The Portager

Golf cart rules might be coming to Garrettsville

Wendy DiAlesandro — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:42:00 GMT

Garrettsville a golf cart community?

Seems so. Village Mayor Rick Patrick and police Lt. Keith Whan both say they’re seeing more and anticipate an even greater uptick.

“If you're driving through town, it's not uncommon to see five or six golf carts on the road at any time. There's a lot of residents that have them and there seem to be more and more of them coming up,” Whan said.

Now, village officials intend to take advantage of a 2025 state law that allows golf carts on public roads as long as the posted speed limit is less than 35 mph and local governments — village or city councils — have ordinances in place allowing them.

Patrick and Whan envision legislation that would require cart drivers to be licensed and for the carts to be registered and insured. The carts will have had to pass all necessary safety checks, including being outfitted with seatbelts, turn signals and headlights, Whan said.

Admitting that golf cart traffic is more prevalent than problematic, Patrick said it is safer for everyone if the people operating them are old enough to understand the rules of the road. Whan agrees and looks forward to smaller, slower carts that have ‘Slow Moving Traffic’ triangles affixed to the back being off the road. Those are the carts most likely to present a potential hazard to other motorists, he said.

If village council authorizes legislation in the next month or so, Whan said police would observe a grace period through the fall, issuing warnings and impromptu education sessions instead of tickets. Those would start next spring, when the carts roll again.

Not ready to roll with the proposed changes is village resident Kim Polifrone. She said she and her dad had driven three and four-wheel golf carts around town for years and never heard any complaints.

“Now everybody’s getting upset about the golf carts, and I honestly don’t see a problem with it, because most of them that are riding around here are the bigger ones with the signals, the lights and everything, and everybody seems to obey the law,” she said. “I’ve never seen anybody driving erratically with them or anything like that. I’ve not heard of any golf cart accidents, either.”

Polifrone’s main concern is for elderly people, some of whom have mobility issues.

“It isn’t as easy for them to get to the store. My mother can get in her buggy and run down to Save A Lot and get a gallon of milk and come back and she doesn’t have to drive a car. She’s not as comfortable driving anymore as she used to be. She’s 87, so she gets into this thing and takes the sidewalks,” she said.

If the new law passes as drafted, the sidewalks will be off limits. Polifrone, though, thinks they are safer for kids and elderly people.

“They’re making something out of nothing. They’re really making it tough on people. It just seems like it’s one more way to control,” she said.

County roundup: Atwater Stuff the Truck gets most donations ever; plus Brimfield, Randolph and Suffield news

Roger Gordon — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:41:00 GMT

Randolph

The 168th Portage County Fair will be held from Tuesday, Aug. 25, to Sunday, Aug. 30, at the county fairgrounds in Randolph. As usual, attractions will include animal shows, scavenger hunts, workshops, live music, games, classes, auctions, games and contests. Not to mention, a great variety of good eats, too. Grandstand events will include demolition derbies, tractor races, tractor and truck pulls and a Rough Truck Contest. Gates will open each day at 7 a.m. and will close at 11 p.m. For ticket information and more details, visit randolphfair.com.

Atwater

The Atwater Fire Department would like to thank the township residents for their generous donations of school supplies during their “Stuff the Fire Truck” event on Aug. 15. These donations are greatly appreciated and will certainly benefit the students and school. It was the fire department’s biggest collection of school supplies to date.

Mark your calendars now for the fire department’s Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 3. This annual event, held at the fire station at 6570 Waterloo Rd., kicks off Fire Safety Week. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice. Donations only are accepted for this event.

Upcoming dates: (all the following events are held at the Atwater Townhall)

Sept. 8 – Zoning office hours, 5-6:30 p.m.
- Board of Trustees meeting, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 – Zoning office hours, 5-6:30 p.m.
- Quarterly Financial Review meeting, 6:20 p.m.
- Board of Trustees meeting, 7 p.m.

Stay up to date on meetings/events by visiting the new Atwater Township website, atwatertwp.net, where you can also find the link to the Atwater Facebook page.

Brimfield

The Brimfield Zoning Commission approved a request to rezone a lot west of 1215 Howe Road from R-1 to I-C and sent it to the township trustees for their review. The trustees scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The discussion surrounding data centers continues, including detailed restrictions that are needed in the draft legislation and narrowing down locations that are least impactful on township residents.

The next Zoning Commission meeting is on Thursday Sept. 10. A public hearing is set for 6:45 p.m. regarding Megan’s Way Out, and the regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

The Brimfield Board of Zoning Appeals met on Aug. 12. Three residential cases were granted variances, and one residential case was tabled until the next meeting on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. Waffle House was the only commercial case, and it was granted a 5’ variance for minimum lot width.

Suffield

The Portage County Township Association awards an annual $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from a county high school who is going into the trades. The 2026 winner is Mitchell Adams, who graduated from Field High School last spring. Adams aspires to be an electrician apprentice doing commercial wiring.

“It’s a good thing the Township Association does,” Suffield Township vice Chair Jeff Eldreth said. “We need people who are going into the trades. I think it’s a good thing that we help out the trades because you’ve got to have somebody wire your house, you’ve got to have somebody build your house.”

One for the Books: Thrilling new true crime is out

Mary Louise Ruehr — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:40:00 GMT

Americans can’t seem to get enough of true crime. Books, podcasts and documentaries abound, and TV shows — even entire channels — are dedicated to accounts of crimes and court trials, and they’re more popular than ever. The books often make the nonfiction bestseller list.

“London Falling” by Patrick Radden Keefe is one of today’s bestsellers. In 2019, a 19-year-old man jumped into the Thames River in London, in an apparent suicide. Images of the event were picked up by London’s ubiquitous cameras. Why would this young man, Zac, commit suicide? Or was something more sinister at play here? Zac’s parents wanted answers, but they weren’t getting many from the police. The information surrounding Zac’s death came out in layers, revealing “a darker side of London” — a seedy and dangerous world of billionaires, drug lords, Russian gangsters, and violent criminals.

His family soon learned that Zac had posed as the wealthy son of a Russian oligarch. Did he know he was playing with fire? His mother said, “There is so much we are discovering about Zac — in his death — that was not true.” It was like trying to “piece together a jigsaw in the dark.” She said there was “this whole world we did not know about, this underworld that exists on our doorstep.” The people around Zac were involved in scandals, shoddy business deals, financial crimes, outright theft, and murder.

Zac’s father noted that “There had not been a single mention of Zac’s death in the papers,” which led him to wonder “if perhaps there might be some other, more exotic explanation, some deeper intrigue playing out behind the scenes.” Were the police merely incompetent, or were they hiding something? Why was the lead detective “maddeningly incurious”? One family member pointed out the obvious: “We’re all witnesses. Something very wrong happened here.” After doing his own preliminary investigations, the author admitted, “They were not wrong to feel the investigation had been mishandled.”

The book is an interesting combination of true crime, history, culture, biography and thriller.

“Catch the Devil” by Pamela Colloff covers decades in the lives of several men, focusing mainly on one particularly nasty con man and petty criminal. Paul Skalnik was a liar. He lied often — about his name, his past, his professions. He married nine women, sometimes not bothering to divorce the previous one. But all that was nothing compared to this: Once in jail, he lied about other prisoners. He would swear under oath that they had confessed their crimes to him, when they had not. Why? Because he was rewarded with time off or even freedom. And once his testimony at trial was on the record, it was nearly impossible to negate. He was a prosecutor’s best friend, because he could come up with exactly what they needed for a conviction, which is all they cared about. The truth exposes a corrupt legal system still in place in many places today.

Skalnik got away with most of his grifting because “Victims of fraud rarely turn to law enforcement for help. Many are too embarrassed or ashamed,” the author explains. “His ruthless opportunism, unbound by principle or empathy, allowed him to manipulate people and situations so deftly that he rarely had to pay the price others would. This proved to be Skalnik’s gift: a preternatural ability to avoid consequences.”

One case involved an almost-certainly innocent man, sent to death row based on Skalnik’s testimony. That murder case is covered here in detail.

“Murder in the Mountains: True Stories of Crime and Violence in Appalachia” by R.M. Cochran is a catalog of at least 18 crimes in and around the Appalachians. “True crime isn’t just entertainment — it’s social history,” writes the author. Here he mixes fact and folklore, including some unsolved mysteries and even ghost stories, in cases ranging from the Civil War (In 1863 in North Carolina, a Confederate officer and about 50 of his men tortured, beat, and killed men, women and children in a community suspected of aiding the North) to 2016 and the mass execution of eight members of the Rhoden family in Southern Ohio. Often crimes went unpunished because “The mountain code of keeping family business private and not talking to outsiders — even law enforcement outsiders — had apparently extended to protect whoever had committed” the crimes. Family loyalty, clan loyalty and distrust of authority closed the door to investigations. There were “situations where everyone knew who committed a crime, but no one would testify.”

Some of the cases recounted here include the Poison Widow of Kentucky, who “turned her kitchen into a laboratory of death”; the Hatfield-McCoy feud; several cases of the coal companies vs. miners who tried to unionize; a woman bitten during a church’s snake-handling ritual whose husband refused to get her medical treatment; and the Giggling Granny, who killed at least 11 people, including her own children, saying “Sometimes a mother has to make hard choices.”

The writing could be very pleasant, as when in January 1899 in West Virginia, “miners and their families huddled around coal stoves, trying to keep warm while the wind howled through the mountains like the voice of some ancient spirit warning of violence to come.” But I have to say, the author was very repetitive throughout — annoyingly so.

“Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood” by William J. Mann recalls what was probably the most famous unsolved murder in Hollywood history, the 1947 death of Elizabeth Short, 22. “Her nude, severed body, drained of blood, was discovered in a vacant lot in south central Los Angeles.” The author follows her footsteps during her final months, discovering what kind of person she was, the many people she interacted with, and who may have killed her. “Beth could be a bit of a con artist,” writes the author. She was very friendly and used her looks to manipulate men. “She’d become proficient at having meals bought for her,” and she never seemed to pay bills or the rent.

“The LAPD records and reports indicate some stupidity and carelessness on the part of some of the inexperienced officers who were working on the case,” Mann writes, and “Most of the records of the investigation remain sealed by the Los Angeles Police Department.” Why? Because the case went unsolved, conspiracy theories grew, aided by sensationalist newspaper stories that often printed misinformation, sometimes invented to sell newspapers, such as the nickname “Black Dahlia,” which was never attached to Short when she was alive.

We’ll probably never know the killer’s name. The author presents his theories, corrects much of the misinformation, and eliminates several suspects. He also provides general historic information and images of what life was like after the war. Warning: There are explicit details regarding the bodily remains and the autopsy report.

“Cave Mountain: A Disappearance and a Reckoning in the Ozarks” by Benjamin Hale begins in the Arkansas Ozarks in 2001, when a 6-year-old girl named Haley went missing for three days. After a huge search and rescue mission, she was found, claiming she’d been helped by a friend she met in the woods, another little girl who was her “imaginary friend” Alecia, who guided her to safety. Was she a ghost? If so, she could have been another little girl who was murdered in those mountains years earlier. That murder is covered in detail, with a long biographical look at a crime family that turned into a religious cult.

The book is a bizarre mix of crime reporting, local history, religious criticism, cultural references, memoir, and personal opinion. Part reads like a “Dateline” TV narrative, part like a cultural critique. The author interjects his personal notes and expounds on his theories of religion, politics and even Rembrandt’s paintings! He often uses obscure words, seemingly to show off his vocabulary. (I think he made up a couple of these words, as I couldn’t find them in the dictionary!) But some of the writing is interesting, as when he describes an old, forgotten church: “It’s halfway fallen into desuetude: sagging plywood ceiling with slanting diamonds of dishwater light falling on dust-furred pews.”

