County roundup: Construction heating up around Brimfield, plus news from Atwater, Randolph and Suffield

Atwater

Atwater Fire Department Chief Jason Brock presented information on the increasing call volume the department is facing (there were 51 incidents in May). Data showed the need for the station to be staffed from 4 to 10 p.m. as this is the second-busiest call time after the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. time slot.

The township trustees unanimously passed a motion to have the 4 to 10 p.m. time staffed with two dual-certified part-time members from the station duty roster. This staffing will be revisited and reviewed at the end of the year to see how to proceed into 2026.

Meanwhile, Nathan Robert, who started as a fire department cadet, is now a full member of the department.


Melway Paving will soon be starting this year’s chip-and-seal projects on the following roads: Petrie Road, Unger Road, Maple Avenue, Grate Avenue and Hall Street. The Town Hall parking lot will also get its final chip-and-seal coat.


The free lunch program, sponsored by the Community Action Council of Portage County, takes place from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 15 at Atwater Old School Park at 6660 Waterloo Rd. (except July 4). Crafts and activities will also be provided. This is open to all area children (not just Atwater residents) ages 1-18. There is no paperwork, no forms to fill out – just go and enjoy lunch and the activities.


The Memorial Day Parade winners are listed on the township’s website and Facebook page.


Upcoming meetings (all are held at Atwater Town Hall at 1219 State Route 183 and are open to the public):
*Township Trustees – 7 p.m. Tuesdays June 24, July 8 and July 22
*Zoning Commission – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 2
*Records Retention – 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 21


Find township information and events at atwatertwp.net and facebook.com/atvaterTWP.

Suffield

The Suffield Fire Department received its brand-new fire truck three weeks ago. The cost was approximately $485,000, but with extras it might have been a little bit more than that.

“We got a loan to pay for it, a 10-year note,” township Chair Jeff Eldreth said.


The annual Suffield Community Cruise-In has been rescheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29 at Town Hall and the fire station. The original date of the Cruise-In was June 8, but it was rained out.

Said Eldreth, “No awards will be given out because it’s a cruise-in, not a car show.”


Suffield had its biggest Memorial Day Parade in several years on Monday, May 26.

“It lasted more than an hour,” Eldreth said.

A ceremony was held afterward at Suffield Elementary School by the flagpole.

Brimfield

The Boomers 330 concert presented by Hometown Bank, scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 26, will no longer be at Lions Community Park. It has been moved to the gazebo.This is the finale of the 2025 summer concert series.


Senior Yoga Series: SAIL at Brimfield Town Hall at 1333 Tallmadge Rd. #6916 will be at 10 a.m. Thursdays June 26, July 10 and July 24. Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a program designed to enhance strength, balance and overall fitness in adults. This is in partnership with University Hospitals. Registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.


Scrap-A-Palooza, an all-day scrap event, will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12 at the Brimfield Branch Library at 4286 Kelso Dr. Spend the day scrapbooking, relaxing and connecting with fellow crafters. Bring your own supplies and snacks, or grab lunch nearby. Stay all day or drop in for a few hours – everyone’s welcome! Check out the community table to share extra supplies or pick up something new. Payment and registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.


Senior Yoga Series: Gentle Flow Yoga will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 16 at the Brimfield Community Center at 4538 Edson Rd. This calming class, whose instructor is provided by Shine, combines slow, mindful movements with breath awareness to promote relaxation, flexibility and balance. It’s ideal for beginners or anyone seeking a refreshing experience. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and any preferred props. Registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration. Senior Yoga Series: Gentle Flow Yoga is made possible by a donation from The Village of St. Edward.


The following are July Summer Day Camp sessions:

*Monday, July 14, Junior Adventures Day Camp – A fun-filled adventure where kids connect with the great outdoors. Through hands-on activities, campers will discover the wonders of plants, animals and ecosystems. They’ll build curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love for nature.
*Tuesday, July 15, Junior Splash & Dash Day Camp – An action-packed, high-energy day camp where kids race, strategize and compete in games, obstacle courses, water activities and relays. With teamwork, agility and friendly competition, all day will be packed with movement, laughter and adventure.
*Wednesday, July 16, Insect Investigators Day Camp – A hands-on adventure where kids dive into the fascinating world of insects. Campers will become junior entomologists as they catch, observe and learn about bugs like butterflies, beetles and bees. Through games and outdoor explorations, they’ll discover the important roles bugs play in nature – all while having tons of creepy-crawly fun.
*Thursday, July 17, Splash, Jump & Dash Day Camp – A dynamic day camp where kids engage in fast-paced races, strategic challenges and competitions. From obstacle courses and water games to energetic relays, every moment is filled with action, teamwork and friendly rivalry.

