Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Archive
New Laziza owners making their mark on the restaurant after Awad family retires
The new owners of Laziza have added unique and approachable items to an already popular menu, like a Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich with harissa oleo, and they’ve started serving Sunday brunch, twisting familiar favorites into modern Mediterranean recipes.
County roundup: Garrettsville prepares for car cruise, plus news from Freedom, Mantua, Nelson and Windham
A fundraising dinner for the Mantua Restoration Society will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8 in the Mantua Center School gymnasium at 11741 Mantua Center Rd. in Mantua Township.
PBS Western Reserve ramping up fundraising in face of federal cuts
Reeling from the federal government’s decision to claw back already-approved funding, public broadcasting stations are left to find money.
Been There, Done That: Simple pleasures in yard maintenance
I finally found time in my schedule to do some weedeating in our one-acre yard. I weedate? weedeated? weed-whacked? OK, trimmed for over an hour and still only did about half the yard. I tanked two arms, two cold refreshing beverages and two batteries in the process.
Letter to the editor: Criticism is not hate, nor is it a crime
On July 15, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office announced a major drug bust—an impressive operation worthy of commendation. But instead of simply sharing the official press release and commending the staff involved, administrative specialist Susan Schlarb took to Facebook to add this:
Southeast High School roof required an expensive fix – but it might have been free
Southeast Local Schools spent thousands of dollars this year to repair parts of a seven-year-old roof without first checking if the manufacturers’ warranty would pay for it, district officials said.
State passes budget bill, Portage legislators vote with party
Ohio now has its fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law on July 1. Area representatives in the state House and Senate cast their votes along party lines, with not a single Democrat supporting it in either chamber.
Documenters: Kent City Council meeting for July 16, 2025
Four members of the public, each a member of the Charter Review Board, took to the podium to use their time to express disappointment that the council voted not to advance three proposed changes to the charter at the last council meeting. The item that drew the most attention was a proposal on holding non-partisian elections. It had been suggested that this be put before the voters.
The age of Ravenna’s police and fire complex isn’t so clear cut
Relying on information provided by the Portage County Auditor’s Office, The Portager reported that Ravenna’s current police/fire station complex, comprising much of the block bordered by West Maple Lane, South Meridian Street, West Spruce Avenue and Park Way, was built in 1901 and remodeled in 1979.
County roundup: Atwater firefighters start paramedic training, plus news from Randolph and Suffield
The 167th Portage County Randolph Fair will be all day from Tuesday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 24 at 4215 Fairground Rd. As usual, there will be animal shows, animal contests, animal auctions, a demolition derby, live bands, karaoke, scavenger hunts, workshops, truck and tractor pulls, and a wide variety of food concessions. For more information about the fair, visit randolphfair.com.
Around Windham: Cruising into the second half of summer
Here are some exciting events and important information coming up in our little town for the end of July and beginning of August.
BridgeWorks project brings more public art to downtown Kent
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.
Streetsboro won’t ban fireworks after all
Despite some residents asking city council to ban or at least restrict fireworks in Streetsboro, city leaders on July 14 opted to do no such thing.
Around Edinburg: Rummage sale and soccer registration coming soon
True North Vacation Bible School at Edinburg United Church was a five-day success in early July. More than 45 campers learned about trusting Jesus through songs, crafts, games and Bible stories.
Ohio Outdoors: Summer’s symphony
July is a busy month. We celebrate our country’s birthday, county fairs are getting underway, bald eagle chicks are fledging (able to fly and leave the nest), and then there are the summer concerts. Many cities and towns across the Buckeye State offer free outdoor concerts on special afternoons or evenings throughout the summer. There is another type of concert that is also free, available to everyone, everywhere, and plays all summer long. I’m talking about the musical productions of nature.