Portage County obituaries for June 16-17
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
‘No Kings’ protests draw crowds in Kent and Ravenna
- Staff Report.
Crowds lined the main streets of Kent and Ravenna on Saturday as part of the national “No Kings” protests against the Trump Administration, which gathered in more than 1,500 cities across the country.
County roundup: Orange barrels coming to Streetsboro, plus news from Aurora, Ravenna and Shalersville
- Roger Gordon.
Streetsboro City Council authorized participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation project scheduled for April 2026 that is going to be a complete rebuilding and resurfacing of the center of town.
New head of My Brother’s Keeper will focus on education and mentorship
After a career in manufacturing, not-so-retiree Gene Brown has found his purpose.
Portage County obituaries for June 13-15
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Kent police release details of SWAT incident on Franklin Ave. in May
A quiet Kent neighborhood was disrupted the night of May 28 when a SWAT team surrounded a home on Franklin Avenue, fired “numerous chemical munitions into the home” and arrested a man wanted on multiple warrants, police said. Kent police had attempted to arrest 30-year-old Jacob Scott Tharp at his home at 646 Franklin Ave. But the situation escalated into a standoff after officers reported hearing what sounded like a shotgun being racked inside the house, according to a police […]
Around Ravenna: Local history, summer singing and gardeners’ party
- Angie Reedy.
The Portage County Historical Society will hold its annual Summer Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28. The Lowrie-Beatty Museum, Carter House, Strickland House, Log Cabin, Campbell Land Office, Ford Seed Store, Mahan Barn and Indian Village will all be open for tours. Visit the newly renovated Carter House and the new handicap-accessible entrance.
Round Two: Happy Father’s Day, Dad
- Tom Hardesty.
July 1 will mark 20 years since the day my dad died. He was only 63 years old and looked great. I had just talked to him on the phone two days earlier, and he sounded great. That was a Wednesday afternoon. By about 7 o’clock Friday evening, he was gone, the victim of a heart attack while sitting on the couch in his living room. Toward the end of our Wednesday conversation, Dad was trying to think of something […]
Portage County obituaries for June 11-12
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Property taxes and revenue are up: Where does the money go?
Portage County property owners were gobsmacked last year when they received their new property valuations. Many wondered where the money will go, and some are even calling for the total elimination of property taxes.
Radio voice and educator Bob Long passes the torch to former student
After 44 years as a full-time communications teacher at Streetsboro High School, and as the general manager of the school’s radio station, WSTB 88.9 FM, Bob Long is retiring from full-time teaching, and is passing on his position as the station’s general manager to former student Corey Teuton. He’ll move to part-time teaching next year for two years
Ohio Outdoors: Remarkable reptiles
- Julie Watson.
In last month’s column (April Showers bring Vernal Pools) I talked a lot about Ohio’s native amphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders). This month I want to talk about Ohio’s native reptiles, more than half of which can be found in Portage County. Reptiles are cold-blooded (the scientific term is ectothermic), breathe air, and are covered with scales.
Kent Art and Wine Festival was a hit in its 19th year
Main Street Kent’s annual Art and Wine Festival had downtown jumping all day long June 7 with its festive assortment of music, wineries, and food and craft vendors.
Portage County obituaries for June 9-10
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Historic roof restoration complete at Ravenna’s Riddle Block 1
The restoration of the slate roof at historic Riddle Block 1 at 215 S. Chestnut St. in Ravenna has finally been completed after a lengthy process that left workers battling harsh winter weather.
County roundup: Townships considering consolidated fire district, plus more news from Deerfield, Edinburg and Paris
- Roger Gordon.
Deerfield is one of five Portage County townships that is looking to consolidate into one fire district. The other four townships are Edinburg, Paris, Palmyra and Charleston.
Portage County obituaries for June 6-8
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
What happens to the money in Kent’s parking meters?
An item on a recent Kent City Council agenda caught The Portager’s collective eye, so we decided to do some digging.
Senior Life: Get outside and stay active with Portage Parks
- Sally Kelly.
Over the past few months, I have shared with you a variety of discounts that are available to senior citizens in Portage County. Here in our own county, there are some “free” services that we may never think of. Well, not really free … our tax dollars at work. At least when you need the service, it is free.
Rooted Ramblings: Partnering with nature to grow thriving tomatoes
There is nothing quite like the taste of a home-grown tomato – vine ripened and bursting with flavor. This could be the reason that tomatoes are one of the most popular plants you will find in any backyard garden.