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The Aurora VFW Post 2629 and the Knights of Columbus Council 14186 have been purchasing food for the Aurora Food Pantry for several years, donating over $36,000 of perishable food yearly as one of their community projects. But the need for assistance is growing.

Aurora The City of Aurora purchased a bit more property to add to its park property at Geauga Lake. “Our new park that we’re building has a small residential street right along its border called Fairview Avenue,” Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin said. “We have, during the last year, purchased some property on Fairview, and council recently approved the city buying three vacant lots on Fairview. The lot with the house won’t close until next year.” This property will save the […]

Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest. On Sept. 30 my wife and I attended the “Meet The Candidates” forum in Brimfield. I was impressed with a few of the candidates and not impressed with a few of the candidates. And one or two candidates […]

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

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.

Ravenna city leaders are waiting to learn if the city will receive a state grant to acquire two parcels of land adjacent to Emerald Lake Preservation.

Kent City Council unanimously abandoned its previous motion to explore the possibility of an overlay district on two parcels of land on Franklin Avenue at its committee meeting on Oct. 1.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on Sept.18 issued a Special Reconnect Order ensuring that people served by PUCO-regulated utilities won’t have their gas or electric service cut from Oct. 13, 2025, through April 15, 2026.

Earlier this summer, The Portager reported that Ravenna’s police/fire complex was built in 1901. That was news to Portage County Historical Society Vice President and Curator Kevin Gray, who lost no time setting the record straight on social media.

Planes, trains and automobiles were part of a three-week vacation. Jack Trauth of Ravenna flew to London to visit his daughter, Karrie, and her wife, Angela. He and Karrie flew to Switzerland to meet his son, Jim, his wife, Mariana, and grandson Evan. Adding to the excitement of the outing were travel by a dual-gauge railroad, a cog rail, a zip line, a funicular (a cable railroad, especially one on a mountainside, where ascending and descending cars are counterbalanced) and a vintage paddle wheel boat.

Do you remember the classic book, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” by Margery Williams? It’s the delightful tale of a stuffed bunny that becomes real. If you can suspend the grownup, practical voice that says, “Yeah, right! As if a stuffed animal can become real” you might just learn something. Because all the best children’s stories offer meaningful messages for people of all ages.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Nov. 4, 2025, General Election Day, is about a month away. Studies have shown that healthy democracies, where people vote in higher numbers, lead to healthy communities because elected officials are accountable to voters. I consider voting a privilege and a responsibility. It is my “super-power”! The official general election ballot for Brimfield is not long, but the results of the election will affect every person who lives in Brimfield. The ballot consists of candidates running for:

An update by OHM Advisors on the state Route 44 project was held Sept. 22 at Rootstown Middle School.

Some of Portage County’s legislators responded on social media, expressing sympathy or calling for action to end gun violence, after two children died and 21 people were wounded during a shooting on Aug. 27 in Minnesota. 

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Kent City Council voted to expand the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) district at the council committee meeting on Sep. 3 and officially approved the expansion at the regular council meeting on Sept. 17.

You may have heard of Spotted Lanternfly. You may have even seen one. What should you do when you see them? Kill by swatting, stomping, scraping, squishing, or contain, trap, vacuum. Read on for details. They may be pretty, but they are dangerous to our plants and trees.

Crocs, you either love them or you hate them. I happen to love them. I like light and airy shoes in good weather just like the next person, but no sandals or flip-flops for me. I’ve suffered too many broken toes over the years for that.