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.
Archive
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Around Windham: Fall events are in full swing in Windham
Hello Windham Family! October is halfway over already. Outside, our beautiful Windham rural landscape is changing, air is getting colder, nights are getting longer, and the leaves are all changing colors. Embrace the changing beauty of our little Bomber community; there are many things to look forward to, as you’ll read below.
Ways to celebrate Sustainability Month in Kent
Proclaiming October as Sustainability Month was one of the late Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala’s last official acts before he passed. The proclamation affirms the city’s commitment to implementing policies and practices designed to preserve and protect the community and underscores council’s April 2023 adoption of a Community Action Plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Documenters: Streetsboro City Council meeting for Sept. 29, 2025
At the start of the meeting, Erick Ritz was sworn in as a member of Streetsboro’s police department, as well as three part-time firefighters, Patrick Bergen, Jacob Boon and Joshua Strunk. A resolution to recognize Eileen Fitzsimmons for her service to Streetsboro’s community and parks was passed.
Around Ravenna: Soudils celebrate 50th anniversary, plus upcoming events
A 50th wedding anniversary party was held by Cliff and Denise Soudil on Oct. 4, 2025 – 50 years to the day of their wedding, Oct. 4, 1975.