Happy reading!

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 21-23, 2026

Staff Report — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:38:00 GMT

Dennis Baird

Dennis Baird, 70, of Streetsboro, after a nineteen-month roller coaster ride with a glioblastoma, Dennis left us for his last great adventure on August 20, 2026.

Susan Renee Parker

Susan Renee Parker, age 63 of Mantua, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, August 21, 2026. Born February 14, 1963 in Medina, Ohio, Susan was the daughter of the late Elisha and Arbutis (Bryant) Parker.

Robert Douglas Maine

Robert Douglas Maine, age 71, passed away on August 18, 2026.

Ohio budget to help Portage County universities, community-driven projects

Adriana Gasiewski — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:38:00 GMT

On June 15, Gov. Mike DeWine signed Ohio’s 2027-2028 capital budget bill into law, awarding Portage County $32,007,287 for community projects and higher education institutions’ renovations, according to the budget.

Over 87% of that money will go to Kent State for building upkeep and other capital projects.

Overall, about $3.7 billion were awarded to projects and organizations across the state. Ali Smith, a senior project coordinator at Policy Matters Ohio, said that when adjusted for inflation, the budget is on par with past ones.

She emphasized that Portage County is a “really good snapshot of the overall capital budget, trying to really put money where people are actually going to see it.”

The state capital budget differs from the operating budget, as the operating budget funds items like childcare affordability, healthcare access and funding for public schools. The capital budget tends to fund long-term investments, while the operating one funds day-to-day expenses.

Kent State University

The budget awarded over $450 million to universities and colleges, with Kent State University receiving $28 million for renovation projects.

“Those universities and institutes of higher learning offer tons of community benefits, like they’ll work with high school students sometimes and do high school programming or offer their theater programs and music programs accessible to the community,” Smith said.

In the 2025-2026 budget, Kent State received $30.3 million to begin updates on White Hall, modernize its library’s elevators, work on critical deferred upgrades and enhance the internet technology network throughout campus.

The recent budget sees the university receiving $12 million for the White Hall project, $7 million for elevator modernization, about $4.8 million for deferred upgrades and about $3.6 million for network enhancements.

In addition, the university was granted $1,193,354 for HVAC replacement in Stewart Hall.

According to a Kent State press release, White Hall will be entering its third phase of renovations, which entails equipping classrooms with variable air volume HVAC systems meant to create quieter learning spaces.

Safer Futures

Among the community projects that were awarded funding in the budget was Safer Futures, one of Axess Family Services’ programs that provides support services like housing for victims of domestic violence.

Understanding how state funding can aid nonprofits, Mark Frisone, executive director of Axess Family Services, decided to apply to the capital budget with hopes of building a new Safer Futures’ headquarters.

“The current Safer Futures was the first stick of real estate we ever purchased in Portage County,” he said. “I remember the day that we bought and renovated what’s now the current Safer Futures — it’s probably been at least 30 years ago — and we thought we had died and went to heaven.”

Prior to moving to Kent, Safer Futures located in Ravenna out of a small duplex equipped to house two individuals on one side and staff on the other.

In recent decades, the organization has noticed an increase in individuals seeking aid, making a new facility critical to its operations. Through the state award of $150,000, Safer Futures is a step closer to creating its new building.

In addition, the organization submitted a million-dollar federal home loan bank application.

Frisone credited state Rep. Heidi Workman and former state Rep. Gail Pavliga for helping Axess receive funding from the budget twice. (Axess received funding for a facility in Ravenna under its former, pre-merger name in the 2025-2026 budget.)

“All thanks, it goes out to representative Heidi Workman who worked her magic in Columbus to make this capital award a reality,” he said. “I mean it simply wouldn’t have happened without her efforts in Columbus advocating for our project.”

Axess is still in the early stages of designing the new facility and choosing its location. However, Frisone said he wants it to have a playground, as a number of families with children often come to Safer Futures.

“In these situations, you can’t take your kid down to city park. It’s because a lot of times, these women have stalkers that are kind of looking, cruising around, looking for them,” he said. “They have bad actors in their life that are out to cause harm, and so it’s important that we keep everybody at Safer Futures as secure as we possibly can.”

Community projects

Another project being aided through state funding is the Streetsboro City Center Park Playground, which received $100,000.

In an email, Samantha Edgar, director of parks and recreation for Streetsboro, said the funding helped the city afford a park designed for children of all abilities.

The new park will include a ramped play structure, American Sign Language and communications panels, an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant zip line and swings and sensory-rich, ground-level play events.

Edgar emphasized how costs add up for these features and the playground’s rubber surface, making funding critical to bringing the playground to life.

“Fortunately, through the collaborative efforts and support of Senator (Kristina) Roegner, Representative (Steve) Demetriou and Mayor (Glenn) Broska, the city was awarded state funding to help bring this vision to life,” she said. “Their dedication and commitment to our community will help create a playground where children of all abilities can play, explore and connect, making it a lasting asset for Streetsboro families for years to come.”

Groundbreaking for the project will occur in early August, as the city eyes an early fall completion.

Rootstown Community Park and Playground was also granted $23,000 to build new pickleball and basketball courts at the park, Rootstown Township Trustee Joe Paulus shared in an email.

The township initially petitioned for $400,000 to create sidewalks and crosswalks on state Route 44 from Tallmadge Road toward I-76, as well as $113,906.25 to replace the old playground surface at the park, according to Paulus.

“Our Community Park has been improved on by mostly grant money, donated materials and donated work over the past six years,” he said. “We have had Eagle Scout projects and business employee beautification work days, as well. The folks at Gracie Fields, which abuts the Community Park, have been vital partners in this symbiotic relationship.”

Other projects and organizations that received funding include:

Portage County Fairgrounds was awarded $300,000 for improvements.
Garrettsville’s Curtains Up Theatre Project received $225,000.
Aurora Park was granted $1 million for improvements.
Freedom Township Community Park received $121,000 for improvements.
Shalersville Township Park was awarded $50,000 for enhancements.
Northeast Ohio Medical University received about $1.5 million for renovation projects.

Looking ahead

The next budget up for consideration will be the 2028-29 Main Operating Budget, which would fund things like Medicaid, public education, child care assistance and more, Smith said.

“So, I would say think about what great things in your community would you want this money to be spent on and then advocate for that, make a call, send an email — I think that’s definitely worth the time,” she said.

Because Ohio will elect a new governor in November, she anticipates the operating budget will be introduced in March 2027.

“The legislators demonstrated through the capital budget that they can work together and make some good decisions for our communities and make sure Ohioans in rural, suburban and urban counties all benefit,” Smith said. “We want to see them take that same kind of ethic into the main operating budget.”

Editor's note: A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to the next capital budget being signed into law in March 2027. Smith was instead referring to the Main Operating Budget, which will likely be introduced in March 2027. The name of the organization is Policy Matters Ohio, not Ohio Policy Matters.

Around Windham: Help Windham PTO fulfill every school supply list for the new school year

Nicole Sweet — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:36:00 GMT

Hello Windham Family!

August is such a special time in Bomber Country. Fall sports are gearing up, the excitement of back-to-school is in the air, and hints of autumn are beginning to show. More than just a change in the calendar, back-to-school season carries a feeling of anticipation, renewal, and possibility. As students head back to class after a long summer break, we welcome a new school year filled with opportunities, growth, and fresh beginnings. Many exciting things are happening in Windham; I look forward to keeping the community up to date with all the information I receive every month.

Windham Bombers PTO Back 2 School Bash

Windham’s PTO will be hosting a Back 2 School Bash for all Windham students on Thursday, Aug. 27 during Meet the Teacher Night. We are still seeking donations, however, due to the incredible generosity of our community and beyond, we will be covering ALL school supply lists for this school year for Windham Exempted Village Schools besides backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles (we would recommend that families still get those).

Any extra school supplies that are donated will be used to help teachers get through the school year when they run out. You can also check out our Amazon Wishlist here on items we still need and they will ship directly to us: https://amzlink.to/az0YQHqoO35di. Thank you for your generosity.

Windham T-Mobile Million Dollar Grant Progress

We are incredibly honored to share that Windham Exempted Village Schools is one of 1,175 schools (almost 1,000 less than last year) nationwide to apply for the T-Mobile $1 Million Friday Night 5G Lights Grant to put a track on our football field. This isn’t a random drawing. Schools are chosen based on the strength of their story, the impact on their community, and the support shown by the people who believe in them. Now it’s our turn to show what makes Windham special.

This weekend, we’re looking for students, parents, alumni, coaches, teachers, local businesses, and community members who would be willing to be part of short videos sharing: 1) What you love about Windham 2) Why our students deserve a new track and field 3) How improved facilities would benefit not only our athletes, but our entire community for years to come.

Whether you’ve cheered from the stands, walked on our track, coached a team, or simply love this town, your voice matters.

If you’re interested in being part of this project, send Elena Sweet a message. Together, let’s show the judges what makes Windham more than just a school, it’s a family.

We are only two weeks into this competition, and Windham has already been named a weekly winner of $5,000. That means we are doing something right — and we have a real chance to take this even further. Watching our football coaches surprise the players and seeing them scream, jump and celebrate says it all. Then, our marching band got the news on the bus ride home and celebrated right along with them. This is what Bomber pride looks like!

But we cannot slow down now. This is only the beginning! We need to keep building our following on Instagram and X and continue showing T-Mobile just how badly Windham
wants — and needs — this win.

Follow Windham Athletic Boosters, share our posts, keep making your own posts, tag @TMobile, always include #entry and #FN5GL.

We have already made it this far — and we are just getting started. Let’s keep the energy high, keep Windham’s name everywhere and show everyone what this small but
mighty community can do. Let’s go Windham, keep posting, keep sharing, keep believing. T-Mobile #entry #FN5GL.

New Portage County Library Windham Branch Revealed

The Windham Library is returning in 2027, at a brand new location. We’re excited to welcome our community to a new Windham Branch location at 8950 Maple Grove Road (the old Farmer's Bank Building — right across from the Circle K. This branch is turning the page and opening a brand new chapter — bringing books, resources, events and community connections back to the neighborhood. We'll provide updates via social media as we start this exciting project. A new location. A fresh beginning. The same library you’ve always loved.

1974 Football Team HOF Induction

The WHS Hall of Fame needs community help. On Sept. 18 at the football game that night, the 1974 Windham Bombers team of Coach Stan Parrish that reached the semi-finals of the state playoffs will be inducted as a team into the Hall of Fame. The HOF is reaching out to the community to let as many players know about this honor, and who they can contact to be present that evening for the ceremony. If you were on that team, or have contact with anyone who was, would you please pass along word to contact Athletic Director Dougle Hankins at dhankins@windham-schools.org, or Principal Zack Burns at dburns@windham-schools.org.
And congratulations to that legendary team.

Windham Village Fun in the Sun

Mark your calendars for Sept. 12 starting at 2 p.m. for the annual Fun in the Sun. We’re looking for vendors and live entertainment to be part of this fun community event as we say goodbye to summer and welcome the fall vibes. If you're interested in participating, contact us: windhamvillageohvents@gmail.com or dmiller@windhamvillageoh.gov. Let’s make this a great day for the community with shopping, music, food, and fun for everyone.

Lions Club Sausage and Steak Dates 2026

Save the dates for the final upcoming Lions Club Sausage and Steak Booth weekends. September 11 & 12 and Oct. 2 & 3. Just $6 will buy you the best sausage or steak sandwich in Portage County. The trailer will be located on S.R. 303 in the parking lot next to Circle K. Open Fridays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Windham Lions Club has been serving the Windham community since 1955.

I’m glad to help keep the Windham community informed. If you have something you’d like featured, please send it my way. The Around Windham column appears during the third week of each month, so please submit information by the week before. You can reach me by call or text at 330-283-2711 or by email at nks1024@icloud.com.

