As a taxpayer in Portage County, I am deeply concerned about the recent agreement between our sheriff’s office and ICE. At a time when county commissioners admit there is not much extra money in the budget, we are committing local resources to enforce federal immigration law with little transparency and no clear plan to cover the costs.
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Taproot Catering is helping to eliminate food waste and school lunch debt
With the help of a meme and some leftover food from their catering business, Michael and Linda Fiala, owners of Taproot Catering, began offering pay-what-you-can lunches Tuesday through Thursday, with proceeds going to the Kent City Schools.
Sheriff’s office won’t answer questions about costs related to ICE agreement
Many questions remain about the recently signed agreement between the Portage County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that empowers deputies to enforce federal immigration law.
County roundup: Memorial Day parades, road work and more from Rootstown, Paris, Edinburg and Deerfield
The Rootstown Lions Club will be putting up banners downtown honoring local veterans leading up to Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. The banners will have the veterans’ names and photos on them.
Around Charlestown: Memorial Day plans and Yard Sale Day in Charlestown
Charlestown Township’s Annual Memorial Day Parade and Service will be held Sunday, May 25 with the parade stepping off at 11a.m. and proceeding to the cemetery where a short service will take place.
Kent’s pedestrian seating area on Franklin Avenue isn’t going anywhere
Despite rumors to the contrary, Kent’s Outdoor Seating Area on the north end of Franklin Avenue is very much alive, and will remain so.
Local musician, photographer Ritch Underwood’s work part of new Led Zeppelin documentary
It was in the fall of 1966 when Tallmadge guitarist Ritch Underwood, 78, joined the Kent-based band The Measles and played alongside Joe Walsh.
Ohio Outdoor: April showers bring vernal pools
Spring is here! The school year is winding up, the days are getting warmer, and rain is falling. Spring rain is essential. It waters all the new plant growth, pulls pollen out of the air, and boosts water table and wetland levels.
Voters back school levies and Issue 2 in low-turnout Portage County election
Portage County voters delivered key wins for public infrastructure and school funding during Tuesday’s primary election, even as turnout remained low.
Kent City Council to consider changes to city’s Outdoor Seating Area
Kent council members will consider the future of the city’s Outdoor Seating Area (OSA), a small part of the city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) after a dozen business owners reportedly complained about an uneven playing field.
Portage County schools could lose money under House Bill 96’s carryover cap
If passed as is, Portage County schools could lose millions in carryover funds under the current version of the Ohio House GOP’s proposed state budget — a reality that concerns local superintendents and the Ohio Education Association, a union representing over 100,000 school workers statewide.
Been There, Done That: Like dog, like dog
Our Beagle Boy Cletus seems to be more and more like his “big brother” Duke all the time, even though the two never actually met. Dukie crossed the Rainbow Bridge about six months before Cletus’ Gotcha Day.
Documenters: Mantua Township Trustees meeting for May 1, 2025
The meeting began with the fiscal officer’s report, which discussed the possibility of obtaining an updated risk insurance policy. Additionally, health insurance costs increased by 32% over two years, but the township approved the renewal of their plan, deeming it the best overall choice.
Letter to the editor: Dear gardeners, could you spare some produce?
Attention Gardeners: As you diligently prepare to plant your vegetable crops, we encourage you to consider allocating an additional row for the purpose of donating produce to your local food pantry, hot meals program, or shelter. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
What Issue 2 means for Portage and Summit counties
Millions of dollars in funding for regional public infrastructure projects hinge on the outcome of the May 6 election.
County roundup: Community garage sale coming up in Garrettsville, plus news from Hiram and Mantua
The Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual community-wide garage sale will be all day Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18. To be part of the garage sale, call the Chamber at 330-527-2411 or go to the Chamber office at 8088 Main St.