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If you’ve been keeping up with the column, you will know that my wife Jill and I have been expecting our first child. Well, the wait is over! Early in the morning on March 22, our baby boy was delivered happy, healthy and loud. Really, you should have seen the sunrise peaking into the room as it happened; it was beautiful. 

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

There were days when we all wondered if summer would ever come. Well, it came. Summer is in full swing, and my advice…wear sunscreen! Some may remember that “song” from the late 1990s written by a man named Baz Luhrmann [yes, the director] entitled “Wear Sunscreen.”

Nonprofit organizations have to keep their doors open and services running with uncertain revenue, much of it arriving at the end of the year, said Axess Family Services Executive Director Mark Frisone. People feel generous during the holiday season, or maybe they’re looking for a tax break. 

Weeds are "plants in the wrong place," but they can provide immense benefits to your garden's health, local wildlife, and even your kitchen. While aggressive invaders still require management, many common weeds actively work to improve your soil, feed essential pollinators, and offer medicinal or nutritional value.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

When Vince Curry’s phone rings, it’s likely someone asking him to solve a problem. He’s executive director of the Akron-based Fair Housing Advocates Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination on the basis of constitutionally protected rights.

Retirement was always something that happened to other people. When I was growing up, I would hear my mom and dad talking about how so-and-so at work was going to retire.

Ah, that wonderful warm weather that we have all been waiting for is finally here in Northeast Ohio. Along with baseball, cookouts, camping trips, and swimming holes, it brings with it the classic outdoor music season.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

In 2017, artist Beth Stoneking and Rockton Lodge #316 Trustee Fred Moore teamed up to create the Kent Flea and Makers Market to raise funds to help maintain the former home of Marvin Kent and to give local craftspeople a venue to offer their artisanal and vintage goods to the community.

When the Atwater students of this class were in fifth grade, they buried a time capsule at the old Atwater school building. They believe it was buried next to a tree by the front of the building.

As with every year, Dave and I were eagerly anticipating the start of the camping season. Maybe even a little more this year. We have a new-to-us camper and a new-to-us campground and we really just want to get settled in and relax. We won't be seeing our usual summer friends every weekend anymore, but we are looking forward to making new friends on our new adventure.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

A Village of Hiram council member faces first-degree misdemeanor assault charges rooted in a mid-May incident that involved two village firefighters.

Garrettsville is gearing up for Summerfest 2026, a weekend of live music and other entertainment.

Founded in July 2025, the Community RECESS (Recreation, Resources, Community Service Supervision) Initiative is the brainchild of Aaron Mitchell, who worked with community navigator Frank Hairston to gently help individuals and families in Ravenna Township’s Skeels and McElrath neighborhoods build a sense of community, secure needed resources and unleash their community spirit.

Our nation, as you cannot help but know, is in the midst of celebrating the anniversary of its founding, which was 250 years ago. We’ve been seeing reminders of this milestone everywhere: Red, white and blue signs, decorations and streamers.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Breaking ranks with Kent and Kent State University, the Brimfield Township Trustees recently approved a one-year, $12,000 contract renewal with Flock Safety, a technology company that provides public and private entities with license plate readers and other surveillance capabilities.