Thank you, Nicole Sweet

Documenters: Kent City Schools Board of Education meeting for Aug. 18, 2026

Noell Wolfgram Evans — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:31:00 GMT

The Kent City Schools Board of Education held its last regular meeting before the start of the school year on Aug. 18, 2026, at the district office building. After a slight technical delay, Board President Alicia Crowe called the meeting to order.

In attendance were Board Vice President Rebekah Wright Kulis and members David Myers, John Avouris and P.J. Errera. Also at the meeting were Superintendent Tom Larkin, Assistant Superintendent Justin Gates, Treasurer Erin VanMeter, Director of Personnel Anthony Horton and Director of Business Services Jim Soyars.

Larkin immediately asked Crowe for a moment of reflection. He announced that the day prior, a Roosevelt senior passed away after a long battle with a medical condition.

Following that moment, Gates introduced the members of the board and school staff who were in attendance before the board approved the minutes of the previous meeting.

With some excitement, Larkin offered a reminder that 3,000-plus students would be starting their new classroom journey this week. He reminded the board that their next meeting would get them into the schools, as well. That meeting is set for Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. at Davey.

VanMeter had, by her own admission, a very brief Treasurer’s Report. She first offered a financial report, but cautioned that it did not take into account real estate receipts, as those have not been received. Still, all members of the board approved the report. She next asked for approval to pay the district bills for July. The board approved the request with Kulis and Errera abstaining.

Next up was Horton, who asked for approval for a number of resignations, leaves, appointments, transfers and substitutes. This was unanimously granted.

The Five-Year Financial Forecast was the centerpiece of the meeting. VanMeter provided a very matter-of-fact look at the district finances, which she said will be hampered by the loss of $1.1 million in state funding and $202,000 in federal grants. She shared that there may also be a downturn in compact funding, but that was “TBD” as the members of the compact were still meeting to discuss options.

VanMeter said that the district could also lose an additional $67,000 in federal funding if the government followed through on its plan to no longer support Title 2 and Title 4.

All of this led up to a look at projected income and expenses.

“Our expenditures are outpacing our revenues,” she said. “We passed the levy, and it helps, but we are still facing state funding cuts.”

On its current trajectory, VanMeter said the district will need to cut $2 million next year.

“This will most likely come from purchased services,” VanMeter said.

She commended Horton for finding $500,000 in savings when replacing staff who retired and left, and she said she hoped that type of savings can continue.

“I wish I had better news, but we’re going to look at things, cut some stuff and see what we can do,” she said.

The next item on the agenda was to choose a delegate and an alternate for the OSBA Capital Conference business meeting. Errera volunteered and Myers stepped up as the alternate.

The board then approved a contract for Parent-Mentor Services. Gates said this contract is possible through a shared grant with Woodridge. Both districts are currently looking for individual grants for this service for the future.

Soyars presented the 2026-2027 bus stop list, which the board approved without comment. They also authorized Soyars to advertise for project bids when the work is estimated to be over $50,000. As an example, he cited the planned overhaul of the fire alarm system at Davey next summer.

Approval was also granted for transportation agreements with parents of students for whom it is not feasible for the district to bus to school and for a contract with a new vending machine company for the high school. The district will receive 25% of the net profits of that machine.

The board also unanimously granted approval to an agreement with Davey Tree that would enable the cross country team to run on their campus. Summit ESC was approved to provide specialized services for 20 days at Stanton, and a memorandum of understanding was put into effect with Rootstown for Title I services at St. Pats.

Next Horton asked for, and was given, approval to enter into contracts with Ashland and Liberty universities. These would enable students from those schools to be student teachers in the district.

Changes to North Mantua Street were the final item on the agenda. Larkin explained that the district had previously entered into an agreement with the city and Davey Tree for the widening of that road.

“It’s going to become a boulevard,” he said.

In order for this to happen, an easement is needed with school property. There is not a cost to the district for this work. Larkin explained that the city and Davey had secured almost all of the necessary funds and this was just an agreement to move forward. Approval was granted unanimously.

With no additional business to discuss, the meeting adjourned.

Documenters: Streetsboro City Council meeting for Aug. 10, 2026

Julie Erickson — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Public Hearing Review

Before the regular City Council meeting, council reviewed proposed amendments to existing legislation during a public hearing.

T-8035: Amend Chapter 1155.0, Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements
T-8036: Amend Section 1103.02(a)(129), Rear Yard Definition

Both items were approved for placement on the regular City Council agenda under Introduction and Legislative Review.

Regular City Council Meeting

The regular Aug. 10 City Council meeting was called to order, and roll call was taken.

Present ward members: Marianne Glenn, Anthony Lombardo, Jen Wagner and Justin Ring
Present at-large members: Steve Michniak and Michael Lampa
Excused absence: Jon Hannan

Safety Committee Meeting

It was motioned and approved to exit the regular City Council meeting and the Safety Committee reconvened to discuss the following items:

T-8043: Accept a Dodge Ram truck forfeited as part of a plea condition.
T-8044: Donate dive equipment to the Portage County dive team.
T-8045: Authorize contracts to outfit the new command vehicle.

All three items were moved to the Aug. 10 regular council meeting.

Additional Safety Committee Discussions

The committee discussed restricting registered sex offenders from city parks and recreation centers. Following discussion, council determined that a proposed city ordinance should be prepared for review at the next regular council meeting, including examples of ordinances adopted by other cities.

Michniak led a discussion on arming selected city staff to help defend against armed attacks on city employees. After considerable discussion, and with the mayor stating he did not support the proposal, council agreed to explore additional layered security measures instead. The discussion noted concerns about city liability related to arming and training volunteer staff.

Service Committee Meeting

The following new business items were approved to move to the Aug. 10 regular council meeting without further discussion:

T-8046: Accept 2026 second-quarter updates.
T-8047: Authorize bidding for the police station roof replacement.
T-8048: RFQ for owner’s representative design review services.
T-8049: Removed from consideration because new copiers are no longer needed.
T-8050: Dispose of unneeded skate park equipment.

Special Finance Committee Meeting

The following items were moved to the Aug. 10 regular council agenda:

T-8051: Assign LayerZero TIF funds for reimbursement of public infrastructure costs.
T-8052: Authorize TIFs for Stainless Works and Gebhardt/O’Malia.
T-8053: Authorize a CRA agreement with Stainless Works/O’Malia.

Regular Council Meeting Reconvened: Citizens’ Comments

Ten citizens spoke against the installation of Flock cameras, and no speakers expressed support for the installation. Clyde Ream raised concerns about the extent of citizen monitoring that Flock cameras could enable. He asked council to consider the significance of a decision that could allow the monitoring of residents’ daily activities and activity patterns.

A Seasons Road resident responded to a comparison made at the prior council meeting between cell phone data collection and Flock camera data collection. In his view, residents choose whether to opt into cell phone applications, but they cannot opt out of Flock camera monitoring. He also expressed concern about the cost of the cameras and suggested that the city evaluate the value of the data collected.

Katie Scott spoke against the cameras based on data-security concerns. She stated that more than 50 significant vulnerabilities had been identified in the Flock system at the end of 2025 and remained verified as existing. She cited information from SimeonOnSecurity.com, noting that the site provides a detailed breakdown of those vulnerabilities. The city would be responsible for the management and protection of the gathered data as Flock only is responsible for the hardware. Scott said she works with AI every day as a programmer, and her concerns regarding the use of Flock cameras is all related to the data storage and the security built around who can access the data, how that data is then used and the liability the city would be taking on if security breaches occurred.

Police Chief Tricia Wain said many improvements have been made to the system and shared examples where crimes were solved with the use of data from Flock cameras. She also stated that Flock cameras have been around for 15 years and does not understand why now they are receiving so much criticism.

Michniak echoed her support of the cameras. The councilman brought up that cell phone use already supplies much data on people’s whereabouts, buying patterns and more. Even if the Flock cameras are voted down, technology is coming.

At this point, the decision was made to move directly to a vote on the Flock cameras. The vote was four against installation to two in favor, with Michniak and Wagner as the yes votes. The measure failed to pass.

Introduction of Legislation With a Statement of Emergency

The below all passed:

T-8043 Accept Forfeited Dodge Ram Truck
T-8044 Donate Dive Equipment to Portage County Dive Team
T-8045 Authorize Contracts to Upfit New FD Command Car
T-8046 Accept 2026 2nd Quarter Code Updates
T-8047 Go Out to Bid for Police Station Roof Replacement
T-8048 RFQ for Owner’s Representative Design Review Services [Frost Road]
T-8049 Go Out to Bid to Purchase Copiers
T-8050 Decommission and Dispose of Unneeded Skatepark Equipment
T-8051 Assign LayerZero TIF Funds for Reimbursement for Public Infrastructure
T-8052 Authorize TIFs for Stainless Works and for Gebhardt

First reading

T-8053 would authorize CRA agreement with Stainless Works

Second reading

T-8039 to approve residential CRA property tax exemption
T-8036 amend chapter 1103.02 (a) (129) rear yard definition

Third Reading

T-8037 Purchase of Flock cameras. Failed to pass.
T-8035 Amend chapter 1155 off street parking and unloading. Passed
T-8036 Amend section 1103.02 (a) (129) rear yard definition. Passed.

Reports/Communications from Departments/Boards and Commissions

The fire chief advised that in the past few weeks, there had been a few department responses to kitchen fires and residents should never leave items cooking on top of the stove unattended.

Wain shared that the past week, the new park opened and that the Brew and BBQ event was coming up.

The planning department, per Matt Miller, is working on improvements to the development approval process and the finance department shared that they are continuing work on the 2027 budget.

Mayor’s Report

Earlier in the regular meeting, the mayor swore in Todd Wolf following council’s approval of his appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The mayor also encouraged residents to attend the Brew & BBQ Bash over the weekend.

President of Council’s Comments

The president of council thanked everyone who attended the meeting and expressed appreciation for the comments shared by residents.

Council Members’ Comments

Council members thanked residents for attending the meeting and participating in the discussion. Lampa said he appreciated the private messages and phone calls he received from citizens regarding the Flock camera vote, adding that residents were “heard loud and clear.” Ring said he hoped residents would continue attending future meetings.

Announcements

The Brew & BBQ Bash was to be held Aug. 15 and the Ice Cream Social Aug. 16.

A Finance Committee meeting and a regular Council meeting will be held Aug. 24, beginning at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

Rooted Ramblings: August is for Dahlias

Master Gardener Volunteers — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:29:00 GMT

Written by Nancy Polz, Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer

Just as summer starts to wane, dahlias step in to show their spectacular blooms. Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America where their tubers were originally grown as an edible vegetable. At that time, the flower was unimpressive. Explorers took the tubers back to Europe where flower development was the interest rather than a food source. Dahlias are named after Swedish botanist Andrea Dahl. There are now more than 50,000 registered cultivars that are growing worldwide.

Dahlia flowers range in size from 2” (pompon) to greater than 10” (giant or dinnerplate), and 20 forms (such as decorative, cactus, ball, collarette, and more). Dahlias can be solid colors, striped, or multicolored.

In Northeast Ohio, the tubers of these sun-loving flowers can be planted directly into the ground after the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees. They can also be planted in pots or grow bags large enough to accommodate the numerous tubers produced over the summer growing period. Some dahlia plants remain short, but the majority grow to be 4’-6’ tall. Although these plants appear robust and strong, their stems are hollow and can break easily with strong winds.

Therefore, it is important to stake these plants, either with sturdy wooden or metal (conduit pipe, re-bar, or T-posts) stakes inserted one foot into the soil, or as growers with a large number of plants often use horizontal trellis netting or Florida weave (basket weave) to corral the plants and prevent them from falling over or breaking their stems.

