Archive

One constant of my 40 years in journalism is that each day has been a new adventure. Or, many times, a misadventure. Things I didn’t expect to happen, things I never dreamed could happen, things I’ll never forget whether I want to or not.

I love spring! There’s that fresh fragrance in the air. The beautiful early flowers and the new bird songs added to our winter bird songs. But best of all are the plant sales! Nurseries, greenhouses, home stores, garden clubs, master gardeners, plant swaps, and even your neighbor down the street.

The Suffield Lions Club will hold its Annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale on Saturday, May 9. The sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until sold out. The Lions will be outside at the Suffield Town Hall located at the corner of St. Rt. 43 and Route 224. This will make it an easy drive-by pick up.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

If recent weather seems wonky, that’s because it is. That’s the word from Portage County Emergency Management Agency Director Ryan Shackelford, whose job it is to track potential disasters and help communities respond to them.

The Kent City School District got a decisive win in Tuesday’s election, as its 9.8-mill additional tax levy passed 3,125 to 2,225.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

History buffs may find some entertaining reading in these nonfiction books about people lost in one way or another.

Bill and I recently had the privilege of attending the swearing-in of Brimfield’s new chief of police, Christopher Adkins. Rest assured that the police department is in very capable and qualified hands, as he has been serving our community since 2001 in the ranks of patrolman, sergeant, captain and now chief.

Members of the Atwater High School Class of 1963 Jim Manion, Jerry Michael, Chuck Brockett and Steve Crites attended a recent board of trustees meeting to talk about a request they have made to the Portage County Engineer’s Office.

May is Older Americans Month. Since 1963, our nation has "taken this opportunity to recognize Older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm the nation's commitment to serving older adults."

At a time when civic engagement matters more than ever, our community has a unique opportunity to come together for an inspiring and timely event. We are pleased to invite the public to a free screening of the acclaimed musical SUFFS, a powerful production that tells the story of the women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote, on Friday, May 8, 2026 in the Hayden Auditorium at Hiram College.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Ohio weather can be unpredictable throughout the year. Between snow, ice, rain, hail, humidity, and seasonal storms, roofing systems in Ohio must withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. 

Kent City School District leaders hope voters will approve a 9.8-mill continuing levy in May. If approved, Issue 1 will generate $8,522,335 annually for the district’s general operating budget.

As I cross the T-minus two months threshold on my retirement countdown and take stock of these last 40 years in journalism, a common denominator is emerging: It’s the things that happened outside the lines and never saw the light of day in a newspaper that stand out most to me, behinds-the-scenes stuff that I’ll take with me into the sunset.

Scott Rudlosky offered a proposal to add some disc golf holes at the township parks. He proposed a pilot program that could be started with a $500 grant he recently received specifically for disc golf.

When Dave and I moved to our house 30 years ago, the daffodils were already here at the end of the driveway. And they're still right there. They've been mowed down and run over many, many times.

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

When the Suffield Elementary School principal job opened up in 1999, Shawn Bookman was hesitant to apply. At that time, Bookman was a fifth grader teacher in the Springfield City School District with two young children.