Kent schools levy passes; Streetsboro, Ravenna, and JFS all saw losses
- Rachel Abbey McCafferty. The Kent City School District got a decisive win in Tuesday’s election, as its 9.8-mill additional tax levy passed 3,125 to 2,225.
Randolph
County roundup: Atwater residents request Waterloo Road dedicated to Dale Loudin; Brimfield, Randolph, Suffield news
- Roger Gordon. Members of the Atwater High School Class of 1963 Jim Manion, Jerry Michael, Chuck Brockett and Steve Crites attended a recent board of trustees meeting to talk about a request they have made to the Portage County Engineer’s Office.
Around Randolph: Spring into Health drew over 100 to learn about healthy agriculture
- Sandy Engle. With the average age of U.S. farmers being 58, it was heartwarming to see 22 young people at Friendship Bible Church eager to learn about gardening. Afterward these members of Trailside Troop 1703 planted seeds in flower pots they decorated for their moms for Mother’s Day.
County roundup: Suffield Township weighs data center options; plus Atwater, Brimfield and Mogadore
- Roger Gordon. “We’re just in the infancy stages,” Eldreth said. “Data centers are becoming real popular, so we’re just trying to figure out how to zone them.”
Around Randolph: Spring Into Health event promotes farmers' health and safety
- Sandy Engle. On March 21, five visionary farmers will be presenting at the “Spring Into Health” event at the Randolph Community Center, located at 1657 State Route 44. This event is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of farmers and gardeners, and the intention is to instill hope and provide workable solutions.
County roundup: Atwater requests solar and wind farm ban; Mogadore, Randolph and Suffield news
- Roger Gordon. The Portage County Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Public Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26 concerning recent township board of trustees resolutions that request the board of commissioners prohibit economically significant wind farms, large wind farms and large solar farms within the townships.
Around Randolph: Imagining futures
- Sandy Engle. Last fall, a tragic incident at Waterloo High School left Chastity grief-stricken. She contacted Representative Heidi Workman, who calmly listened to Chastity’s concerns. Now, Heidi and Chastity frequently converse regarding ways to help teens be more resilient and by engaging in service work Chastity has rediscovered joy!
Around Randolph: For the birds
- 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.”
Around Randolph: Wreaths Across America and carolers at the gazebo
- 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.
County roundup: Santa visits and news from Atwater, Brimfield, Mogadore, Randolph and Suffield
- 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.
Around Randolph: Waterloo agriculture students excited for the future of farming
- 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.
Portage County voters pass most levies, choose among crowded fields
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.
County roundup: Construction continues around Brimfield, plus news from Atwater, Mogadore and Randolph
- 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.
Around Randolph: Have your say in the future of the township
- 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.
Around Randolph: Walk a mile for veterans
- 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.
If you’re a Campbell, you can sheer a sheep in two minutes
Three generations of the Campbell family competed at the Randolph Fair Sheep Shearing Contest this year.
Scenes from the 2025 Portage County Randolph Fair
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.
2025 Randolph Fair opens with Campbell and Zinz crowned king and queen
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.