Dahlia tubers will produce the exact flowers as the “mother” (original) tuber as will cuttings taken from the sprouts. Due to a basic eight sets of chromosomes and pollination, dahlia seeds will not produce the exact replica of the parent plant. Instead, a similar or totally different looking flower is created; thus, the result of 50,000+ cultivars.

As beautiful as dahlias appear, they do not come without challenges. Damaging insects such as Japanese beetles, thrips, earwigs, and slugs can destroy and disfigure the plants and flowers. Bacteria producing crown gall and leafy gall, and viruses producing dahlia mosaic disease and tomato spotted wilt disease will not only kill the plant but can spread to other plants with the same result.

Before treating and fertilizing dahlias, it is important to identify the issue. A soil test will determine the amount of nutrients and minerals in your soil, thus preventing over-fertilizing. Ohio soils tend to have a high phosphorous content (the “P” in NPK). Insects can be harmful or beneficial. It is necessary to identify the insects on the plants before any treatment, if necessary, should be done. When using insecticides, always read the label in its entirety and follow the directions correctly--” the label is the law.’

These gorgeous flowers can be enjoyed well into autumn when a killing frost will put an end to them. As a rule, in-ground tubers will not survive Northeast Ohio winters. Three choices are available: (1) dig and store the tubers till next spring (2) heavily mulch and take a chance (3) treat them as an annual and purchase new tubers for the next year.

For more information:

American Dahlia Society
Dahlia Society of Ohio
North Carolina Extension Toolbox - Dahlias
Dahlias Ohio State University Extension

Ohio State University Extension Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer program. As Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, our articles will never endorse specific products or companies. Questions/comments/suggestions/want to find out more/become a PCMGV: 330-296-6432 • OSU PCMGV web • portco.mgv.oh@gmail.com • FB PCMGV • PCMGV Speaker’s Bureau

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 19-20, 2026

Staff Report — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:28:00 GMT

Evangeline (Eva) Grace Bergey

Evangeline (Eva) Grace Bergey, 17, of Kent passed away Monday, August 17, 2026 at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. She was born March 5, 2009 in Akron, Ohio to Caleb and Lianne (Evanov) Bergey. Eva was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Kent. Survivors include her mother Lianne Bergey (Michael Clifton), father Caleb (Victoria) Bergey, siblings Jayde Bergey, Lyla Clifton, Silas Bergey and Isaac Bergey, grandparents Lori (Wendy) Mirkin-McGee, Rhanda (Eric) Carlson, Richard (Jenifer) Bergey and Mike Evanov and many great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and her wonderful boyfriend Grayson Donohue. Eva was a shining light to all who knew her. Her smile lit up every room she entered. She was kind, loving, caring, and compassionate. She was an amazing big sister to all of her younger siblings. She was a friend to all animals, especially her beloved cat Yoshi and her dog Milo. Eva was a talented artist who loved to draw, color, and paint. She was an avid crafter as well and spent many hours working on crafts with her mom. Eva was very close with both of her grandmothers, whom she called Mimi. Eva was happiest at home chilling in her room playing music on her phone or when she was out with her friends having fun. She loved making videos with Jayde and her cousin Emma. She loved life and had so many dreams for the future. Eva was a precious angel, and her family deeply grieves her loss. Calling hours will be from 11 AM until time of funeral service at 1 PM Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel. Reverend Kristina Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Streetsboro. Condolences and memories of Evangeline may be shared with the family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.

Nancy Lou Bishop

Nancy Lou Bishop, age 87 of Edinburg, gained her Angel Wings on August 18, 2026, at her home. She was born on April 23, 1939, in Creston, Ohio.

Peter "Pete" J. Vitucci

Peter J. Vitucci (Pete) passed away Monday, August 17th, 2026. He was a proud first generation American. He was born at home in Youngstown on May 5th, 1936 to Panfilo and Lidia (Pinciaro) Vitucci.

Around Randolph: The 168th Portage County Randolph Fair is coming

Sandy Engle — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:48:00 GMT

Get ready to celebrate with our county’s greatest show! The 168th Portage County Fair (Aug. 25-30) will be bigger than ever partly due to an increase of 4-H youth who are participating.

Seniors and veterans are free on Aug. 29 and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday admission is $5 before 3 p.m. Please consider bringing canned goods, dry cereal or other non-perishables to the fair to support our local RSA Foodshelf.

Congratulations to Dakota Ashley for being the Reserve Champion of the Portage County Fairs Fashion Review for her skirt making skills. Dakota, age 13, has been sewing for less than a year and this was her first 4-H sewing exhibit. You can view Dakota’s winning skirt in Ray Beech Hall at the Fair.

The RSA Foodshelf is accepting new clients who live in Randolph, Suffield or Atwater Township. Those who are eligible can now visit the RSA Foodshelf every 15 days. Call 330-628-1801 to make an appointment.

The next Randolph Historical Society Meeting will be on Sept. 17, 6 p.m. at the Randolph Town Hall. This will be a joint meeting with the Country Piece-makers Quilt Club. Information about the 250th quilt square will be presented along with information about how quilts were used in the Underground Railroad to let freedom seekers know which homes were safe to visit.

The Randolph Fire Department Golf Outing is Sept. 12 at Paradise Lake country Club. The cost is $125 per golfer, which includes 18 holes, lunch, steak dinner, 50-50 entry, raffle entry, mulligans and more. To register or for hole sponsorship text or call 330-931-2961.

Randolph Home Furnishing, at 3991 Waterloo Rd., will be having their Girl’s Night Out on Sept. 17 from 4-8 p.m. There will be food trucks, numerous local vendors and live music. This is a great event to find unique gifts and savor local foods.

Randolph Public Library Events

Summer Family Storytime is every Weds from 11-Noon. This is suitable for children 5 and under.
The American War for Independence, Sept. 12, 11-Noon. Learn more about the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Storytime at the Park, Aug. 25 Noon-1 p.m. Held at Mila’s Hope and Rowan’s Dream Playground.
True Crime Club for Teens, Sept. 1, 3-4 p.m.
True Crime Club, The case of the Highway of Teas, Sept. 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Puzzle Hour, Sept. 3, 11 a.m.-Noon.
Randolph Book Club-Pachinko, Sept. 8, 5:30-7p.m.
The Science of Apples, Sept. 9, 3-4 p.m. for children & tweens.
Grandparents’ Day crafts, Sept. 10, 4-5 p.m.
Watercolor fun for children, Sept. 14, 4-5 p.m.
Young Adult Book Cub, Sept. 16, 4-6 p.m.

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water or watching the clouds float across the sky is hardly a waste of time." John Lubbock.

For stories, events you want to share please contact Sandy Engle at 330-569-4801 or sandyengle83@gmail.com. Thanks!

Contract negotiations drag on at GE HealthCare in Aurora

Wendy DiAlesandro — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:42:00 GMT

About 130 employees at Aurora’s GE HealthCare facility joined IAM Union Local 1363 in January 2025, and they’ve been negotiating their first collective bargaining agreement ever since.

Their patience is running thin.

The union — officially dubbed the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers — represents about 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive and other industries across America.

Workers at the Aurora facility create coils for MRI machines that transmit critical imaging signals. The union alleges that the company has stonewalled “more than 18 months of contentious negotiations.” GE HealthCare has also repeatedly violated federal labor law, a press release states.

The IAM has sent letters to U.S. Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Jon Husted (R-Ohio), along with U.S. Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio), urging them to encourage GE HealthCare to bargain in good faith with IAM Local 1363. This outreach comes as Congress considers the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which aims to put stricter penalties on employers that refuse to negotiate first contracts in good faith.

The U.S. House passed the act on June 9. It now awaits Senate approval and, if passed, the president’s signature.

In letters to Moreno, Husted and Joyce, IAM Union International President Brian Bryant stated that, “despite consistent efforts by the workers and their bargaining committee, GE HealthCare refuses to meet to bargain on a regular schedule. It refused to provide any economic proposals until just two weeks ago — and those proposals were regressive, lowering wages below the employees’ current rates of pay, slashing PTO and increasing healthcare costs for the workers and their families.”

Montana Hayes, a production associate at GE HealthCare and member of the IAM Local 1363 negotiations committee, said in the news release that the union is not asking for anything extraordinary.

“We just want GE HealthCare to respect our rights, bargain fairly and recognize the value of the workers who make this company successful. After more than 18 months, it's time for the company to stop delaying and negotiate the fair first contract we've earned,” she said.

Meanwhile, the press release claims that GE HealthCare CEO Peter Arduini earns 241 times the median worker’s salary.

Echoing Hayes, IAM Local 1363 Directing Business Representative Tim Verlinden stated that GE Healthcare is shortchanging the very workers that make its success possible.

“No company that benefits from taxpayer dollars and posts billions in profits should be denying workers their annual raises while dragging out first-contract negotiations for more than 18 months,” he said. “We’re making sure lawmakers understand exactly what’s happening in Aurora, and we’re asking them to press GE HealthCare to stop the delays and bargain a fair first contract in good faith.”

The Portager reached out to GE HealthCare, which responded with the following comment:

“We are committed to serving our customers and their patients and fostering a supportive environment where our employees can excel, innovate, and help shape the future of healthcare.

“We have been bargaining in good faith and remain focused on reaching an agreement that provides competitive wages and meaningful benefits, while also supporting the long-term health of the business and our ability to serve patients and customers.”

Op-ed: One meal. One child. One family at a time

Op-Ed Contributor — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:40:00 GMT

By John Kennedy, Executive Director, Community Action Council of Portage County

2026 has been a challenging and difficult year for a lot of families in Portage County, with many living paycheck to paycheck, barely keeping up with the rising cost of, well, everything. But even in these trying times, it is important – and perhaps necessary – to celebrate some of the good that is happening, too.

For me, one of those moments came recently as the Community Action Council of Portage County wrapped up our annual Summer Food Service Program for children.

The Summer Food Service Program, or SFSP, was established to ensure that children from low-income families continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Child Nutrition Services.

Meeting the demand for child nutrition in Portage County is challenging, to put it mildly. Our county is heavily rural. Of our 504 square miles, approximately 80 percent—or about 395 square miles—is considered rural. That geography presents some very real logistical challenges, especially when you’re trying to make sure hungry children have access to meals across such a large area.

So we adapted.

Last year, the Community Action Council began a food delivery program through Innovation Food Services, which packs boxes containing breakfast and lunch meals and uses FedEx to deliver those meals every 10-12 days directly to homes in rural areas of Portage County.

In 2025, we delivered 30,180 meals through what is known as the “rural non-congregate” program. This year, that number jumped more than threefold—to more than 90,000 meals.

But the meal count only tells part of the story; the number of children served is another.

Last year, we served 276 children through the food delivery program. This year, that number climbed to 818 children—an increase of 196 percent. Think about that -- 818 children who otherwise might not have had reliable access to a nutritious meal during the summer.

And we adapted our traditional meal sites, too. In 2025, we operated 14 open / free meal sites throughout Portage County, concentrating our efforts in geographic areas with significant numbers of low-income children. This year, we added two more sites in Kent.

Once again, the numbers -- meals and kids served on-site -- tell the story.

We went from providing approximately 10,000 meals on-site last year to more than 11,000 meals this year. The average number of children served on-site also increased, from 317 last year to more than 425 this year. The Ben Curtis Foundation also chipped in, handing out Birdie Bags – bags containing nutritious food and snacks kids could take home – every week at many of our sites.

When you put the delivery and on-site programs together, the numbers are both encouraging and sobering.

This summer, the Community Action Council of Portage County provided more than 100,000 meals to more than 1,240 children.

While I am incredibly proud of that accomplishment, I am also sobered by what those numbers tell us about the need in our community.

