna
- Angie Reedy.
Remember, because of Easter week, Immaculate Conception will be holding its monthly spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. April 24. The dinner will remain the same for eating in or taking out.
Letter: Why are city police at peaceful campus protests?
Who are Kent city police serving and protecting? I ask because they were present on Kent State campus on Monday, April 1 to protect Israeli occupation forces soldiers from… who, exactly? Unruly, violent, agitators? Well, no. In fact, they were apparently called by the Students Supporting Israel student group to protect their guests, three Israeli soldiers, from peaceable, anti-genocide, tuition-paying students who raised their voices in opposition to having soldiers of a military force wanted for war crimes on our campus.
Letter: Upholding democratic principles in public service
Recent legislative developments in Ohio have introduced significant changes to the structure of our state’s public institutions, warranting careful consideration.
Documenters: Ravenna Township Trustees meeting for April 1, 2025
Public hearing began with residents addressing a zoning issue. The residents are landlords of a single-family home and wished to put up a fence, but the zoning permit was revoked because the property had an infraction for clutter.
Documenters: Kent City School District Board of Education meeting for April 15, 2025
A second member of the community questioned the board as to if the district has been asked, and has in turn made, any changes to its DEI policies based on recent actions by the Trump administration. Larkin said the Department of Education has asked schools to review a “list of materials.” Larkin stated that they “have no choice but to be compliant without jeopardizing millions in funding.”
Portage County obituaries for April 16-17
- Staff Report.
Mary Ellen McDonald Mary Ellen McDonald, age 77 of Ravenna, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, at her home. Read more Donna M. McMann Donna M. McMann, 94, of Ravenna, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Vista Veranda. She was born in Kent, on August 2, 1930 to the late Cletus and Cecelia Weideman. Read more
Questions for the Portage County Sheriff’s Office following federal agreement with ICE
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office last week issued a news release stating its officers would receive training by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to enforce immigration law.
Around Randolph: Huge turnout for Spring into Health’ event
- Sandy Engle.
Over 100 people attended “Spring into Health” at the Randolph Community Center. The keynote speaker, Klaas Martens, was the first farmer in his county to use glyphosate (Roundup). He was a successful conventional farmer for 20 years. One day while wearing protective garb and following precise herbicide instructions for 2-4-D, he became paralyzed within an hour. The entire summer, his right side was paralyzed.
Portage County obituaries for April 14-15
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Ravenna firefighter completes prestigious Indiana Smoke Diver training
- Jeremy Brown.
Ravenna firefighter/paramedic Zach Thomas, 24, is now the first Ohioan to complete the rigorous, nearly week-long Indiana Smoke Divers advanced training course, a program only the toughest firefighters can achieve.
County roundup: Paris prepares for annual spring cleanup plus news from Edinburg and Rootstown
Paris’ annual community “Spring Clean Up” will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10 at the Shearer Community Center at 9355 Newton Falls Rd. The drop-off event is open to township residents only, and proof of residence is required.
Shepherd’s House asks Kent to help with warming center costs that were higher than expected
Shepherd’s House, which provides the county’s only warming center, is asking Kent city leaders to pay almost $10,000 more than expected for city residents who sought shelter there during the season’s coldest days and nights.
Documenters: Waterloo Board of Education meeting for April 10, 2025
- Violet Puin.
Recently, the Board of Education allowed the Waterloo football team to place their equipment after practice in an unused visitors concession stand. The football coach began the meeting by expressing his gratitude, explaining how about two hours of labor previously went into putting all the equipment away in its previous spot.