Deerfield Ag Services becomes employee-owned company
- Amanda Smith. Deerfield Ag Services has transitioned to employee ownership, a move company leaders said will preserve its independence and keep the business rooted in the local community.
Latest News
Public hearing on wind, solar installations March 26 ahead of potential commissioners vote
- Wendy DiAlesandro. 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.
Bigfoot sightings take over Portage County
- Wendy DiAlesandro. 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.
Jail officer in sexual extortion case now faces felonies in county court
- Wendy DiAlesandro. 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.
Historic Hiram farm to become community center
A historic Hiram farmstead is in the process of being revitalized to create a community-oriented volunteer education center. The center will feature instruction on eco-friendly living and will include hands-on programs on topics like growing heirloom apples, nut trees and other fruit crops, as well as making apple cider.
PUCO issues reconnect order so customers won’t lose gas, electric during winter
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on Sept.18 issued a Special Reconnect Order ensuring that people served by PUCO-regulated utilities won’t have their gas or electric service cut from Oct. 13, 2025, through April 15, 2026.
Longtime Community Action Council leader David Shea retires; John Kennedy appointed
David Shea, executive director of Community Action Council of Portage County for 26 years, is stepping down Oct. 22. Taking the lead role is former county treasurer John Kennedy.
Class offers to help ‘flush out’ people ‘hostile to liberty’ in Portage County
The Portage County Republican Party is promoting an all-day “Into Action” class on June 21, which is being marketed to people who wish to “identify individuals and organizations hostile to liberty.”
Portage County Health District already seeing impact of federal cuts
Federal cuts have hit the Portage County Combined General Health District (PCHD), affecting the department’s ability to monitor and respond to communicable disease outbreaks.
Portage County food pantries face shortages because of federal cuts
Portage County’s food pantries and programs are among the first local victims of federal funding cuts, and the state is poised to compound the blow.
APL seeks donations after rescuing more than 60 animals in dire condition
Following a Nov. 19 rescue of more than 60 animals from what Executive Director Chalan Lowry described as “horrendous living conditions,” the Portage Animal Protective League has issued a special call for donations of supplies and money.
Portage County electronic device recycling program continues with contract extension
Portage County commissioners on Nov. 14 opted to continue their contract with GreenBoard IT, which collects discarded electronic devices at the county recycling center.
Portage County opened a new emergency command center (see photos)
- Jeremy Brown.
The Portage County Emergency Management Agency has officially opened its new command center, which includes state-of-the-art multimedia monitoring and communication technology.
County auditor and treasurer say tax reform is needed (part 4)
This is part of a series of articles The Portager is offering about the revaluation process. This article focuses on Portage County Auditor Matt Kelly’s and county Treasurer John Kennedy’s thoughts about Ohio’s taxing structure and what residents can do.
Despite higher home values, schools still expect to ask voters to approve levies (part 2)
The Portager is offering a series of articles about the statewide property revaluation process. This article focuses on how the revaluations affect local schools, and why asking voters for additional tax levies remains necessary.
Plans for Aurora hike-and-bike trail move forward
Aurora City Council gave final approval March 25 to a conditional zoning certificate for a 10-foot-wide hike-and-bike trail to be sited along the former Norfolk Southern Railroad property.
Kent to allow outdoor music in DORA
Kent City Council recently amended its noise ordinance to allow radios, stereos and musical instruments to be played outdoors in the city’s designated outdoor refreshment area.
A quarter of the county’s registered voters decided Tuesday’s election
Countywide turnout in the May 19 primary election tallied at 25.24% of registered voters, a bit lower than usual for a presidential primary election, county Board of Elections Director Faith Lyon said.