Without USDA funding, we simply would not have been able to reach so many children. That support allowed us to put nutritious food on the tables of families who might otherwise have had to make an impossible choice between buying groceries and paying another household bill.

And those choices are becoming harder for more families. At a time when the rising cost of energy and fuel, groceries, and prescription medications continues to put pressure on household budgets, more families are struggling to make ends meet.

Some are going without adequate food. Some are going without air conditioning – our staff hear those stories every day. Some are putting off needed medications. And when families struggle, children feel it, too.

I tell people all the time that if you want an indicator of how things are going across Ohio—and, in many ways, across the country—look no further than Portage County. As Portage County goes, so goes the state. So goes the country.

That’s why I want to end on a good note. Because despite the challenges we face, there is a lot worth celebrating.

Here in Portage County, when we see a need, we try to fill it. When we see a wrong, we try to right it. We don’t always get it right; sometimes our solutions aren’t always perfect. I wish I could wave a magic wand and solve every problem — I can’t, just ask my wife, Marybeth!

But we can do something. We can deliver a box of nutritious meals to a child’s doorstep. We can open a meal site in a neighborhood where children need it. We can make sure a child doesn’t have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.

And this summer, we did that for more than 1,240 children here in Portage County.

That’s worth celebrating.

One meal. One child. One family at a time.

Documenters: Brimfield Township Trustees meeting for Aug. 3, 2026

Noell Wolfgram Evans — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:39:00 GMT

On Aug. 3, the Brimfield Township Board of Trustees held their regular meeting in trustee chambers. In attendance were Chairman Nic Coia, Vice Chairman Kevin Scott, Trustee Sue Fields, Fire Chief Craig Mullaly, Economic Development and Zoning Inspector Michael Hlad, Township Administrator Roy Mosley III and Road Superintendent David Rufener.

Coia called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., and then invited those in attendance to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

The first order of business was an approval of the minutes from the July 27 special meeting. Following that, members of the public were invited to speak.

Judy Mothersbaugh wanted to know if there was any update or follow-through on the rat problem in her neighborhood. She was followed by Doug Manley with J&J Plumbing. He wanted to address any concerns stemming from the recent installation of a water heater. Manley said he has fielded calls from unhappy residents and was aware of several social media posts questioning the work and the costs associated with it.

With no other residents prepared to speak, updates were offered from the departments. Mosley offered the police report, saying that on Aug. 16, the Fast & Furriest Car Show would take place at Field High School. Mosley also asked the board for approval to take on an easement at Joe’s Barbecue. He said the addition of a storm water drain there would address the water issues at the police department.

Mullaly then offered a report from the fire department and said they were currently looking at cost-cutting measures. Those include limiting purchases; stopping TV, newspapers and coffee at the station; limiting training; and limiting participation in the county teams. Mullaly also said they could look at selling their trailer fan, training car and Ford Expedition.

“With budget constraints, it’s worth considering,” Mullaly said.

Coia asked Mullaly what the cost benefit of these sales would be and Mullaly said he would need to get that detail. There was also a discussion on whether to restart some department equipment-service contracts. Coia asked if there was a benefit to the contracts or if the department could get by without them.

“Of course there’s always a risk, but what are you willing to pay?” Mullaly said.

Mullaly said he would be adjusting his schedule so he would be available more often to run shifts with the rest of the department. He also announced that the paperwork had been filed with the Board of Elections to run the November levy and that engine 1215 is running and now in service.

Next, Mosley offered an administrative update. He said that photos had been taken of two land parcels that will be placed up for sale on the GovDeals website. When those are live, the sale will be added to the township website, as well.

He also announced that the Summer Block Party and Cruise-In would be held Aug. 8 and that the POW-MIA observance event will take place at the gazebo on Sept. 18.

Mosley had two bids for a change in energy rates through NOPEC for the township. He said that either would help the township “realize significant savings.” There was still a third option that NOPEC would be providing in the coming days. Because of this, rather than make a selection, the trustees voted to empower Mosley to make a decision based on the three options when all were available.

Next, the trustees approved a motion to adjust the Brimfield-Tallmadge JEDD M&I allocations so that a minimum of 10% goes to capital improvements, while 90% can be used for vehicle-related needs.

A motion was then put before the trustees regarding whether a state hearing would be needed for a liquor permit for The Basement. The motion failed, which allows the permitting process to continue. The trustees then voted to approve the acceptance of a $2,000 grant from OTARMA.

Hlad offered a number of updates on zoning matters. Those included a scheduled public hearing on Aug. 7 regarding Appendix E of the zoning regulations and a public hearing on Aug. 13 for a Howe Avenue parcel rezoning proposal. Hlad said the Zoning Commission is still working on data center restrictions and, as such, plan on requesting an additional six-month moratorium in the fall. An item on the agenda regarding updates to zoning fees was tabled.

Rufener then offered a report for the Road Department. He said that test holes will be dug on Aug. 26 in Meloy Road to get ready for the pipes. Scope work was completed on Buckeye Boulevard, and Rufener believes the results show that they will need to replace the full stretch of pipe, from catch basin to catch basin.

He added that the road mowing is ongoing as weather permits and listed four projects that were recently completed: the Countryside catch basin, the Boydell pipe project, the Woods Trail berm work and ditches across four areas.

The department also replaced the benches at McGuire Park. Two of the original benches had been thrown into the lake and, when they were retrieved, they fell apart. The department had some aluminum benches in storage, so they replaced all of the benches in the park with those.

Rufener noted two new projects that needed trustee approval. The trustees unanimously approved a bid of $190,000 for work on Sanctuary View Drive and Willow Brook. Some of the cost of this will be paid by OPWC. Trustees also approved a contract with QCI in an amount just under $14,000 for the same project.

Coia then returned to a question from the top of the meeting and asked if anyone had an update on the rat issue. Scott said the health department wasn’t going to help and instead directed him to the engineer’s office. He has been waiting for a call back from them.

Fields then closed the meeting by asking if any resident had historical information on the Wyles family (namesake of the Wyles Development) and, if they did, she asked that it be shared.

At 7:52 p.m., the trustees entered into an executive session to consider the discipline of a public employee or official.

Documenters: Field Board of Education meeting for Aug. 10, 2026

Noell Wolfgram Evans — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:38:00 GMT

The Field Board of Education held their regularly scheduled August meeting on the 10th at 7 p.m. Attending the meeting in the high school cafeteria were Treasurer Todd Carpenter, Board President Randy Porter, Vice President William Evans and board members Steve Calcei, Larry Stewart and Matt Slaven.

After calling the meeting to order, Porter led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silent contemplation. The board then moved on to the business of the night. First up was the approval of the meeting minutes from two June meetings: the 8th and the 30th. They were approved without discussion. The board also approved the night's agenda.

Porter announced that Superintendent David Heflinger would not be attending the meeting, as he was out of town. With no superintendent’s report, Slaven offered a legislative update. The only item of note, he said, was SB 19, which passed before the Ohio Senate went out on recess. This bill would attempt to help boost math and English proficiency scores.

Next up was the Superintendent’s Consent Agenda, which Porter proposed for approval. It consisted of contracts for certified, classified and supplemental positions, along with transfers, resignations and leaves of absence across the district. The consent agenda also held first readings for eight board policies and the second reading of four board policies.

Also in the consent agenda, Heflinger proposed the removal of school fees, excluding extra and co-curricular activities. He additionally asked for approval for contracts to purchase ELA books, for pest control services with A-Best Pest Control and with the ESC for special services.

The board unanimously approved the Superintendent’s Consent Agenda without comment.

Carpenter next asked for approval of the Treasurer’s Consent Agenda. It held the financial reports through June 30, 2026, and the district financial forecast through 2030. Slaven noted that the financial forecast indicated a decrease of $4 million. Carpenter said that was when the levy would cease to be active, and Slaven questioned when they would need to consider whether a new levy was needed.

“2027 would be the earliest,” Carpenter said.

With that, the board unanimously approved the Treasurer’s Consent Agenda without comment.
Porter quickly realized that there was a person in the audience who had signed up to offer a comment, and so he invited Jerri Walter to share her comments. She said that she worked the back concession stand and that they got water there from a hose coming from central. She wondered if there was a timeline for a permanent water hookup to that space. Porter offered to look into it.

This prompted another member of the audience to ask if there was an update on what was going to happen to central. Porter said that plans would be discussed soon.

And with that, the meeting was adjourned at 7:11 pm.

Documenter: Crestwood Board of Education meeting for Aug. 11, 2026

Noell Wolfgram Evans — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:37:00 GMT

On Aug. 11, the Crestwood Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting at the central office. In attendance were Board President Kristen Cavanaugh, Vice President Bonnie Lovejoy and members Eric Hummel, Monica Stouffer and Dan Tillett. Also in attendance were Superintendent Aireane Curtis and Interim Treasurer Greg Slemons.

The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. and, following the opening business (roll call, Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda), Slemons offered a look at the district’s five-year financial forecast.

“The forecast today is much better than what we presented in May,” he said.

Some of the numbers shared included a projected operating fund balance of $310,000 at the end of FY 2026. With a projected growth in revenue in 2027, the end balance that year is estimated to be $750,000. That number will continue to grow in 2028 to $1.035 million. At that point, revenue numbers will flatten out. He predicted that in 2030, the district “will need to pay close attention to their cash on hand.”

Following this presentation, the board took up, and unanimously approved without discussion, the evening’s consent agenda. Included in this were meeting minutes, financial statements, fund transfers and approval of the five-year forecast as presented. Also included was an agreement for visually impaired services, a memorandum of understanding with Akron Children’s Hospital and multiple employment and volunteer contracts.

Individually, the board also unanimously approved several contracts for educational specialists. Additionally, they took up a shared services agreement with Cardinal Local Schools. Curtis explained that new regulations require all food service workers to have a college degree and this agreement would help both districts meet that employment requirement, while also sharing employment costs.

The board next approved the payment of $2,500 through a grant to Jennifer Hirsch. Curtis said this is part of a fully funded grant and would not cost the district anything. The payment is for Hirsch’s administration of the Feed Our Future program.

Russ Jones was approved by the board as the interim principal at the middle school. Jones was the former superintendent for Stow-Munroe Falls.

Next, the board approved a three-year contract for E-Rate to include “consulting and funding procurement.” They also agreed to enter into a contract with SPARCC. Curtis explained that the district is required to have a student information system and this is the one they are transitioning to. The transition won’t happen for a year, but the contract needs to be in place now. Cavanaugh added that once the system was up and running, it would take the place of other student and communication systems, which would present a cost savings.

Curtis then asked the board to approve the receipt of a PPG innovation grant in the amount of $1,000. This was unanimously given. This grant will help defray the costs of the Destination Imagination program.

The board then approved a schedule of course fees for the coming school year. The highest fee will be $25. The subject of fees carried on into the last item on the agenda, as well. The board approved the cost of athletic passes for the 2026-2027 school year. Adult passes will be $150 and student passes are $100. Curtis said they spoke with neighboring districts to get an understanding of what their fee structures are.

“I feel ours is pretty reasonable, especially because it’s good for the entire year,” Curtis said.

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

The Setlist: Portage County live music for Aug. 19-25

Mike D — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:36:00 GMT

Hey Folks,

I hope you all are getting ready for the 2026-2027 school year. Summer is once again slowly moving to the rearview mirror of 2026.

As fall approaches, outdoor shows/concerts are starting to dwindle. But there still is time to enjoy a few more before the leaves begin to fall and the cold north winds start to blow.

The weather looks to be quite nice this coming week, with highs in the mid to upper 70’s through next week. Perfect temps to enjoy a few more outdoor shows this summer.

Here is the Setlist for August 19-25. Hope to see you out and about!

