Opinion

Are you getting those multiple calls a day, asking you to sign up for a particular insurance company’s Medicare plan? Aren’t those phone calls a pain in the neck? Your phone rings so you run to get it, only to find “Rachel” wanting to tell you how great their Medicare plan is.

This week’s Setlist brings us into the first full week of November. Yesterday voters participated in one of the most important midterm elections in recent history. As many of us hope to change the trajectory our country has been heading, it’s hard not to feel some stress.

I was very impressed at the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair when I heard singing and violin playing coming the from the tent next to the Historical Society's tent. I was very curious, so I went to talk to the young man.

We've had some great weather lately, especially for October. You're welcome, by the way. I put all my summer clothes away at the end of September. I take full credit for the extended summer we've been experiencing.

As Fire Chief of Brimfield Township, I would like to share information regarding Issue 27, the proposed 1.95-mill Fire and EMS levy on the November 3 ballot.

As the season of Thanksgiving gives us pause to ponder our blessings and express gratitude, consider that 2026 marks 250 years since America’s Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence.  In 1776, our Founding Fathers began by declaring…

Do you really remember every plant you’ve planted, where you planted it, and what each plant needs to thrive? As I get older, retaining the names, locations and needs of the plants I’ve planted gets more challenging.

Recently, as I rummaged through some old files, I came across a column I wrote for the Record-Courier nearly twenty years ago, entitled “Forgiveness.”

This week’s setlist brings us into the month of November, and toward the end of the week, our warm, dry fall weather looks to take a turn towards the more usual wet, chilly pattern we have become accustomed to this time of year.

Every October I write about something spooky, creepy, or just plain weird in honor of Halloween. Last year I wrote about bats. This year it’s spiders.

I’ve always been captivated by the idea of time travel, so I looked for recent novels, and remembered some older books, that involve moving through time.

Back in July, as temperatures soared across Ohio and the rest of the country, I came across an article that shook me to my core.

I think we all have had our fill of political ads as the mid-term elections approach with less than 2 weeks remaining of the candidates’ campaigns. 

A strong community is one where people can access support when they need it, families know where to turn for help, and every person has the opportunity to thrive. That is why I encourage Portage County voters to support the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County’s renewal levy this November.

Every election, thousands of Ohioans give their time and energy to ensure our elections are conducted fairly, securely, and with integrity. These dedicated poll workers, election officials, and volunteers play an essential role in protecting one of our most cherished rights — the right to vote.

The 2026 Field graduates are off to college to further their educations. A day at Field High School honored many students that received scholarships from different businesses, non-profits and individuals. 

Annuals and Vegetables: They have lived their full life cycle. Once frost has taken its toll, it’s time to pull them out and compost them, if they are healthy.

I usually try to keep The Portager positive, but sometimes we simply have to report bad news. Today I have some bad news to share, though by the end of this column you’ll have much more context and, I hope, some optimism about the future of our newspaper.