County roundup: Some fun around Paris Township
- Roger Gordon.
Paris Township’s Trick-or-Treat will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. Trunk-or-Treat will be at the same time at the Shearer Community Center at 9355 Newton Falls Rd.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 24-26
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Half-day hearing leads to firing of Mantua Village Police Chief Joe Urso
In a marathon 12-hour hearing that stretched from 6 p.m. Oct. 21 to just short of 6 a.m. Oct. 22, Mantua Village Council ousted Police Chief Joe Urso, citing a smorgasbord of charges.
Mantua approves outdoor drinking area in village downtown
In addition to a long hearing that led to the firing of Police Chief Joe Urso, Mantua Village Council also approved Mantua’s first Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in a meeting that began on Oct. 21.
Rooted Ramblings: Bringing your houseplants inside
As autumn temperatures begin to decline, it is essential to prepare for the transition of houseplants that have been kept outdoors during the summer months in Ohio, back indoors. While many houseplants benefit from outdoor conditions, exposure to low temperatures — particularly below 45-50°F — can lead to damage or loss.
Baker: I see you
- Kathy Baker.
I see your suffering. I hear your cries, I see you stoically masking your fear, your anguish. I see the resignation, signifying that no hope remains. Floods, fires and earthquakes are heartquakes.
Documenters: Kent City School District Board of Education regular meeting for Oct. 21, 2025
Treasurer Erin VanMeter updated the board on changes to the state budget that will result in $319,000 less in funding for the district. However, the school will be receiving a merit-based bonus of $180,000 for their district report card rating. This bonus is part of a new state program.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 22-23
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Ravenna man held on weapons charges after No Kings rally incident
A 20-year-old Ravenna man was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and receiving stolen property at the No Kings rally on Oct. 18 in Kent after a scuffle broke out over the Trump flag he was carrying, police said.
Mantua Village Council fires police chief, agreeing with mayor’s allegations
After an all-night hearing, Mantua Village Council voted in the early hours of Oct. 22 to oust Police Chief Joe Urso, who has headed the department since November 2017.
New program aims to build community in Skeels, McElrath neighborhoods
When two visionaries meet, stand back. In this instance, the flying sparks gave life to Community Recess, a new recreational outlet for children and adults in Ravenna township’s Skeels and McElrath neighborhoods.
One for the Books: Page-turning bestsellers
The current crop of bestselling fiction includes books I’ve eagerly awaited, and they’ve turned out to be page-turners filled with adventure, great characters, and ideas to ponder.
Documenters: Crestwood Board of Education meeting for Oct. 14, 2025
Curtis then offered the superintendent’s report, which led off with a warning about an expected slate of votes on property taxes in the Ohio statehouse, which would upend school funding. “The state is still not fulfilling their part,” she said.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 20-21
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Thousands rally in Portage County against Trump; protesters restrain armed man
Protesters flooded the streets of downtown Kent on Saturday during the nation’s second No Kings rally to oppose the Trump administration.
County roundup: Mantua to host public forum about DORA proposal, plus news from Freedom, Hiram, Mantua and Nelson
- Roger Gordon.
The Mantua Village Council will hold an open meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 and welcome your comments on the DORA proposal. The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce has requested that the downtown area be designated as a “Designated Outdoor Recreational Area,” which would exempt that area from open-container laws.
Around Garrettsville: Audition for ‘Phantom’ or dress up as one this Halloween
The Garrettsville is holding auditions for “Phantom of the Opera” (non-musical) at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 13 at the James A. Garfield Iva Walker Auditorium, 10233 S.R. 88, Garrettsville. The show dates are Jan. 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 17-19
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Documenters: Streetsboro City Schools Board of Education meeting for Oct. 13, 2025
The school is in the final stages of creating a girls flag football team through a program sponsored by the Cleveland Browns. The NFL team would be paying for all expenses except transportation.
Kent City Council appoints Jack Amrhein to finish late mayor’s term
President Pro Tem and Ward 2 council member Jack Amrhein was appointed as the mayor of Kent and president of City Council at the regular council meeting on Oct. 15. Amrhein will finish out the remainder of the late Mayor Jerry Fiala’s term.