Brimfield will add a new park and a senior living community in 2025
Brimfield is looking forward to welcoming two new developments this year, one for relaxation and one for senior citizens.
Baker: What really matters?
- Kathy Baker.
News reports from California show us weary firefighters who, with smoke-stained faces and gritty determination, struggle to hold the line against Mother Nature. We see the anxious faces of those whose homes lie in the path of destruction—people who have had to pack up whatever they could carry, leaving their beloved homes and precious possessions behind. Worst of all are the reports of lives lost. Of homes, schools, churches, entire neighborhoods and communities gone forever.
Sponsored: Leadership Portage County Hosts “Level Up Leadership” Conference at Maplewood Career Center
- Submitted.
Leadership Portage County (LPC) is proud to announce the “Level Up Leadership” Conference, taking place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Maplewood Career Center in Ravenna, Ohio. This full-day event is designed to empower participants with the skills, confidence, and tools they need to excel as leaders in their communities and professions.
Portage County obituaries for Jan. 20-21
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Legislative update: Local politicians hit the ground running as new congressional session starts up
As the new congressional session started Jan. 3, state and federal representatives serving Portage County have begun legislation proposals and community outreach while doubling down on partisan positions in their messaging.
County roundup: The state Route 44 project moves forward in Rootstown, plus news from Paris
Rootstown The planning stages of the state Route 44 project in Rootstown are underway. OHM, an engineering and architectural firm the township hired to guide it, will soon be holding a community meeting for any of its proposals. “We’re looking at widening the road, putting in roundabouts, redeveloping that whole area to make traffic flow better and have a better use of land,” township Trustee Dave McIntyre said. The Ohio Department of Transportation will do the project. The Rootstown Sports […]
Boykin steps down after 31 years on Kent school board
- Tom Hardesty.
Brian Boykin has resigned after three decades as a member of the Kent City Schools Board of Education effective Jan. 31. The school board accepted Boykin’s resignation at its Jan. 14 meeting.
Portage County obituaries for Jan. 17-19
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Aurora City Council approves $55 million budget for 2025
Aurora City Council on Jan. 13 approved its 2025 annual budget, which includes almost $23.2 million in general fund appropriations, $20.4 million of which is reserved for salaries and benefits.
Southeast names Danielle Buckner to its Board of Education
In a 3-1 vote, the Southeast Local Schools Board of Education on Jan. 15 appointed Danielle Buckner to fill a seat recently vacated by Dave Fesemyer.
Around Randolph: Spring into health and safer parks in the township
- Sandy Engle.
This year, several friends have decided to focus on words like “rejoice,” “beauty” and “awe” instead of making New Year’s resolutions. So, instead of shaming themselves for not keeping New Year’s goals during challenging times, they are choosing to shift their thoughts to an attribute that is uplifting.
Portage County obituaries for Jan. 15-16
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Southeast looks to fill school board vacancy as community members bring petition for Werschey
Southeast Local Schools Board of Education may fill a recent vacancy and name its fifth member as early as Wednesday evening, Jan. 15.
Ohio EPA is cleaning up the old Crest Rubber site in Ravenna for $1.1 million
The property at 645 S. Chestnut St., which includes 13 parcels totaling more than three acres, was once the site of Crest Rubber Co., a historic manufacturing concern that ceased operations in the summer of 2015. The buildings deteriorated, and the site became an eyesore that presented what the Ohio EPA termed in a flyer as “serious safety concerns for the community.”
Around Garrettsville: New businesses, new events and more coming to Garrettsville
St. Ambrose Church is hosting bingo on the first and third Tuesday of the month; doors open at 5:45 p.m. There is an early-bird game starting at 6:45 p.m. The location is inside the St. Ambrose Hall on Freedom Street. All participants must be 18 years or older.
Ohio Outdoors: Get naturally healthy in 2025
- Julie Watson.
Just over half of us make New Year’s resolutions. The most common ones revolve around physical and mental wellbeing. Topics like exercise, fitness, and losing weight weigh heavy on our minds. Just as important are issues such as socializing, de-stressing, finding life’s balance, inner peace and others that fall under the mantle of mental health.
Portage County obituaries for Jan. 13-14
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
‘The work they’re doing is amazing’: Windham graduate forms district PTO
Before alumna Nikki Sweet, the Windham Exempted Village Schools went without a Parent Teacher Organization for over a decade.
County roundup: Garrettsville holds fundraiser for Summerfest, plus news from Freedom, Hiram, Mantua, Nelson and Windham
The second annual members-only “progressive dinner” for the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce will be at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20.
One for the Books: Space, UFOs and science
Do I believe in UFOs? Well, of course I do. There are thousands of reported sightings, many of which can’t be explained away. Do I believe they’re extraterrestrial? Ah. Hmm. Maybe, though I wouldn’t put money on it. But do I LIKE to believe they’re extraterrestrial? Sure — it’s fun! And there may be evidence to support that belief. Some of the information in these accounts made my blood run cold!