All sessions are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brimfield Community Center at 4538 Edson Rd. Registration closes July 6 for all sessions. Email [email protected] for payment and registration information.


Brimfield Township Trustee approval is needed for an Enterprise Zone Agreement with The Village of St. Edward assisted living facility. Construction will start this summer on the project.


The property owners at 2369 Tallmadge Rd. will be cleaning up the site, with anticipated completion in August. Court paperwork is to follow. The township trustees waived variance fees for the property this year. Trustee approval is now being requested from the property owners to pay half of the court costs.


The property owner at 4618 State Route 43 was ordered to clean up scrap metal, junk and debris by Jan. 1, 2025, by Judge Laurie J. Pittman. The owner is still working on it. The prosecutor’s office has been notified of the status.


Items at 1203 Doralee Dr. will be auctioned by the road department once titles are received. Work is being done on obtaining the titles on the boat, motor and car from the court.


The proposed Fairfield Inn by Marriott was granted variances on the temporary fence it installed. The inn obtained building permits and is working on the new fire alarm system and redesigning the sprinkler system.


Brimfield Plaza on state Route 43 will be getting two new occupants – Wing Warehouse and Hallmark Ornaments will be moving in and renovating. The plaza roof is now half-finished, sheds have been removed, and the parking lot replacement began June 16.


The Portage County engineer and PARTA are continuing work on a plan to connect International Drive to Mogadore.


Dollar General poured the footer and slab for its new building.


Wohlwend Engineering crews continue construction on its new building on Mogadore Road. Metro Net will be the tenant for the new building. Outdoor storage will be placed in Tallmadge. Plans for a second building have been approved. A TIF is being worked on for this project.


The Villas at Wyles Farm Apartment Homes on Town Square Drive continue site work and constructing apartments. The county engineer has approved the public roadway improvements from the TIF.


Kenda Tire construction is nearly complete. The company is currently working with fire-testing radios, etc.


Ryan Homes continues to construct townhomes and condominiums in the Woodland Reserve Condominium Development at 536 State Route 43. Also, a TIF is being worked on to run water down state Route 43.


Pleasant Lakes of Ohio has been granted approval to continue with condominium development off Sanctuary Drive. The roadway is now in, and several condos are under construction. Also, this developer will start building behind the Holiday Inn. A zoning map amendment was approved at this location.


VA Cancer Imaging & Infusion Center construction continues. Trustee approval is needed for a revised easement that includes landscaping that will be maintained by the VA Center.


Celebration Church purchased the property at 4494 State Route 43. Renovation will be starting soon. The Cleveland Clinic will continue renting its space.


Construction continues on the structure that will be Joe’s BBQ.


A new retail plaza is being designed for Brimfield Crossing Drive across from McDonald’s. Construction will begin this summer.


Construction continues on the new addition for The Hill Church.


Dunkin’ Donuts at 152 Tallmadge Rd. is now open.


The McDonald’s interior renovations are now complete.


The framing of the structure has begun for Discount Drug Mart.


The Jarrett Fleet addition has been completed.


McGuire Park is now open.


The old Rico’s bar is being transformed into a restaurant/bar owned by KWT Commercial
Real Estate, LLC. Construction continues on this project.


The Hickory Hills subdivision continues selling homes for this development. Phase two is now underway as grading and site work has begun.


The Brimfield Commons site work is complete. There are several potential businesses for this area.


A TIF has been completed with PrideOne to help build the Town Center Master Plan. Also, Wohlwend Engineering has developed a conceptual drawing for sidewalk and lighting areas as requested by the zoning commission. Several TIFs are being worked on to construct the sidewalks and lighting.


Zoning violation letters continue to be sent out. There are several court cases with the prosecutor’s office.


Brimfield has 20 new homes permitted this year so far.


The Brimfield Township TIRC Board met March 31.


The Kent JEDD meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30. The Tallmadge JEDD met Dec. 4; its next meeting will be in December 2025.


AMATS’ policy committee meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14.


The quarterly zoning inspector’s meeting will be in August.


The Portage Development Board meeting will be at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, July 24.


The Portage County Storm Water Task Force’s next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19.


The Let’s Glow Brimfield event scheduled for Saturday, July 26 has been canceled due to township-wide financial restructuring.

Randolph

District 72 Ohio State Representative Heidi Workman spoke at the Randolph Township Trustees meeting June 12 and focused on the proposed bill that would eliminate the property tax and the effects it would have on townships as a whole.

“Thirty percent of our budget comes from property taxes,” township Trustee John Lampe said.

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