Angie Reedy’s dedication to Ravenna runs far and wide
- Jeremy Brown. After her retirement over 35 years ago, Angie Reedy decided to dedicate her life to volunteer service in the Ravenna area, and the community is stronger for it.
People
Around Charlestown: Dale Nething honored with Distinguished Service Award
- Ruth Ann Bartholomew. The Portage County Farm Bureau recently honored Dale Nething with its Distinguished Service Award. Dale and his son, Don, are co-owners of Maplecrest Farms on Knapp Road.
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.”
Special Olympics Ohio Portage County makes a difference in athletes' lives
- Lauren Cohen. At any given Special Olympics Ohio Portage County cheer practice, coach Ashleigh Lawrence and the athletes can be seen goofing around and dancing, but most of all, working hard.
Samantha Stephens leads Schneller with a focus on community, opportunity
- Wendy DiAlesandro. Samantha Stephens paused in the lobby of Schneller, a one-of-a-kind company on Powdermill Road in Kent.
Around Edinburg: Township says goodbye to Evelyn Shewell, Edinburg's oldest resident
- Cathy Klein. Many of you may have already heard, but we recently lost our oldest community member with the passing of Evelyn Shewell. Evelyn turned 100 years old this past August and was awarded with a proclamation from the Edinburg Ohio Historical Society.
A world-class throwing facility has a home in Rootstown
Tucked into the rural countryside of Rootstown is the home of Rodhe Sport, a shot put-, hammer- and discus-throwing facility, where Olympian and inventor Justin Rodhe coaches world-class throwing athletes and handcrafts training gloves used by professional athletes around the world.
Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala, 82, dies after three decades of service
Kent’s longtime mayor, Jerry Fiala, who had served for more than a decade since his election in 2009, died Sept. 30 at the age of 82.
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.
Portage County’s pet pantries look to help those in need
Pet owners sometimes face issues financially providing for their companions. Deirdre Reaves of Kent knows this problem all too well. Twelve years ago, Reaves was facing the possibility of parting with her dog, Dink.
Chainsaw woodcarving pioneer returns to Randolph Fair
Ben Risney made his first chainsaw sculpture at 21, when he felled a tree in the family cow pasture and carved a bear head with the wood.
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.
Hospice program organizes a unique visit for horse enthusiast care center resident
- Tom Hardesty.
Laurene Jae Jackson has packed a lot into her 81 years on the planet.
Submitted: Awards announced for Portage County 4-H Life Skills projects
- Submitted.
Portage County recently celebrated the achievements of its 4-H youth participants at the Portage County 4-H Life Skills Awards at the conclusion of judging for the Life Skills Projects in July. The awards recognize the exceptional dedication and hard work of the county’s 4-H members.
BridgeWorks project brings more public art to downtown Kent
- Staff Report.
A summer project through Main Street Kent features work from eight local artists across the W. Main St. bridge. The Portager is a proud sponsor of this project.
Kicker
Kent’s slot car raceway brings racing to the next generation
In a world that revolves around time and money, Mirgs Slot Car Raceway is focused on neither.
Around Charlestown: Cruise in to the Charlestown Summer Festival
It’s time to make plans to attend the 22nd Charlestown Summer Festival and Cruise In. Join in the fun on Saturday, August 2 from 3-7 p.m. at the Charlestown Township Park on Rock Spring Road. Admission is FREE and plenty of fun for all ages is planned.
Robert E. Tompkins Jr. Foundation Scholarship winners announced
- Staff Report.
A memorial scholarship fund in the name of the late Robert Tompkins Jr., a lifelong supporter of Mogadore sports, music and community provides scholarships to graduating seniors who excel in athletics and/or music.