local-government
Costs adding up around Mantua’s police chief firing
- The Village of Mantua’s Oct. 21-22 hearing that resulted in Council firing former Police Chief Joseph Urso carries a slew of financial consequences.
Kent City Council swears in three members
- Kent City Council officially swore in Council At-Large members Benjamin Tipton, Tracy Wallach and Sarah Elizabeth Wesley at its meeting on Dec. 17. Their terms will begin on Jan. 1, 2026.
Hiram takes control of Mantua’s police department, dispatch center
- Mantua Village Council on Dec. 16 unanimously approved a $170,000 contract handing Hiram Village control of its police department and dispatch center. Hiram’s village council has already authorized the contract.
Hike-and-bike trail connection faces opposition in Mantua
- Continued opposition to a hike-and-bike trail connection in Mantua Township may mean no connection at all. In short, residents and elected officials aren’t on board.
County roundup: Hiram offers police management to Mantua, plus Freedom, Garrettsville and Windham news
- Village council has authorized Mayor Anne Haynam to offer a management contract to the Village of Mantua that would allow the Hiram Police Department to manage the Mantua Village Police Department on a temporary basis.
Commissioners considering banning large wind and solar in county’s townships
- Portage County’s commissioners have the authority to designate all 18 townships off-limits to large wind and solar installations, but they’ve decided not to act alone.
Documenters: Kent City Council committee meeting for Dec. 3, 2025
- Hall presented the 2026 operating budget, which was approved by the council. Kent is not in a deficit and has been able to put several million dollars into a rainy day fund for emergencies. The 2026 operating budget was approved by council.
County roundup: Santa visits and news from Atwater, Brimfield, Mogadore, Randolph and Suffield
- 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.
Legislative update: Redistricting, government shutdown, property tax
- The Ohio Redistricting Commission unanimously passed a congressional map on Oct. 31. It gave Republicans the advantage in Ohio, 12-3.
Documenters: Ravenna City Council meeting for Dec. 1, 2025
- Calfee asked Smallfield for an update on the Flock system and if it has been “worth it.” Smallfield enthusiastically shared his positive opinion on the system and said that it has helped to solve about 100 crimes already.
Paris Township goes back to the drawing board on zoning proposals
- Fresh from Nov. 6 trustee and zoning board meetings that turned contentious at times, Paris Township trustees on Nov. 20 scrapped current zoning code proposals, as well as changes made in recent years.
County roundup: Aurora budget request rounds out to $50 million, plus news from Ravenna, Shalersville and Streetsboro
-Roger Gordon The Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Annual Holiday Luncheon celebrating the 2025 Person of the Year and Business of the Year will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at the Bertram Inn & Conference Center at 600 N. Aurora Rd. These honors recognize the remarkable achievements and significant contributions made by local individuals and businesses.
Streetsboro City Council appoints new council member after resignation
-Savana Capp
Streetsboro’s Ward 4 Representative Lisa McDaniel submitted a letter of resignation on Nov. 5, ahead of a move out of the city. At its Nov. 24 meeting, council voted to have a familiar face step into that spot: Justin Ring.
Documenters: Ravenna Board of Education meeting for Nov. 24, 2025
-Noell Wolfgram Evans
Unanimous approval was also provided for entering into a service agreement with Southeast Local Schools for the services of an ELL tutor, the establishment of an Indoor Track and Field Club at the high school, and the purchase of a new van for the transportation of special education students.
Documenters: Kent City Council meeting for Nov. 19, 2025
-Margaret Lennox
After public comment concluded, Amrhein and council members honored Sue Nelson of Sue Nelson Designs for her contributions to Kent’s community. Nov. 19 was declared Sue Nelson Day to honor her retirement.
Documenters: Kent City School District Board of Education meeting for Nov. 19, 2025
-Noell Wolfgram Evans
Errera was unanimously elected and immediately sworn in. Errera thanked those in attendance and quickly cast his first vote, which was an approval to move the board into executive session.
Former council member’s petition calls for Mantua mayor resignation
-Wendy DiAlesandro
Nearly a month after removing former Mantua Police Chief Joe Urso from his post, village council on Nov. 18 received a petition calling for Mayor Tammy Meyer’s resignation.