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Covid-19

Covid was no match for a Portage Park District walking group that’s still going

After Covid-19 struck the U.S. in March 2020, the subsequent lockdown and social distancing protocols left many Americans stranded at home. But that didn’t stop one group of Portage Park District Foundation board members from getting together every week to enjoy the many parks Portage County has to offer.

Photo of three men helping load grocerties in a parking lot

Covid-19 Health Nonprofits

Portage County families brace for the end of SNAP’s emergency food supplement

Families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments will soon see those benefits disappear.

Covid-19 Local government

Local governments will get a surprise increase in federal funding

Officials throughout Portage County will have a few dollars more in their wallets, thanks to some communities that turned down their share of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Covid-19 From the publisher Opinion

From the publisher: My Covid story, from doubt to infection

The first time I heard about Covid-19, I put it in my mental file for Asian viruses that did not affect my life. SARS, swine flu, MERS and so on. The outbreaks came and went. Even ebola stayed put. I had such an impoverished understanding of contagion. Didn’t we all?

Covid-19 Ravenna Schools

Ravenna schools will switch to remote learning Jan. 10-21 to avert Covid spike

The Ravenna School District announced Tuesday it will switch to fully remote classes from Jan. 10-21, hoping to avoid a spike of omicron Covid-19 cases that could keep students home for longer.

Aurora Covid-19 Schools

Aurora Board of Education voted to make masks optional

At Monday night’s meeting, the Aurora City Schools' Board of Education approved a new policy that will make mask wearing optional in the school system effective Jan. 25. The resolution was approved in a 4-1 vote.

Aurora Covid-19 Schools

Aurora school board will vote tonight on a resolution making masks optional

The Aurora Board of Education will vote Monday night on a resolution that would make masks optional starting in January, according to an agenda posted on the district website.

Aurora Covid-19 Hiram Local government Rootstown Suffield Windham

‘We are being very deliberate’: Portage County leaders debate how to spend their federal windfall

With over $50 million in federal aid pouring into Portage County, several local officials said they were hoping to use the money to patch up infrastructure and bulk up department budgets.

Aurora Covid-19 Health Schools

Aurora reopened its elementary school after a Covid outbreak canceled classes

Aurora schools reopened Leighton Elementary on Monday, with a new “masks mandatory” policy, after administrators closed the school Friday because of a coronavirus outbreak.

Image of a woman receiving the Covid-19 vaccine

Business Covid-19 Health

UH restricts visitation but won’t yet require staff vaccinations

University Hospitals is restricting the number of visitors patients can receive but has yet to issue a Covid vaccine requirement for hospital staff, saying they are “awaiting specific federal requirements.”

Covid-19 Hiram Mantua Schools

With nearly 200 students in quarantine, Crestwood cancels in-person classes for 7th-12th graders

Crestwood Local School District administrators canceled in-person classes Tuesday for students in grades 7-12, after a quarter of the student body is in quarantine because they were exposed to confirmed coronavirus cases.

Covid-19 Kent Ravenna Streetsboro Windham

Ravenna schools issue mask mandate as Covid disrupts Portage County learning

The Ravenna School Board voted unanimously Monday to mandate masks for all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status. The mask mandate took effect Wednesday.

Pay-to-park proposal in Hiram no more as college, village come to mutual agreement

County roundup: Mogadore makes ready for Christmas in the Village, plus news from Atwater, Suffield and Randolph

Aurora approves contract to update planning, zoning and building software

Around Brimfield: Santa comes to Brimfield, plus more news around the township

Pay-to-park proposal in Hiram no more as college, village come to mutual agreement

County roundup: Mogadore makes ready for Christmas in the Village, plus news from Atwater, Suffield and Randolph

Aurora approves contract to update planning, zoning and building software

Wild Goats in Kent is once again accepting tips

Portage County Commissioners approve Wohlwend Properties 10-year tax abatement

Noise relief coming soon for Land O’Lakes Kent neighbors