Mike D

AURORA

Orchid House Winery 155 Treat Road

Aug. 25: Dave Hermes

MANTUA

Los Venados 11697 Route 44

Aug. 21: Two Kings Duo

NELSON

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park 12001 Route 282

Aug. 21-23: 90’s Fest 2026 (Flannel, Fuzz, Grunge, Alt-Rock, Nu-Metal). Click on link for details.

GARRETTSVILLE

Garrettsville Farmers Market 8119 Main Street

Aug 20: Dexter 4-7 p.m.

STREETSBORO

Wild Eagle Steak & Saloon 9470 Route 14

Aug 22: Higher (tribute to Creed) 9-midnight

FREEDOM

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill 7160 Route 303

Aug. 22: Jukebox Junkies 8 p.m.-midnight

ROOTSTOWN

Dusty Armadillo 3147 Route 44

Aug. 23: Sunday Funday concert featuring Dustin Kines on the patio stage from 3-5 p.m. No ticket required.

KENT

Gigi’s Restorante & Market 210 S. Depeyster St.

Aug. 20: Art Michaud 6-9 p.m.

Water Street Tavern 132 South Water Street:

Aug. 21: John Doe 6-9 p.m.

The Kent Stage 175 E. Main Street Only purchase tickets through kentstage.org or at Box Office on West Main Street. Alternative ticket vendors may be overpriced and/or invalid.

Aug 22: Ghalia Volt & Kent Burnside 7:30 p.m. Doors open 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 23: Garrison Keillor 7 p.m. Doors open 6 p.m.
Aug. 24: The Wallflowers–Bringing Down the Horse: 30th anniversary tour with special guest Tyler Ramsey 7:30 p.m. Doors open 6:30 p.m.

Haymaker Farmers’ Market on Franklin Ave, just north of the Summit Street intersection.

Aug 22: Celtic Rush 10 a.m.-noon

RAVENNA

TAVS Bar & Grill 106 E. Main St.

Aug. 22: Matt Coates 7-10

The Portage County Randolph Fair opens Aug. 25. Look out for daily live music:

Aug. 25:

6 p.m. The Waterloo High School Marching Band just inside the Main Gate.
7:30 p.m. Doug Kaufman Band Corner Stage

Open mics are an excellent way for aspiring musicians to gauge their progress as stage performers. Open mics also provide a great networking tool for current musicians who may need a temporary or permanent new band member for the projects they are involved in.

Here is a listing for open mics/open jams for the week of Aug. 19-25:

KENT

Aug 23: EuroGyro 107 S. Depeyster St., Kent. Host: Nick Fleming. 8-11 p.m. (330) 678-4976

Aug. 25: Kent Lanes: The 11th Frame 1524 S. Water St., Kent Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m. 330-673-1448

Aug. 26: Venice Cafe 163 Franklin Ave. Hosts: BC Hudson, Jesse Carter. Open Mic/Jam. 7:30-10 p.m.

Aug. 26: Bell Tower Brewing Co. 310 Park Ave. Open Blues Jam. Host: Cleveland Blues Society. 6:30-9 p.m.

RAVENNA

Aug. 27: Tavs 106 E. Main St. Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m.

CUYAHOGA FALLS

Aug. 23: Bailey Road Tavern 2920 Bailey Road. Acoustic open mic. All skill levels welcome. Host: Wendy Darling. 7-10 p.m.

Aug. 26: Divine Food & Spirits 2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls. Host: Kevin Brosein. 7-9 p.m. Signups start at 6:30. 234-334-4400 OPEN WEDNESDAY 4 p.m.

Aug. 26: Chestnut Beer Garden 503 Chestnut Blvd. Pickin’ Wednesdays: Bluegrass jam/open mic. Banjos, mandolins, guitars welcome 6-9 p.m.

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 17-18, 2026

Staff Report — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:35:00 GMT

Matthew Jabin Secaur

Matthew Jabin Secaur, 49, passed away in Toronto, Canada on August 5, 2026 with his family by his side. Matthew was born September 8, 1976 to Jonathan Secaur and Diana Secaur in Kent, Ohio.

Matthew was a graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School and Kent State University. He received a Master’s degree in the History and Philosophy of Religion from Concordia University in Montreal.

While at Kent State, Matt majored in music and enjoyed every facet of it - both in school and out. Though his work life went in a different direction, music was a thread that continued throughout his whole life. From song writing and recording, to his senior recital, to directing several different church choirs, to his love of karaoke, to his beloved Upper Canada Choristers, music was at the heart of who he was and he loved almost every kind of music.

Throughout his time in college, he began to take an interest in technology. Although it was not his major, he learned about various operating systems. He learned through campus jobs, his own curiosity, and an almost instinctive awareness of what would be useful. His ability to learn independently - especially regarding information technology - set him on the career path he followed for his entire life. He had multiple tech jobs across several cities, always learning, always seeming to intuit what was coming next. His last and favorite job was as a Principal Technical Account Manager for Red Hat in Toronto. In recent years he had also begun giving lectures on things so technical his family seldom understood them. He enjoyed teaching and lecturing and we were all so proud of the way he became a leader in teaching highly technical material. His colleagues share how much they will miss his mentorship, his patience, kindness, and compassion. Matt was genuinely someone people wanted to work with and their office will not be the same without him.

He earned his Master’s degree in Montreal, not for any career advancement, but because he genuinely loved to learn and debate about the intersection of religion and philosophy and science. He had a questing mind that wanted to constantly be engaged. He enjoyed that time of learning and continued to use his knowledge to have in-depth conversations about almost anything.

Ten years ago he moved to Toronto and found his real home. It was there he was instrumental in working with a meetup group for people learning English as a second language. In the decade he lived in Toronto, he made and sustained many friendships. Matt’s closest friendships were deep and lasting - they were his found family.

Matt also loved to travel. He traveled solo, with friends, and later with his family. He traveled all over Asia and Europe. He was fluent in Canadian French. He believed that traveling made him more accepting, more well rounded. He was always looking for new places to check out - near and far - just as he continually looked for new intellectual terrain to explore.

He met his wife, Cerila Bilacaol, ten years ago. She transformed his life in the best way. Their devotion to each other was exceptional and Matt’s joy was overflowing, all the more so when Cerila’s daughter, Fiona Ibaseta, joined them in Canada. Matt and Fiona became true father and daughter of the heart. Her love for him, shown by her artistic gifts and cards, meant the world to him and he showed them off whenever he could. Matt’s life was vast and diverse but Cerila and Fiona were at the center of it. They were his foundation and his light.

He leaves his wife, Cerila and step-daughter, Fiona heartbroken by his loss. He also leaves behind both his parents, Jon Secaur and Diana Secaur, to grieve their son. Family who will also miss him includes step-mother Linda Idoine, brother Benjamin Secaur and his wife Kristin Wickless, and brother of the heart Robert Vavra. Matt also leaves his nieces Samantha Secaur and Lilac Secaur. He leaves more family in the Philippines, as well as cousins, aunts, and uncles. He had deep friendships with people who will miss him in the US, in Canada, and throughout the world. Matt touched so many lives.

A Service of Remembrance for Matthew will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 2:00pm. There will be calling hours from 12pm-2pm with light refreshments. The service will be held at the First Christian Church of Kent on the corner of W. Main and N. Mantua Streets in Kent, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada through their website mscanada.ca

Joseph John Cipriano

Joseph John Cipriano passed on August 16, 2026, at the age of 60, and was a resident of Ravenna, Ohio.

Corey D. Litsinger

Corey D. Litsinger passed on August 13, 2026, at the age of 62.

Jill Pamela Ross

Jill Pamela (Wise) Ross, 58, passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2026, after a battle with cancer. Born in Rootstown, Ohio to Richard and Martha (Dill) Wise, she lived in the area most of her life.

Josepha A. "Jo Ann" Beres

Josepha A. "JoAnn" Beres, 77, of Streetsboro, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at University Hospitals in Cleveland, surrounded by the love of her family.

James Louis Nanassy

James (Jim) Louis Nanassy, age 79, of Ravenna, OH, passed away on August 14, 2026.

Jeffery "Jeff" Crane

Heaven got a little funnier when Jeffery “Jeff” Crane, 74, passed away on August 15, 2026.

Harvey R. Barnett, Jr.

Harvey R. Barnett, Jr., 90, passed away August 17, 2026. Born in Zanesville, he lived most of his life in the Akron and Kent area.

Gary Stone looks forward to serving Kent as new police chief

Adriana Gasiewski — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:21:00 GMT

When Gary Stone was 10 years old, his mother was driving down the New York State Thruway when a flat tire caused her to pull over and tie a handkerchief around the radio antenna.

Within five minutes, a New York state trooper came to their rescue and changed their tire.

“I watched him change the tire and I said, ‘Wow, that’s a really cool job. I want to do that someday,’” Stone said.

Having seen firsthand how police officers can make a difference, he was motivated to pursue a career in law enforcement.

“It always meant a lot to me when I could help people in some of their most difficult hours of their lives,” Stone said.

Now he is stepping into the role of Kent’s police chief, after being sworn in on July 13, following former Police Chief Nick Shearer's decision to voluntarily step back.

Stone’s new position serves as a homecoming for him, returning to the city where he first began his career in law enforcement as a criminal justice major at Kent State University.

During his time at Kent State, the North Tonawanda, New York native took courses pertaining to humanity, sociology, conflict, crime and corrections and even worked for the Kent State University Police Department in 1984.

After graduating from Kent State, he chose to begin his career as a patrol officer at the Lakewood Police Department because knew that he would want to take on leadership positions in the future and appreciated the department’s advancement opportunities. In Lakewood, he served as a patrol officer, accident administrator, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

“I knew that I would eventually want a leadership position where I could supervise others, where I could have a say in departmental management, that I could work closely with the community, develop officers to bring out their best skills,” he said.

Kevin Fischer, Lakewood police chief, met then-lieutenant Stone as a patrolman in 1999, and recalled Stone being a mentor to everyone in the department.

“He was in a role here as administrative captain for the better part of 17 or 18 years, and he dealt with the jail a lot of times,” Fischer said. “Almost every time, somebody who’s come to jail is not having a good day, and Gary would always lend that empathetic ear. He was always willing to help whenever he could, within reason, and he was always willing to listen.”

Eventually, Stone and Fischer became friends, and Fischer would invite Stone and his family to his parent’s house on Christmas Eve. Stone’s friendly attitude and infectious personality led to him forming a friendship with Fischer’s dad, too.

“He’s the most genuine person I know. What you see is what you get. There’s zero fakeness in Gary — I think that attracts people towards him,” Fischer said.

Fischer took on the role of Lakewood police chief in the summer of 2023. Stone viewed his friend as a mentor and turned to him for advice about becoming Kent’s police chief.

“I just told him to be genuine, to be himself. He's a constant professional where he’s always represented the department very well, represents himself well,” Fischer said. “He’s intelligent. I just told him, ‘Be yourself. Don’t try to be something you’re not. You’ve got all the attributes to do it. Just go out and do it.’”

Following his advice, Stone applied for the position in February.

Why Kent needed a new chief

In an Oct. 15 memorandum to Kent City Manager Dave Ruller, Shearer requested to be demoted and take on the position of police captain. Shearer served as Kent’s police chief from 2020 to 2026, after starting at the department in 2008 as an officer.

“I’ve spent considerable time reflecting on my roles and the challenges we’ve faced. I feel that my skillset is more aligned with the role of police captain than it was with the role of police chief,” Shearer said in the memorandum. “This realization has been difficult, but it has also strengthened my resolve to continue contributing in a meaningful way.”

When the department announced that Stone would be Kent’s new chief, an Akron Beacon Journal article published the following week inaccurately reported that Shearer was stepping into his new role “following an undisclosed investigation that cleared him of any wrongdoing.”

