Streetsboro police will increase their presence around the school district in response to a threatening message scrawled on a middle school bathroom on Dec. 13, which appeared just two days after a picture of a BB gun on social media caused widespread concern.
Archive
Portage County lost its budget director to a nonprofit with better pay, benefits
Portage County has a new finance director: County commissioners on Dec. 1 approved Jaclyn Petty to replace Joe Harris, who recently resigned to take a new job.
Portage County roundup: Aurora fire chief retires, plus Ravenna and Streetsboro news
Longtime Fire Chief David Barnes retired in August. He was with the department for 45 years, and 20 of those years he was the chief. The city is undergoing a search using the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association to assist it and hopes to name a new chief early in 2023. The acting chief is Matthew McBirney.
Around Charlestown: Santa sightings, holiday cheer and new job openings
My home was full of Christmas joy Saturday night when Santa surprised five excited kids with a special visit. I was hosting a family dinner when, chauffeured by the Charlestown Volunteer Firefighters, Santa and Mrs. Claus rolled up in a fire truck with the lights flashing!
Amateur radio donation impacts local food center during time of need
For the 17th year in a row, Portage County Amateur Radio Service (PCARS) has raised funds for the local food program, the Center of Hope, a program of Family & Community Services (FCS).
Letter to the editor: New year is a great time to quit tobacco use
The new year is quickly approaching and there is no better time to start thinking about a healthier 2023.
Vintage clothing chain Branded opens Kent shop with sustainability mission
Vintage fashion lovers have a new destination in downtown Kent with the opening of Branded at Kent on Black Friday.
Attention Santas, there’s a new giving tree in the county administration building
Home Instead Senior Care has one more place to put a giving tree and one more opportunity for Portage County folks to make the holidays a bit more cheerful for seniors.
Go back in time: Photos of the Kent mill through the years
The Kent Historical Society provided several photos of the mill throughout its history. Built in 1879 and originally operating as the Williams Brothers Mill, it has been a part of the downtown landscape nearly as long as the city has been a city.
Op-ed: By helping and sharing, Kent formed stronger connections through tragedy
Last Friday, I left the informal Kent Environmental Council breakfast at Little City Grill at about 9 a.m. and immediately noticed smoke. As I turned south on Mantua toward downtown Kent, I could see that the Williams Brothers Mill was on fire.
Hardesty: Ravenna soccer coach lives the meaning of sportsmanship
In the world of sports, the focus is on the player and their accomplishments, and often the coach is overlooked. After volunteer coaching for many seasons with Ravenna Parks and Recreation, I would like to recognize a coach that stands out among the rest: Eric Allen, with Kent Parks and Recreation.
Kent Parks and Rec needs community feedback to guide upcoming investments
The department will host a Community Engagement Survey from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Roy Smith Shelter House at 601 Middlebury Road in Kent. The purpose of the forum is to gain community input for Parks and Rec’s upcoming master plan.
State-funded demolitions throughout Portage County will make way for new development
The Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program approved 17 projects in Portage County this month, as a part of its initiative to promote business development and to reduce blight.
Ottrix family becomes recipient of property transfer in Skeels allotment
On Nov. 18, 2022, Louise Ottrix, a longtime resident of Ravenna, became the recipient of a piece of property in the Skeels Allotment off of state Route 59 near downtown.
Been There, Done That: Make do and bail water
We’ve literally had plumbing issues at my house for years. It started gradually with the kitchen sink not draining well. The shower drained, but very slowly and only after allowing the water to get almost to the top of the rim. And eventually, I abandoned the washer altogether after having water pumped out all over the floor for the LAST time.