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On July 15, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office announced a major drug bust—an impressive operation worthy of commendation. But instead of simply sharing the official press release and commending the staff involved, administrative specialist Susan Schlarb took to Facebook to add this:

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Southeast Local Schools spent thousands of dollars this year to repair parts of a seven-year-old roof without first checking if the manufacturers’ warranty would pay for it, district officials said.

Ohio now has its fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law on July 1. Area representatives in the state House and Senate cast their votes along party lines, with not a single Democrat supporting it in either chamber. 

Four members of the public, each a member of the Charter Review Board, took to the podium to use their time to express disappointment that the council voted not to advance three proposed changes to the charter at the last council meeting. The item that drew the most attention was a proposal on holding non-partisian elections. It had been suggested that this be put before the voters.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Relying on information provided by the Portage County Auditor’s Office, The Portager reported that Ravenna’s current police/fire station complex, comprising much of the block bordered by West Maple Lane, South Meridian Street, West Spruce Avenue and Park Way, was built in 1901 and remodeled in 1979.

The 167th Portage County Randolph Fair will be all day from Tuesday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 24 at 4215 Fairground Rd. As usual, there will be animal shows, animal contests, animal auctions, a demolition derby, live bands, karaoke, scavenger hunts, workshops, truck and tractor pulls, and a wide variety of food concessions. For more information about the fair, visit randolphfair.com.

Here are some exciting events and important information coming up in our little town for the end of July and beginning of August.

A summer project through Main Street Kent features work from eight local artists across the W. Main St. bridge. The Portager is a proud sponsor of this project.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Despite some residents asking city council to ban or at least restrict fireworks in Streetsboro, city leaders on July 14 opted to do no such thing.

True North Vacation Bible School at Edinburg United Church was a five-day success in early July. More than 45 campers learned about trusting Jesus through songs, crafts, games and Bible stories.

July is a busy month. We celebrate our country’s birthday, county fairs are getting underway, bald eagle chicks are fledging (able to fly and leave the nest), and then there are the summer concerts. Many cities and towns across the Buckeye State offer free outdoor concerts on special afternoons or evenings throughout the summer. There is another type of concert that is also free, available to everyone, everywhere, and plays all summer long. I’m talking about the musical productions of nature. 

Every gardener wants to use the best practices for a healthy garden. When we look at a landscape that is in balance, we see diverse variety, a lot of color, and randomness. Pollinators hum, birds sing. We may notice some, but not much, damage. Mixing plants in vegetable gardens helps mimic natural ecosystems, addressing common gardening issues like weeds, insect damage, and moisture retention.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Kent City Council will consider six changes to the city charter this evening, including who council members can represent, and when.

The Garrettsville Farmers Market is in full swing — from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, come out and enjoy fresh produce at the corner of High and Main streets in Garrettsville. Get your vegetables, cheese, eggs, honey, bakery, freeze-dried fruit, sourdough bread, meat and more.

Governor Mike DeWine is taking a lot of heat right now from his fellow Republicans for doing something most of his party doesn’t seem to have the temerity to do. He listened.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County