- Roger Gordon. Seth Dowler was promoted to fire chief of the Village of Mogadore after three years as assistant fire chief. His first day in his new capacity will be Dec. 27. Dowler is replacing John Cain, who is retiring after 12 years as fire chief and an astounding 44 years as a fireman in the department.
- Lauren Cohen. The Ohio Redistricting Commission unanimously passed a congressional map on Oct. 31. It gave Republicans the advantage in Ohio, 12-3.
- Master Gardener Volunteers. One of the best parts of the holiday season is finding a gift that brings lasting joy to the recipient. If you have a gardener in your life, there are a number of great options to consider, from tools to plants to garden décor. But how do you find the right gift for that special person? Here are a few tips that might help narrow down the choices.
- Noell Wolfgram Evans. Calfee asked Smallfield for an update on the Flock system and if it has been “worth it.” Smallfield enthusiastically shared his positive opinion on the system and said that it has helped to solve about 100 crimes already.
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
- Wendy DiAlesandro. Fresh from Nov. 6 trustee and zoning board meetings that turned contentious at times, Paris Township trustees on Nov. 20 scrapped current zoning code proposals, as well as changes made in recent years.
- Pauline Persons. The Suffield United Church of Christ held their Annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in August. The relay ran from 6 p.m. to midnight.
- Sally Kelly. The government shutdown is over and SNAP benefits are “alive” again, but I know that for some of us, that does not resolve our need for additional food. In Portage County, individuals can call 211 (Portage County information and referral services) and register for one of our county’s food pantries.
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Kent’s iconic South End Mexican restaurant The Battleground is slated to close Dec. 31, the leadership announced in a weekend Facebook post.
- Staff Report. Remembering those we've lost in Portage County
Today I’m excited to introduce our first milestone with the launch of our improved website along with Portage County’s first locally owned online discussion board, the Portager Forum. You now have a friendly and free place to comment on the news, share your events, give feedback to our team and debate local topics.
The Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Annual Holiday Luncheon celebrating the 2025 Person of the Year and Business of the Year will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at the Bertram Inn & Conference Center at 600 N. Aurora Rd. These honors recognize the remarkable achievements and significant contributions made by local individuals and businesses.
- Shirley Mars. Those driving through the recently renovated Brimfield Plaza may have noticed a storefront’s windows filled with festive Christmas trees adorned with beautiful Hallmark ornaments.
- Savana Capp.
Streetsboro’s Ward 4 Representative Lisa McDaniel submitted a letter of resignation on Nov. 5, ahead of a move out of the city. At its Nov. 24 meeting, council voted to have a familiar face step into that spot: Justin Ring.
Unanimous approval was also provided for entering into a service agreement with Southeast Local Schools for the services of an ELL tutor, the establishment of an Indoor Track and Field Club at the high school, and the purchase of a new van for the transportation of special education students.
The Garrettsville Curtains up Theatre is happy to announce that its 20th anniversary production, “The Phantom of the Opera” (non-musical version), by Gene Traylor with permission from the Dramatic Publishing Company, will feature five performances in January 2026.
We had a few weeks to kind of settle in at our new camper, new site and new campground. We are very much looking forward to our new adventures in the spring. In the meantime, campground season is over and we are back at home, doing the usual end of summer juggling game trying to fit all of the doubles into just one household.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Tucked into the rural countryside of Rootstown is the home of Rodhe Sport, a shot put-, hammer- and discus-throwing facility, where Olympian and inventor Justin Rodhe coaches world-class throwing athletes and handcrafts training gloves used by professional athletes around the world.
