City of Ravenna to buy Sunbeau Valley Farm
Sunbeau Valley Farm, long known as an event and equestrian venue, will soon have a new owner: the City of Ravenna.
Southeast schools overspend on roof repairs was closer to $40,000, district says
Concerns that Southeast schools misspent almost $400,000 on high school roof repairs may be quieted after Brian Kinter, the district’s business manager, told The Portager the highest possible figure wasted was closer to 10% of that.
Been There, Done That: A series of unfortunate events
Dave and I have had a camper at a local campground for the past 21 years. Considering we’ve been hanging out in the woods with lots of nature all around us all that time, I’ve managed to survive with very few horror stories, even though I’m a natural born klutz. As a child, I tripped over every tree root and sidewalk crack I came in contact with. As I got older, I got more creative with my trips and falls and tragedies.
Portage County obituaries for Sept. 3-4
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
County roundup: Presentation planned for state Route 44 improvements in Rootstown
- Roger Gordon.
The state Route 44 corridor project that would give a facelift to the area in Rootstown from Tallmadge Road to Dollar General continues to be looked into. Engineering firm OHM Advisors conducted a recent study on the topic; OHM will present its findings, including community-survey results, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 at Rootstown Middle School at 4190 State Route 44.
Legislative update: House Republicans vote to override one of DeWine’s property tax vetoes
- Staff Report.
Ohio House Reps. Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.) and Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown) recently voted with the Republican majority to override Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of a property tax provision in the state budget.
Senior Life: How to fight hunger in Portage County
- Sally Kelly.
Have you listened to the national news reports lately? One of the big concerns right now is the famine in the Gaza Strip — people starving to death.
Portage County obituaries for Aug. 29-Sept. 2
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Chainsaw woodcarving pioneer returns to Randolph Fair
Ben Risney made his first chainsaw sculpture at 21, when he felled a tree in the family cow pasture and carved a bear head with the wood.
Around Brimfield: Meet the township trustee candidates
- Shirley Mars.
Brimfield is going through some changes and struggles of late and will hopefully emerge stronger and better. A controversial fiscal officer has been hired and must run for election in November to keep her spot, and the human resource/business manager position has been dissolved.
Documenters: Atwater Township Trustees meeting for Aug. 12, 2025.
Thora Green presented an administrative report that included the Eagle Scout project at the township property that would include a sign and flag to be erected by the end of August.
Documenters: Ravenna Board of Education meeting for Aug. 25, 2025
Wisniewski offered a report on Maplewood. They are preparing to celebrate their 50th anniversary and are currently in the planning stages for this event.
You could design the next limited-edition Kent Free Library Card
In celebration of National Library Card Sign-Up Month and the 20th anniversary of Kent Free Library’s new building, the library is hosting its first ever library card design competition. The winning design will be featured on a limited-edition library card issued in 2026 and will win a $100 cash prize.
Rooted Ramblings: It’s spring bulb planting time!
Have you noticed the displays of bulb packages in home stores and garden centers? We see Tulips, Daffodils, and more. Now is a perfect time to prepare your bed and plant those bulbs. It may be hard to imagine as we head deep into fall colors and harvests, but these bulbs will bring you joy when very little is growing. Here are some tips to get started:
Portage County obituaries for Aug. 27-28
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
If you’re a Campbell, you can sheer a sheep in two minutes
Three generations of the Campbell family competed at the Randolph Fair Sheep Shearing Contest this year.
Baker: Summer of surprises with highs, lows and highs
- Kathy Baker.
I knew that 2025 was going to be a big year for me. It certainly started out that way. In March, I celebrated one of those significant “big number” birthdays, filled with gifts, congratulations and lovely surprises.
Local club holds event for National Model Aviation Day
Model aircraft pilots are often history enthusiasts or engineers, said Corsair Model Aircraft Club President John Ashley.
Hospice program organizes a unique visit for horse enthusiast care center resident
- Tom Hardesty.
Laurene Jae Jackson has packed a lot into her 81 years on the planet.
Documenters: Kent City Council meeting for Aug. 20, 2025
Clapper made a motion to disband the Architectural Review Board (ARB), amended to have every mention of the ARB in their code removed. Seconded by Sidoti, who wants more discussion to clean up current design code. Shaffer Bish encourages they seek out public comment on this but agrees with overall sentiment. The motion passed.