Portage County obituaries for April 11-13
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Portage County Health District already seeing impact of federal cuts
Federal cuts have hit the Portage County Combined General Health District (PCHD), affecting the department’s ability to monitor and respond to communicable disease outbreaks.
Kent police ask city council to purchase street cameras that track license plates
Kent City Council is poised to approve a three-year, $126,000 contract for 14 license plate readers to be placed downtown and at city limits.
Reed Memorial director: Tell your state rep to save library funding
Ohio’s libraries urgently need your help! Contact your state representative today and tell them not to cut library funding.
Letter to the editor: John Kennedy calls out state lawmakers on property tax
There’s no excuse when you have full control of every branch of state government, from the executive on down. I have publicly made the case that you could provide significant property tax relief to our seniors by amending the Homestead Exemption to increase eligibility and double the tax saving benefit, two modifications which would provide real, impactful relief to the folks that need it the most.
Portage County obituaries for April 9-10
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
City of Kent and KSU are looking to partner on the purchase of a $2M fire truck
The city of Kent and Kent State University are considering an already-drafted agreement to share funding for a new 100-foot ladder truck for the Kent Fire Department.
Kent wants to increase grant funding for local social services nonprofits
Kent’s annual $65,000 grant allocation to local social service agencies has remained static for years, but City Council members recently decided it’s time for a change.
Letter to the editor: Defunding libraries hurts us all
After cuts in 2024, state funding for public libraries resembles the amount allotted 25 years ago, long before I was born in 2004. And a new budget draft proposed in the Ohio House results in a $100 million funding decrease over two years, compared to a proposal from Governor DeWine.
Letter to the editor: Teens don’t need to work longer hours
I am writing to express serious concern over Ohio Senate Bill 30, which proposes extending the legal working hours for 14- and 15-year-olds during the school year — from the current 7 p.m. cutoff to 9 p.m., with parental and school consent. While framed as a way to increase employment flexibility, this bill directly threatens student health and school attendance — two areas already in crisis.
Ohio Outdoors: Protect your local pollinators
- Julie Watson.
Save the Bees. I’m sure you’ve heard or seen such slogans increasingly over the past couple of decades. Of course, I’m all for saving any species, but some of the claims of activist groups on bee decline are a bit frightening. In trying to research the topic of bees and their necessity to humanity’s survival, I found varied and often contradictory reports. Sifting through the data, a few undeniable truths emerged.
Letter to the editor: Ravenna schools give our kids a strong foundation
As a proud graduate of Ravenna High School (RHS), a father to two RHS graduates — Khai and Angelique Brown — both of whom hold Master’s degrees, and as a local business man and property owner, I am writing to express my unwavering support for the Ravenna School level. RHS provided me with the essential tools to succeed, and I have seen firsthand how it equips today’s students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Portage County obituaries for April 7-8
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Legal notice: Village of Windham Planning Commission will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025
- Submitted.
The Village of Windham Planning Commission will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the replat of two parcels located within the Village of Windham, specifically the combination of parcels for new residential construction on Maple Grove Road. The parcels to be combined are as follows: Lot 5, Parcel No. 41-057-10-00-047-000, and Lot 6, Parcel No. 41-057-10-00-048-0000. For any inquiries regarding this matter, please contact the Village […]
‘Hands Off’ protesters join nationwide mobilization in downtown Kent and Ravenna
More than 1,000 people rallied on the Portage County Courthouse lawn in downtown Ravenna and near the gazebo in downtown Kent as part of the “Hands Off!” national day of action around the country on Saturday.
County roundup: Hiram to set up water meter system plus news from Garrettsville, Mantua, Nelson and Windham
Hiram Village Council passed legislation for the village administrator to build a structure to be able to sell water. Currently, the village does not sell water.
Legislative update: Roegner continues SB1 support, Sykes brings on the bills
With the passing of Ohio’s controversial Senate Bill 1, President Donald Trump’s continued executive orders and the age-old partisan divide, Portage County politicians didn’t let up in the statehouse or on social media in March.
Letter to the editor: Attacking our community programs
I just saw the powerful musical about the 9/11 attacks on the US from outside forces, “Come From Away.” It told the story about nearly 6,600 passengers on 38 flights that were suddenly grounded in Newfoundland for nearly a week when US airspace was closed. The “Newfies” welcomed, and generously cared for people from all over the world.
Kent City Council: Shortsighted policies threaten Portage County way of life
Kent is a community on the rise, with a thriving R1 university, excellent K-12 schools, affordable housing, and a diverse citizenry. Yet, recent economic shifts are threatening our way of life.
Portage County obituaries for April 4-6
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County