- Sandy Engle. Randolph resident Cindy Laford has been bird sitting, grooming and rescuing birds for 28 years and continues to be astonished at their intellect. Recently her son visited and said, “This coffee is horrible.” Cindy replied, “Then take it back.” He responded, “Naw, I’ll just drink this foul-tasting stuff.” Maynard, a blue and gold macaw, replied, “Coward.”
- Sandy Engle. On Dec. 13, more than 40 students and many community members braved the frigid temperatures to honor the veterans buried in Hillside Cemetery. Students placed a wreath on the graves of each veteran.
- 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.
- Sandy Engle.
Nov. 9-15 was Ohio Soil Health Week, and throughout Ohio there were events to honor the soil. Surprisingly, within a spoonful of soil there are more living organisms than there are people currently on this planet. As we enter this season of delicious festivities, may we be grateful to the farmers and soil microbes which make our food nutritious and tasty.
About a quarter of registered voters in Portage County — 26,525 individuals — cast ballots in the Nov. 4 election. Here’s a look at some of the candidate races and issues that were decided this Election Day.
- Roger Gordon.
Starting at 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 26, the railroad crossing located between 3525 Gilchrist Rd. and 3575 Gilchrist Rd. in Mogadore will be closed for repairs.
- Sandy Engle.
Staff members from Portage Soil and Water Conservation and Portage Parks have shared that it is important to monitor what is happening with zoning in your community because your input is important. In Randolph, there will be a public zoning meeting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Randolph Senior Center.
- Sandy Engle.
In a time when it’s easy to dwell on the world’s problems, Portage County Auditor Matt Kelly is choosing action over apathy. He was inspired by a friend who walked 22 miles a day across America to increase awareness of the 22 veterans a day that lose their life to suicide.
Three generations of the Campbell family competed at the Randolph Fair Sheep Shearing Contest this year.
The Portage County Randolph Fair concluded Sunday after a week of beautiful weather. After the sun went down, 4-Hers and visitors enjoyed all things food, trucks, rides and shaving cream fights. Photographer Jeremy Brown photographed some magic moments throughout the week.
The Portage County Randolph Fair’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the main gate of the county fairgrounds 11 a.m. Tuesday to kick off the near week-long festivities.
- Sandy Engle.
There was a huge turnout for the Waterloo Back to School Bash. Besides having a dedication ceremony for the new track and performances by the Waterloo marching band, many wellness organizations were present to share about the services they provide. All proceeds from the PTO raffle went to the Hayes family.
- Roger Gordon.
The 7 17 Credit Union Teen Financial Education Series will offer five classes at 7 p.m. Mondays at the Portage County District Library, Brimfield Branch at 4286 Kelso Dr. The following are the first four classes:
- Roger Gordon.
The 167th Portage County Randolph Fair will be all day from Tuesday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 24 at 4215 Fairground Rd. As usual, there will be animal shows, animal contests, animal auctions, a demolition derby, live bands, karaoke, scavenger hunts, workshops, truck and tractor pulls, and a wide variety of food concessions. For more information about the fair, visit randolphfair.com.
- Sandy Engle.
In the midst of colony collapse, extreme weather patterns, pesticides, neonicotinoid treated seeds, and varroa mites, Mary Lovin has found ways to help bees thrive. Since a third of all food is pollinated by bees, all of us in Randolph are fortunate that Mary (and other local beekeepers) are enhancing the productivity of our farms and gardens.
- Roger Gordon.
Atwater Fire Department Chief Jason Brock presented information on the increasing call volume the department is facing (there were 51 incidents in May). Data showed the need for the station to be staffed from 4 to 10 p.m. as this is the second-busiest call time after the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. time slot.
- Sandy Engle.
The Randolph Lions intertwined a diversity of local groups into a meaningful Memorial Day parade honoring the 700 veterans buried within Randolph. Allie Makin, Waterloo senior, gave a thought-provoking speech at the memorial service. The morning concluded with the adorning of local veterans with Quilts of Valor.
- John Hilber.
Once the calendars turn to June, the Waterloo Local School District will again have a new superintendent.