Shearer’s Oct. 15 memorandum had followed the announcement of an employee being placed on administrative leave on Oct. 1. In an Oct. 22 written reprimand, it was revealed that the employee – not Shearer – had been under investigation for “spending his duty days surfing the internet for purposes not related to his duties.”

To fill Shearer’s vacancy, Kent began looking for an applicant with command-level experience, and it was highly recommended for them to have a college education and to have advanced police schooling.

Having served as a captain for nearly 17 years, holding a bachelor’s degree from Kent State and a master’s degree from Cleveland State University, as well as being a certified law enforcement executive trained at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in 2010, Stone felt confident about his qualifications.

After the department announced Stone’s new position, Ruller said in an email that the city is “delighted to welcome Chief Stone to Kent.”

A Kent homecoming

Although he was happy to return to the city where it all started, he still had some nerves he couldn’t shake.

“It was really an unusual feeling walking into this police station for the first time as the chief. I got out of my car and took a deep breath and said, ‘Gary, you’ve done enough studying, reading and learning. Now, it’s time to put things to use in what you did,’” Stone said.

During his first weeks in Kent, he has already begun introducing himself to others and is intent upon learning everyone’s names, their goals, their experience and what changes they’d like to see.

Having helped foster an atmosphere of growth at Lakewood, Stone hopes to do the same at Kent and provide the city with outstanding police service.

“I want to bring out the best skillsets that we have in these members of this department,” he said. “Every member of the police department has a unique skillset and I want to tap into their skillsets and have them in positions where they can best serve the community.”

County roundup: Shalersville will dedicate Veterans Point, plus news from Aurora and Ravenna

Roger Gordon — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:20:00 GMT

Shalersville

A dedication for the new Veterans Point will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Shalersville Park. This marks a major milestone in the township’s ongoing efforts to honor local veterans and enhance community spaces.

Several Shalersville residents voiced their concern about the data center proposal Aug. 4 at a township trustees meeting. A moratorium remains in place, and no application for a data center has been submitted at this time.

Several township residents expressed disappointment regarding the condition of two homes located in the Red Fox development. One of the properties mentioned is in the process of repossession, which may affect the timeline for improvements.

A township resident raised concerns about Amazon, UPS and landscape companies stopping and parking in the roadway, creating hazards and making it difficult for motorists to pass safely.

She also reported four-wheelers driving on Cooley Road, contributing to safety and nuisance concerns.

A box culvert located at the corner of Diagonal Road and Frost Road is in need of repair. Township Trustee Frank Ruehr is meeting with the Portage County engineer to review the culvert, which is situated near gas, water and sewer lines, requiring careful coordination.

Several Shalersville residents expressed frustration that state Route 303 was chip sealed. Because 303 is a state route, maintenance decisions are made by the state of Ohio, not the township.

Bio-Med is moving from its site at the corner of state Route 303 and state Route 44. The township is actively seeking a new tenant(s). The school building will be available in the summer of 2027, opening potential opportunities for redevelopment.

City of Ravenna

The Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce “Vet Fest” 250 Year Celebration for veterans’ families and guests will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Ravenna VA Clinic at 6751 N. Chestnut St. This kid-friendly event will include live music, food and drinks.

The chamber’s Annual Golf Outing will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, at Windmill Lakes Golf Course at 6544 state Route 14. The event includes:

18 holes of golf and cart
Hot lunch
Beverages
Steak dinner
Swag bag
50/50
Lots of prizes and contests

To register and for sponsorships, go to ravennaareachamber.com or email ryann@ravennaareachamber.com.

The Community Cup Challenge will be Friday, Aug. 28; Tuesday, Sept. 1; Thursday, Sept. 3; and Saturday, Sept. 5, at Chestnut Hills Park, City Park and Sun Beau. The Community Cup Challenge brings local businesses and organizations together for friendly competition, community pride and a whole lot of fun, from pickleball to archery to golf to disc golf to tug of war and more. Awards are based on participation and involvement, making this an event designed for everyone, not just athletes. For sponsorships and more information, visit ravennaareachamber.com or https://www.ravennaoh.gov/departments/parks-recreation/.

The chamber’s third annual hiring event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Reed Memorial Library at 167 E. Main St. No cost to participate. Lunch provided.

Ravenna Township

Two road projects in Ravenna Township will begin soon and should be completed by the end of September:

Paving in the Forest Ridge development by Perrin Asphalt at a cost of $173,044.
Chip-and-seal on Fairhill Drive, Hodgson Road, Longfield Road and Susan Road by Ronyak Paving at a cost of $45,983.

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, at the Ravenna Township meeting hall at 6145 S. Spring Street. The blood drive is sponsored by the township trustees.

Aurora

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce David M. Benjamin Memorial Golf Outing will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Tanglewood Golf Club at 8745 Tanglewood Trl. in Chagrin Falls. The $175 fee includes 18 holes, plus cart, lunch, dinner, drinks, contests, prizes and more. Register now at allaboutaurora.com.

The Aurora Chamber Summer After Hour Series continues with “Liberty & Libations” from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, at The Curated Cottage at 311 E. Garfield Rd. Sip local, connect local and celebrate America 250.

The Avantor Bloodmobile will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, at Avantor at 220 Lena Dr.

Aurora City Council approved a contract with RJK Roofing for a new roof on City Hall at a cost of $95,150.

Council approved a contract with ClearSpan at a cost of $34,126 to repair one of the city’s two salt domes.

Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin’s administration had recommended that the city of Aurora enter into a contract with Capitol Consulting Group at a cost of $60,000 to help the city secure state and federal grants for capital projects such as its new park and the Aurora Trail. City Council approved the administration’s recommendation.

The mayor’s administration is requesting to repair a 1999 fire engine used as backup at a cost of $40,000.

“It’s an important fire engine,” Womer Benjamin said. “It’s still in fairly good condition.”

Womer Benjamin’s administration is requesting that longtime Parks and Recreation employee Josh Famageltto be promoted to the position of parks coordinator. Famageltto would focus mainly on the new Aurora Park that is being built.

“Josh has been a great employee and is the leading candidate for this position,” Womer Benjamin said.

The 9/11 memorial program will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, at Sunny Lake Park’s memorial garden.

On Sunday, Sept. 13, Aurora’s classic car show will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sunny Lake Park. Vehicles need to be registered at noon. Free to both participate and attend.

City employees and council members will be manning the concession stand on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Greenmen’s Homecoming game against Suburban League American Conference rival Twinsburg.

“People should stop by and say hello,” Womer Benjamin said.

Senior Life: Brainstorming senior programs we should have Portage County

Sally Kelly — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:19:00 GMT

Congratulations to the Crestwood community for their continuing support of their senior citizens. A senior citizens group has been meeting every Wednesday for several years and has recently moved into a space at the Crestwood Central Offices, 10880 John Edward Drive, Mantua. Their meetings will continue to be on Wednesdays in Room 114.

Their programming continues to offer SAIL classes (Stay Independent for Life). Different programs are offered each Wednesday.

For more information about their programming and how to become a member of the group, drop in any Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and talk with Lynn Lewis.

Another positive note for Portage County’s Aging population is the creation of the Senior Scoop. This is a newsletter created by the “50+ Portage Community Committee." This is the group who spearheaded the try for a Human Services Levy last May.

The initial Senior Scoop described how the group 50 Plus Committee was created, what their plans are for another try for a Human Services Levy this November, how Portage County became designated as an Age Friendly Community, what bus routes PARTA offers, the Summer Crisis Program (electric bills) offered by the Community Action Council and an article about the activities at the Streetsboro Senior Center.

The Senior Scoop will be a quarterly newsletter published by Portage County Job & Family Services. To get on their email list for this newsletter, contact AMY.HUNTING@JFS.OHIO.GOV. or call 234-233-5100. The newsletter is free.

Portage County recently gained the designation of an Age Friendly Community by meeting some of the requirements set forth by AARP and the World Health Organization. The process included a needs assessment and establishment of strategic plans based on the outcomes of the assessments.

The initial goal of Portage County was to establish a means of communication and resource calendars to make sure residents are informed.

If I had had any input into the senior needs assessment for their consideration (and I was not asked), I would have put a priority on a program to help senior citizens remain in their own homes ... not just for folks on limited incomes but on the general over age 50 population. And not just for the physical welfare of the occupants but for the upkeep of their homes … not just major projects but some things which a handyman could do.

We all know there are a number of assisted living and long term care facilities in Portage County. But, there are many of us who are aging but who want to stay in our own homes. But what happens when our spouse dies, or our physical limitations become more significant and we are unable to physically maintain our own home. Who is going to paint the wall in the kitchen where I splattered spaghetti sauce? Who is going to scrub the living room carpet where my dog peed? Who is going to fix that light in the dining room which continues to flicker, even when the switch is off? Who is going to pull the weeds in my flower bed, or rake the leaves this fall? Who is going to get on the roof of my mobile home to see how bad the leak is?

These are all minor chores which need to be done (and in many cases my neighbors would agree) but not big enough for a bank loan to fund, but they are things which will improve my happiness at home … where I want to live.

The only community I could find offering such a service is Aurora’s “Neighbor 2 Neighbor” program. Their description of the program says they offer assistance with ramps, installation and weatherization. They also offer the knowledge that these are your “neighbors,” and you can trust them.

I periodically get requests from area seniors who need these types of “handyman” services. These are not “big projects,” not really expensive projects, but are the little things that can help an individual living in their own home, and prevent little problems from becoming big problems, which could make it necessary for someone to have to leave their home.

For those of you who do not think this is a problem, did you hear about the retired nurse in Cleveland who was going to be arrested and taken to jail because her yard was a “huge mess.” Her yard was in such a condition because she was no longer physically able to do the work necessary to meet her neighborhood standards! Fortunately, a group of folks in another neighborhood heard the story and got together to do the neighborly thing … they cleaned her yard for her, and thus kept her out of jail.

Are there resources out there which I have not been able to find? If there are none ... maybe we should take a little initiative and look around to see who we can help!

Contact Sally Kelly with your senior news at 330-687-9501 or sentrip@yahoo.com.

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 14-16, 2026

Staff Report — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:18:00 GMT

Greg A. Badalucco

Greg A. Badalucco, 61, of Ravenna, passed away in the comfort of his home with his wife by his side on August 14, 2026.

Anthony "Tony" Michael Mosca

Anthony “Tony” Michael Mosca passed away on August 11, 2026, unexpectedly, at the age of 52.

James R. "Ray" Boone

James R. "Ray" Boone, 75, of Ravenna, passed away Friday August 14, 2026 at his home with his family by his side. Ray was born July 1, 1951 in Salem, Ohio to the late Joseph V. and Helen A. (Hobbs) Boone.

Mary Ann Fyda

Mary Ann Fyda (née Blinas), 80, passed away August 10, 2026. She is survived by her spouse, Joseph, a sister to Paul Blinas and late brother, Raymond; her nieces, Suzanne Blinas, and Mary Jeanette; nephew Paul Christopher Blinas; brother-in-law, Robert Fyda; and her sister-in-law, Debra.

Shalersville weighs zoning changes to block data center

Wendy DiAlesandro — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:47:00 GMT

Emotions ran high during an Aug. 12 Regional Planning Commission meeting, when area residents once again packed Shalersville Town Hall to object to a proposed data center campus.

At issue is the plan of landowner Shalersville Holdings (an arm of Geis Companies) and Bitdeer Technologies Group to install a 15-building data center campus on 257 acres of Turnpike Commerce Center, located near the Ohio Turnpike interchange. Shalersville Holdings currently owns the land.

Concerned about the size and scope of the project, township trustees have been exploring their options for months. Since data centers are currently a “conditionally permitted use” in the township, Shalersville’s zoning commission recently submitted four zoning code amendments for the Regional Planning Commission to review.

