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Happy March, Bomber Country! The time has changed, and longer days are on the horizon. Seeing the sun up past 7 p.m. has done wonders for my soul. I love driving through town and seeing people walking their dogs and kids riding their bikes. Spring is finally in the air and here are some exciting events coming up in our little town:

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

When dropping off my recycling, I was pleasantly surprised to see a United States flag retirement drop box now located near the township buildings behind Edinburg Town Hall. If you have a flag that is no longer repairable, please drop it off to be properly disposed of. The address is 6856 Tallmadge Rd.

The truth is, none of us would be alive without farmers. Unfortunately, farming is becoming even more challenging with weather changes, reduction of farm aid and frozen funding for conservation/easement programs (which make farms more resilient against droughts and floods). Farmers have the highest suicide rate of all occupations. However, people in Randolph care.

I attended the Property Tax meeting hosted by Project Promise where elimination of DEI was cheered. I also read The Portager’s reporting on state Rep. Demetriou’s celebratory comments about elimination of DEI employees. I truly believe that a lot of people’s opinion of DEI is severely misconstrued and misunderstood.

Kent Social Services’ usual staff of cooks and servers will make way March 20 for the leadership team of the Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center, aka The Kent Hotel.

Twelve new inductees to the Kent City Schools Hall of Fame will be honored at a dinner and ceremony on April 5, 2025 at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Local leaders say the anticipated removal of the Gorge Metro Park Dam is another step in a years-long process to restore the Cuyahoga River to its natural state, as well as make it cleaner and friendlier to aquatic life.

Mantua Township road crews are out patching potholes and replacing and repairing street signs. This winter has been brutal for infrastructure, but the service is determined to get the roads back to satisfactory condition very soon. Preparations are also being made to get the cemeteries and ballfields spruced up for spring visitors and youth baseball, respectively.

Treasurer Brian Haines explained that the district is expecting an $85,412 reduction in funding for the 2026 fiscal year and a reduction of $103,911 in 2027 if the state budget passes as in its current form. Other pending state government decisions could take away $1 million annually from the district.

New Business review began with Council President Tom Hardesty explaining that the planning/zoning commission had been approached by an aspiring business owner to open a new tattoo shop in Garrettsville.

I love a good mystery, and all of these are excellent. But each book also has something else going for it.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Welcome to The Portager’s legislative round-up, which will regularly track what Portage County lawmakers are doing in Washington and in Columbus.

Don’t forget the Immaculate Conception monthly spaghetti dinner. It will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at the parish hall, 251 W. Spruce Ave., Ravenna.

It’s an open question whether the federal government will cut or freeze Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, but Kent city leaders are proceeding as if the funds will keep flowing.

Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County

Mass layoffs and funding freezes spurred by the Trump administration have caused confusion and concern for federal agencies and organizations that depend on them. But so far, Portage County leaders say local programs and grants are still on track.

Garrettsville is never without fun events. St. Patrick’s Day will again be celebrated with the Green Luck of the Irish throughout town: petting zoo, and horse and wagon rides on the corner of Main and Center from 4 to 7 p.m., weather permitting. Each restaurant will offer great Irish food, all available on Monday, March 17. There will also be face painting at the Mill.