Portage County obituaries for Nov. 4-5
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
County roundup: Atwater firefighters train for grain bin rescue, plus news from Mogadore and Suffield
Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon brought his grain bin rescue teaching simulator trailer to the Atwater Fire Department on Oct. 18. Firefighters received training on how to perform a rescue for individuals who have become trapped in a grain bin.
Local organization Hands of Gratitude helping others make a worldwide impact
- Jeff Miller.
Based out of Portage County, a local organization is making a tangible difference and connecting people across the world, using 3D printing technology to create prosthetic hands for those who need them.
Around Brimfield: A Gild Pizza shop pays homage to an Akron pizza legend, coming soon
- Shirley Mars.
Over the past few weeks, the Ohio trees certainly put on a vibrant color display, and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Now the leaves are rapidly falling and reminding us that November is here, and it is the start of the holiday season when we are reminded to live in gratitude. Oprah Winfrey wisely counseled, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” So, what are you thankful for?
Letter to the editor: Visit some of the best Ohio state parks right here in Portage County
The Buckeye State is home to 76 state parks spread across the entire state all the way from Lake Erie to Cincinnati and I have had the joy of visiting them all. Some of my favorite state parks come from the Northeast region right here around Portage County.
Portage County obituaries for Nov. 1-3
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Round Two: Things that go bump, slide, scratch in the night
- Tom Hardesty.
In November 2001, my wife Kim and I decided it would make for a nice little Thanksgiving trip if we went to see the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Transportation a challenge for many in Portage County
To get to his job at Walmart in Ravenna, Kent State University junior Odin Amador-Gorby must rely on public transportation and Ubers. He doesn’t own a car due to high prices for even used cars in the Kent area.
Aurora City Council approves 12-year tax abatement for Piping Rock Health Products
Aurora City Council on Oct. 28 approved a 12-year, 100% property tax abatement for Piping Rock Health Products LLC. Documents submitted to the city indicate that in 2026, the company plans to add 20 new jobs at its Aurora site, which already has 260 employees. The company maintains a packaging and warehouse facility at the property and plans to add on to one structure and build another.
Letter to the editor: Heidi Workman is unqualified for office
Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest. Recently, a friend of mine was accosted at a non-partisan event by Heidi Workman. Candidate Workman got within a foot of my friend’s face and tried to provoke a shouting match, at the least. Luckily, my friend was […]
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 30-31
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Latest incident highlights problems in Portage County’s after-jail drop-offs
On the morning of Oct. 22, Ravenna police fielded a call about a woman vandalizing scarecrows in the city’s new “pocket park” next to Guido’s restaurant.
Senior Life: More discounts around the county
- Sally Kelly.
Kent State University has a Senior Guest Program, which offers individuals over the age of 60 a free opportunity to audit their classes. You can attend for free, do not have to take exams, but can gain all the information from the class content. You will need to pay for your books and parking.
Been There, Done That: Porch problems
Dave and I finally paid off our mortgage after 28 years. Yay! And promptly went into debt with new windows, roof and siding. Yay? Yes, yay! We’re really planning for light bills of about half what we’re used to. Aesthetically, our house has much more curb appeal now. That’s been a long time coming.
Letter to the editor: Polarization, free speech and the importance of civil discourse
Political polarization in the U.S. is nothing new. As far back as 1804, a long-simmering dispute between the two major parties — Democratic-Republicans and Federalists — led to an infamous duel. Former secretary of state Alexander Hamilton was shot to death by Vice President Aaron Burr.
Portage County obituaries for Oct. 28-29
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
New Kent State University Museum director starts role with collections of plans, community focus
After becoming the new director of the Kent State University Museum July 1, Sarah Spinner Liska got to work — fashionably quickly. In the month of September alone, Spinner Liska and her “small but mighty team” ran seven programs. She held the first-ever director’s office hours, started on plans for facility updates to make the space more welcoming, met with faculty throughout various disciplines and supported the first entirely student-run fashion show at the museum, among other projects. The goal […]
County inks deal with Norfolk Southern Railway for Ravenna Road bridge repairs
The Ravenna Road bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railway is one step closer to being replaced as Portage County commissioners on Oct. 24 approved a construction agreement with the railway company.
County roundup: Crestwood Community Center opening soon, plus news from Aurora, Shalersville and Ravenna
Aurora City Council recently approved the city’s purchase of Geauga Lake and 48 acres adjacent to it. The property will be turned into a public park with water amenities, including swimming, boating and other recreational activities. It will be done in phases over time.
Baker: What I know for sure
- Kathy Baker.
Have you ever asked yourself what you know for sure? I remember a magazine article years ago that posed that question. Occasionally, I revisit it. Odd as it may seem, my answers today are pretty much the same as they were decades ago. I’d like to believe this means I’m wiser as well as older, but I’m pretty sure it means I have to keep making mistakes that lead me back to what I most value.