Portage County obituaries for Sept. 26-28
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Kent DORA district expands to include three more businesses
Kent City Council voted to expand the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) district at the council committee meeting on Sep. 3 and officially approved the expansion at the regular council meeting on Sept. 17.
Rooted Ramblings: Spotted Lanternflies in Portage County
You may have heard of Spotted Lanternfly. You may have even seen one. What should you do when you see them? Kill by swatting, stomping, scraping, squishing, or contain, trap, vacuum. Read on for details. They may be pretty, but they are dangerous to our plants and trees.
Been There, Done That: Can you wear white Crocs after Labor Day?
Crocs, you either love them or you hate them. I happen to love them. I like light and airy shoes in good weather just like the next person, but no sandals or flip-flops for me. I’ve suffered too many broken toes over the years for that.
Portage County obituaries for Sept. 24-25
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Longtime Community Action Council leader David Shea retires; John Kennedy appointed
David Shea, executive director of Community Action Council of Portage County for 26 years, is stepping down Oct. 22. Taking the lead role is former county treasurer John Kennedy.
Shower, laundry program restarting at Axess Family Services
Starting this week, Axess Family Services is resurrecting a hygiene program that was one of many shuttered during the Covid era.
Ohio Outdoors: Mum’s the word
- Julie Watson.
It’s mum season, also known as fall or autumn. Chrysanthemums can be found gracing walkways and front porches all over Portage County.
Portage County obituaries for Sept. 22-23
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Federal funding delay hits Portage County families in need of food and shelter
A FEMA program that has provided emergency food and shelter for over four decades has not released funding under the Trump administration, leaving local aid organizations to increasingly rely on local donors — if they can be found.
County roundup: Main Street Mantua gets a face lift, plus news from Freedom, Garrettsville, Hiram, and Windham
- Roger Gordon.
The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting celebration at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 for the completed Facade on Main Street in Mantua.
Portage County obituaries for Sept. 19-21
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Round Two: Rockin’ and rollin’ in Kent, plus a tribute to Paul Murphy
- Tom Hardesty.
I recently finished reading Chas Madonio’s book “Bars, Bands, and Rock ‘n Roll: The Golden Era in Kent, Ohio,” which was published by Kent Historical Society Press in 2022. Like I said awhile back, I had a stack of books to get through, so I got to Chas’ eyewitness account of the wild Kent bar scene in the 1960s and ’70s a little late.
Around Windham: Fall is the new New Year
- Nicole Sweet.
Hello Windham Family! Post-Labor Day in Bomber Country always seems to be a turning point or symbolic start of a new year. September has a back-to-school/new year vibe that is hard for me to ignore. Author Gretchen Rubin first remarked that “September is the other January” in her book “Happier at Home.” Gretchen noted that “Each year, Labor Day was a milestone that provoked self-evaluation and reflection.”
Grant helps Bent Tree Coffee install high-end crane
- Staff Report.
Bent Tree Coffee Roasters in Kent recently installed a new overhead crane system at its roastery with help from a $25,000 grant from JobsOhio and Team NEO. The project cost $30,000 in total.
Around Edinburg: Celebrating Ravenna’s new book store
- Cathy Klein.
On Aug. 30, I celebrated the Grand Opening of my bookstore in Ravenna, Books a Go Go. I could not have dreamed of a better day and cannot thank the members of the community enough for coming out to show their support. Thank you as well to the Main Street Ravenna organization and the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce for putting together a great Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Documenters: Mantua Village Council meeting for Sept. 16, 2025
The first order of business of the council was to hear a report from Tia Rutledge from Portage County Water Resources. She provided an update on the current project in the village to replace the water mains.
Portage County obituaries for Sept. 17-18
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Davey’s SEED campus to take training to new heights
Davey Tree’s new SEED (Science, Employee Education and Development) Campus has left no leaf unturned in its quest to turn the old Oak Knolls Golf Course and the Franklin Elementary School grounds into a high-tech facility dedicated to research, personnel training and the innovative development of tree and plant care.
Around Charlestown: Residents walk a mile for vets and Charlestown gets ready for fall
Charlestown residents recently participated in the “One Mile for the 22” walk. Spearheaded by Portage County Auditor Matt Kelly, the event is a one-mile walk intended to draw attention to the heartbreaking statistic that every day in the U.S. there are 22 veterans who lose their life to suicide.