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After cuts in 2024, state funding for public libraries resembles the amount allotted 25 years ago, long before I was born in 2004. And a new budget draft proposed in the Ohio House results in a $100 million funding decrease over two years, compared to a proposal from Governor DeWine.

I am writing to express serious concern over Ohio Senate Bill 30, which proposes extending the legal working hours for 14- and 15-year-olds during the school year — from the current 7 p.m. cutoff to 9 p.m., with parental and school consent. While framed as a way to increase employment flexibility, this bill directly threatens student health and school attendance — two areas already in crisis.

Save the Bees. I’m sure you’ve heard or seen such slogans increasingly over the past couple of decades. Of course, I’m all for saving any species, but some of the claims of activist groups on bee decline are a bit frightening. In trying to research the topic of bees and their necessity to humanity’s survival, I found varied and often contradictory reports. Sifting through the data, a few undeniable truths emerged.

As a proud graduate of Ravenna High School (RHS), a father to two RHS graduates — Khai and Angelique Brown — both of whom hold Master’s degrees, and as a local business man and property owner, I am writing to express my unwavering support for the Ravenna School level. RHS provided me with the essential tools to succeed, and I have seen firsthand how it equips today’s students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

The Village of Windham Planning Commission will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the replat of two parcels located within the Village of Windham, specifically the combination of parcels for new residential construction on Maple Grove Road. The parcels to be combined are as follows: Lot 5, Parcel No. 41-057-10-00-047-000, and Lot 6, Parcel No. 41-057-10-00-048-0000. For any inquiries regarding this matter, please contact the Village […]

More than 1,000 people rallied on the Portage County Courthouse lawn in downtown Ravenna and near the gazebo in downtown Kent as part of the “Hands Off!” national day of action around the country on Saturday.

Hiram Village Council passed legislation for the village administrator to build a structure to be able to sell water. Currently, the village does not sell water.

With the passing of Ohio’s controversial Senate Bill 1, President Donald Trump’s continued executive orders and the age-old partisan divide, Portage County politicians didn’t let up in the statehouse or on social media in March.

I just saw the powerful musical about the 9/11 attacks on the US from outside forces, “Come From Away.” It told the story about nearly 6,600 passengers on 38 flights that were suddenly grounded in Newfoundland for nearly a week when US airspace was closed. The “Newfies” welcomed, and generously cared for people from all over the world.

Kent is a community on the rise, with a thriving R1 university, excellent K-12 schools, affordable housing, and a diverse citizenry. Yet, recent economic shifts are threatening our way of life.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Portage County’s food pantries and programs are among the first local victims of federal funding cuts, and the state is poised to compound the blow.

It’s Spring! That means that the Easter Bunny will be making his annual visit to Charlestown for the Easter Egg Hunt. The Bunny will arrive at the township park on Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m. to kick off the hunt. There will be a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. If the weather is a problem the location will be moved to the fire station.

The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program will be writing a bi-monthly column for the Portager entitled “Rooted Ramblings.” Look for our column every other Friday.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

The fire department thanked the community for the growing support for overnight staffing, as well as thanked Dale Wiley for a giant TV, and Milt Green for setting up the UH helicopter landing zone that was needed after a bad accident in the township.

Kent local, Sinisa “The Sniper” Jovic, has participated in martial arts since he was 7 years old. He started out in karate, boxing and Sambo, a martial art with Soviet origins. Now, at 24, he’s become the 2025 U.S. national kickboxing champion, earning himself a spot on the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) USA National Team.

A Ravenna man has been convicted by a federal jury of orchestrating a financial conspiracy that defrauded the U.S. government of over $1 million in pandemic benefits.

I was recently intrigued by an article about Rogers Secret Recipes (RSR), reasonably priced upscale prix fixe meals (full course meal for one price) being served from 3-9 p.m. on Wednesdays at Wild Goats Restaurant in Kent. Of course, we had to check it out!