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Recent legislative developments in Ohio have introduced significant changes to the structure of our state’s public institutions, warranting careful consideration.​

Public hearing began with residents addressing a zoning issue. The residents are landlords of a single-family home and wished to put up a fence, but the zoning permit was revoked because the property had an infraction for clutter.

A second member of the community questioned the board as to if the district has been asked, and has in turn made, any changes to its DEI policies based on recent actions by the Trump administration. Larkin said the Department of Education has asked schools to review a “list of materials.” Larkin stated that they “have no choice but to be compliant without jeopardizing millions in funding.”

Mary Ellen McDonald Mary Ellen McDonald, age 77 of Ravenna, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, at her home. Read more Donna M. McMann Donna M. McMann, 94, of Ravenna, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Vista Veranda. She was born in Kent, on August 2, 1930 to the late Cletus and Cecelia Weideman. Read more

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office last week issued a news release stating its officers would receive training by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to enforce immigration law.

Over 100 people attended “Spring into Health” at the Randolph Community Center. The keynote speaker, Klaas Martens, was the first farmer in his county to use glyphosate (Roundup). He was a successful conventional farmer for 20 years. One day while wearing protective garb and following precise herbicide instructions for 2-4-D, he became paralyzed within an hour. The entire summer, his right side was paralyzed.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Ravenna firefighter/paramedic Zach Thomas, 24, is now the first Ohioan to complete the rigorous, nearly week-long Indiana Smoke Divers advanced training course, a program only the toughest firefighters can achieve.

Paris’ annual community “Spring Clean Up” will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10 at the Shearer Community Center at 9355 Newton Falls Rd. The drop-off event is open to township residents only, and proof of residence is required.

Shepherd’s House, which provides the county’s only warming center, is asking Kent city leaders to pay almost $10,000 more than expected for city residents who sought shelter there during the season’s coldest days and nights.

Recently, the Board of Education allowed the Waterloo football team to place their equipment after practice in an unused visitors concession stand. The football coach began the meeting by expressing his gratitude, explaining how about two hours of labor previously went into putting all the equipment away in its previous spot.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Federal cuts have hit the Portage County Combined General Health District (PCHD), affecting the department’s ability to monitor and respond to communicable disease outbreaks.

Kent City Council is poised to approve a three-year, $126,000 contract for 14 license plate readers to be placed downtown and at city limits.

Ohio’s libraries urgently need your help! Contact your state representative today and tell them not to cut library funding.

There’s no excuse when you have full control of every branch of state government, from the executive on down. I have publicly made the case that you could provide significant property tax relief to our seniors by amending the Homestead Exemption to increase eligibility and double the tax saving benefit, two modifications which would provide real, impactful relief to the folks that need it the most.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

The city of Kent and Kent State University are considering an already-drafted agreement to share funding for a new 100-foot ladder truck for the Kent Fire Department.

Kent’s annual $65,000 grant allocation to local social service agencies has remained static for years, but City Council members recently decided it’s time for a change.

After cuts in 2024, state funding for public libraries resembles the amount allotted 25 years ago, long before I was born in 2004. And a new budget draft proposed in the Ohio House results in a $100 million funding decrease over two years, compared to a proposal from Governor DeWine.