Commissioners won’t automatically ban solar, wind farms
Instead of approving an outright ban of solar and wind farms in eight townships, Portage County’s Board of Commissioners have opted to consider them on a case-by-case basis.
Wendy DiAlesandro
Chinn Allotment sewer project kicks off, but residents still worry about costs
County officials were told last month Congressman Dave Joyce’s office had scored $2 million in U.S. EPA grant money to help property owners in Ravenna Township’s Chinn Allotment, but who will get how much remains a mystery.
Population changes mean Ravenna must redraw ward map
For the first time in more than 50 years, Ravenna’s ward and precinct boundaries are set be redrawn.
Residents say 'No' to commissioners' ban on large wind and solar
Don’t ban large solar and wind facilities in Portage County, said about a dozen speakers at a March 26 public hearing the county commissioners hosted at the Portage County Emergency Management Agency headquarters.
Woman arrested by deputies in March reportedly has been deported
A woman arrested by Portage County deputies March 10 following an all-night manhunt has been deported, according to a jail official in Mahoning County, where she was being held.
Election preview: A look at the races, issues on the ballot in May 2026
May primaries are just around the corner, and Portage County voters will see a number of familiar names in dozens of uncontested races, as well as a few contested ones. On the ballot are candidates for state representative of Ohio’s 72nd district, Portage County commissioner, Portage County Common Pleas Court judges and Portage County auditor.
Public hearing on wind, solar installations March 26 ahead of potential commissioners vote
The Portage County Commissioners will host a public hearing regarding certain wind and solar installations at 6:30 p.m. March 26 at the county Emergency Management Agency headquarters.
Person found dead in cell at Portage County jail two days after booking
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office announced March 16 that a person who had been incarcerated at the county jail had died the previous day.
Brimfield reduces pay for zoning board members
Brimfield Township trustees on March 2 reduced the stipend certain board members receive and reduced how often they get it.
Portage County deputies hold woman for ICE after traffic stop
After an all-night search that began March 9, Portage County sheriff’s deputies detained a 33-year-old woman they claimed is in the country illegally and will turn her over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
Bigfoot sightings take over Portage County
Bigfoot sightings in Portage County? The Bigfoot Society (yes, there is one) claims it’s true, and points to multiple recent sightings in Garrettsville, Windham, Mantua, Mantua Center and Streetsboro.
Kent Area Chamber of Commerce expands into Brimfield
Brimfield’s Chamber of Commerce shuttered years ago, but township business owners may find a new home with the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jail officer in sexual extortion case now faces felonies in county court
A corrections officer employed at the Portage County Jail found himself indicted for a second time March 9, this time in Portage County Common Pleas Court.
Sheriff faced five federal lawsuits in 2025, most in recent history
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office was named as a defendant in five federal court cases in 2025, the highest number in a single year during Bruce Zuchowski’s tenure, according to a Portager examination of court records.
Plans for Aurora Park at Geauga Lake main focus of this year’s state of the city address
Aurora Park at Geauga Lake took center stage at Aurora’s 2026 State of the City event, held Feb. 25 at Aurora Meadows.
Aurora’s superintendent praises district successes while looking to the future
In his first year as head of the Aurora City School District, Superintendent Paul Milcetich spoke about “The Green Standard,” the district’s commitment to ensuring that its youth thrive not only academically, but also athletically, artistically and socially, as leaders and as human beings.
Income tax increase on the ballot in Ravenna
Ravenna voters will decide in May whether to hike their income tax a quarter percent, from 2.5% to 2.75%.
Portage County corrections officer charged with sexual extortion
A Portage County corrections officer faces two felony charges of sexual extortion, but the sheriff’s office isn’t naming names.