Turns out those amendments didn’t make the grade. Deciding that they need additional work, the Regional Planning Commission tabled the matter. Its staff will recommend acceptable verbiage to the zoning commission in preparation for a Sept. 9 commission meeting.

Should the commission accept those recommendations, the proposal would make its way to the township trustees. They could — or could not — enshrine the amendments into Shalersville’s official zoning code.

The township’s moratorium on data centers ends the first week of November. If the proposed zoning amendments aren’t in place by then, Geis would be able to apply for the project as a conditionally permitted use. Lawfully permitted, the ultimately 15-building campus would proceed.

The zoning commission's proposals

Though Shalersville Township does not have any land zoned for “heavy industrial use,” the zoning commission recommended adding “any use with excessive power demand or excessive water use” to its definition of “Industry, Heavy.” The zoning code now defines heavy industry as a business that processes or makes materials or products mostly from extracted or raw materials; that stores flammable or explosive materials or uses them to make their products; or that engages in “storage or manufacturing processes that potentially involve hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions.”
Light industry, by contrast, would be defined as “not having excessive power demand or excessive water use.” The zoning code now defines light industry as manufacturing uses that are “relatively clean, quiet, and free of objectionable or hazardous elements such as smoke, noise, odor, or dust." They must operate and store within enclosed structures and generate little industrial traffic and “no nuisances.” They may produce small goods to be sold to the people who use them, rather than to another manufacturer.
The proposal also defined excessive power demand as “any use that has an aggregate monthly demand or peak load of greater than 25 megawatts, no matter what energy source or sources that demand or load may be derived from.”
Zoning codes being legal documents, the township zoning commission also proposed tweaks to Shalersville’s definition of “use.” They wanted it defined as “the principal purpose for which a lot (parcel), or contiguous, adjacent, or otherwise aggregated real property lots (parcels), and/or the main building thereon, is designed, arranged or intended and for which it may be used, occupied or maintained.” (Proposed new language in bold.)

Regional Planning Commission Director Todd Peetz and his staff noted that the first two proposed zoning amendments did not clearly define “excessive power use” and “excessive water” and that the word “excessive” should also be quantified in the third one. Peetz said the lack of specific language could lead to litigation, an outcome Geis Companies has already stated is certain.

Commission staff had no problem with the final proposal.

Additional concerns

In a separate interview with The Portager, Peetz outlined additional concerns. He pointed to Ohio law, which defines electric generating plants and associated facilities designed for, or capable of, operating at 50 megawatts or more as “major utility facilities.”

The Bitdeer project would be anticipated to draw 750 megawatts.

If the state calls a facility operating at 1/15th the capacity of Bitdeer’s proposed project a major utility facility, Peetz does not see how they or Geis hope to site it on land zoned light industrial. He said a facility operating at 25 to 50 megawatts may be more realistic.

Peetz also questioned potential noise concerns associated with the proposed data center campus. Peetz said Bitdeer “seems to think” it should be able to match the 55 decibels of noise already coming off the turnpike.

“We think 55 decibels may be a little high, especially at night time,” he said.

The company has stated its intent to erect some kind of noise barrier, but without a formal proposal or site plan, its form and effectiveness are anyone’s guess, he said.

Peetz stated his intent to continue meetings with Geis officials in preparation for the Sept. 9 commission meeting.

“We have a lot more work to do because some of the parties are not happy with what we’re doing,” he told meeting attendees on Aug. 12.

Massillon provides a roadmap

Peetz also referenced an Aug. 3 ordinance Massillon City Council authorized in which they defined and set regulations for large and non-large scale data centers, as well as defined computer data center businesses, electronic information services and data center equipment.

The city only allows data centers with a 25-megawatt capacity.

The ordinance states that all data centers must specify their projected use of electric, water and wastewater treatment utilities, specifying that site plans must quantify the capacity of incoming electric lines and how much of that capacity is already in use. Developers that plan to supply their own energy must have those proposals certified by an expert.

The local water provider must certify that the facility’s water use will not adversely affect other users, and the local wastewater treatment facility must likewise certify its ability to keep up.

Noise levels must be measured on both the parcel that holds the data center and the nearest residential zoned district, the ordinance states.

Massillon Mayor Jamie Slutz approved the legislation on Aug. 5.

How or if Massillon’s ordinance would translate to Shalersville is anyone’s guess.

Though it also fails to quantify the word “excessive,” Peetz said the ordinance could serve as a good starting point for Shalersville. It specifies certification by experts, requires 400-foot setbacks from residential neighborhoods, sets numerous standards and mandates follow-up inspections to ensure the companies adhere to them.

“Everything's to be determined. We don't have all the facts in front of us. We don’t have a site plan in front of us. There might be things they want to do that we just don't know about,” Peetz said.

The legal maneuvering begins

Shalersville Holdings does not intend to wait on the Regional Planning Commission’s, zoning commission’s or trustees’ pleasure. On Aug. 6, Regional Planning Commission staff received a letter from Shalersville Holdings attorney Joseph Miller of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, a Columbus-area law firm.

Miller stated that the proposed amendments exceed the township’s zoning authority. Since no property in the township is zoned for heavy industry, the proposed amendments “effectively ban any use with ‘excessive power demand or excessive water use,’ including any data center that may use greater than 25 megawatts of power,” he wrote.

Miller also took issue with the term “excessive” being undefined, stating that the township could “arbitrarily select which property owners use ‘excessive’ water and which do not.”

He characterized the proposed amendments as “not only illegal and unenforceable," but also exposing the township to legal action.

Also representing Shalersville Holdings, Roetzel & Andress attorney R. Todd Hunt on July 3 objected to aspects of the township’s existing zoning code and demanded they be repealed. Regional Planning Commission staff proposed revising the code to make clear that Shalersville retains enforcement powers if a conditional use certificate is violated.

That matter is now being reviewed by the county prosecutor’s office.

Assistant Portage County Prosecutor Brett Bencze weighed in separately, writing a May 6 email to Peetz that “there isn't much case law out there yet on how the courts will handle it.” He also raised the possibility of “constitutional, regulatory, and legislative action” and promised regular updates.

Streetsboro says no to Flock cameras

Wendy DiAlesandro — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:46:00 GMT

Streetsboro City Council on Aug. 10 rejected the use of Flock cameras, with several council members objecting to their accuracy, effectiveness and potential misuse.

Typically mounted on roadside poles, automated license plate readers, in this case units provided by Flock Safety, capture the image of the rear of a vehicle and its license plate as it drives away. With permissions in place, the information can be shared by local and federal agencies.

In a 4-2 vote, only council members Jen Wagner and Steve Michniak supported the $63,000 contract with Flock Safety. Wagner raised the spectre of being on the receiving end of a call from a distraught victim or friend or relative of a victim, while Michniak said there is no way to escape information that is already shared through national networks.

”I think your phone gives you so much more data than a Flock camera, and if it’s being dumped every 30 days, if it actually is, and it's not being stolen somewhere, I could support that,” he said.

Putting in a final bid for the camera’s use, Streetsboro Police Chief Tricia Wain said they are a tool police can use to solve crimes. She acknowledged concerns about the cameras, but said officers who are found misusing them are being disciplined and terminated.

The cameras track vehicles along roadways, not people walking in parking lots or parks, she said.

Council Member Mike Lampa said most of the residents he’d heard from were opposed to Flock cameras. Despite pro and con arguments, he cited his personal concerns about their accuracy and effectiveness and said many cities are reconsidering their use. Privacy, accuracy and government oversight informed his decision to reject Streetsboro’s use of the cameras, he said.

Fuerst Automotive: A local mainstay and a family legacy

Jeremy Brown — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:45:00 GMT

This article is a sponsor spotlight. Feature your business in The Portager.

Cliff Philen was repairing transmissions in Kent before Mitch Stout was born. Now, 45 years later, both men work in the same six-bay garage — Philen as the master drivetrain specialist, Mitch as the general manager who came home after two years rebuilding Rolls-Royces in Florida.

Fuerst Automotive of Kent, at 1005 W. Main St., features a state-of-the-art, six-bay facility and specializes in routine maintenance, tire care, diagnostics, transmission and engine repairs on almost any vehicle up to 14,000 pounds and 34 feet long. That includes RVs, duallies, Isuzu NPR cabover trucks and food trucks.

After nearly 40 years in business, owners Bob and Sheri Stout, along with their children, Mitch Stout, Amber Stout-Nebozuk, Kayla Stout, are still delivering automotive services in Northeast Ohio at their Kent and Broadview Heights locations.

“The people are phenomenal, the ownership is phenomenal, we have no drama, everybody comes to work with the same goals in mind, we have a good time and we put out a fantastic product,” Philen said. “I didn’t know what it was going to be like, but it’s been incredible.”

The company strives to be community focused. In the past year, Fuerst has expanded a program that began in their Broadview Heights shop: giving away cars. They’re now working with Freedom House, a shelter for veterans in Kent, to donate vehicles, and they’ve already provided two so far.

“I’ve always told my kids, first is community,” Bob Stout said.

The secret weapon

While other shops may offer similar services, they don’t have Cliff Philen. A Certified Master Drivetrain and Transmission Specialist, Philen has been working out of the facility on West Main Street since 1981, back when it was AWTI Transmission.

When Bob Stout and Family purchased AWTI Transmission in 2024 and renamed the business Fuerst Automotive of Kent, Philen decided to join the Fuerst team to continue providing his precision drivetrain expertise to the loyal customer base that he had made throughout the years.

Philen's credentials and history reflect his mastery of drivetrain and transmission repair. In his youth he worked on tractors at his uncle's farm, an experience that led him to enroll in the vocational automotive repair program through his high school. After graduating high school he landed a job at Ron Marhofer Chevrolet, but he soon realized that his ambitions exceeded the boundaries of a dealership, so he applied for an open position at AWTI Transmission and was hired by AWTI’s owner and master transmission technician Brian Forest.

Forest took Philen under his wing and taught him the art of transmission, transfer case and differential repair. Philen said Forest is a brilliant mechanic who emphasizes the role that physics plays in drivetrain repair. It wasn’t long before the two became TransGo research and development team members and for the next 20 years they collaborated with the TransGo team to create transmission solutions, all while continuing to perform drivetrain repair at AWTI Transmission.

TransGo is a California-based leader in automatic transmission valve body solutions. The company is renowned for engineering high-performance shift kits and reprogramming kits with a focus on tuneless hydraulic calibrations that fix common driveability complaints without requiring aftermarket software. For instance, TransGo shift kits improve shift firmness, reduce delay and address common internal wear issues.

“We were part of building that company because we did a lot of research and development for them. It was a lot of fun. We got to meet the [TransGo] guys that came out here from California, they spent some time with us. It was priceless information that’s very hard to get nowadays,” Philen said. “When they were designing a product, they would send us all kinds of things and we would test things, we would record data, and we would send things back to them. We were doing modifications and changes on units that people weren’t even thinking of yet.”

Philen is now solely dedicated to providing Fuerst Automotive with his drivetrain know-how. These days he’s training a young drivetrain apprentice named Adam Jewett, who Philen hopes will take his position when he retires. Jewett has already been working as a mechanic at Fuerst Automotive for five years.

Keeping it in the family

Mitch Stout, 31, is the general manager of both Fuerst Automotive locations, as well as a diagnostics technician and an automotive technician with a history repairing high-end luxury and exotic cars.

From an early age, he’d been trained by his dad to repair vehicles. While he was attending the vocational automotive program at his high school, he worked part-time at his family's business, Fuerst Automotive in Broadview Heights, starting in 2012. At that time, the Broadview Heights location was the only location of Fuerst Automotive.

After high school he continued to work at Fuerst Automotive in Broadview Heights until 2022, when he was offered a job at a Rolls-Royce dealership in Florida. He couldn’t pass it up.

“My dad and mom told me, ‘We don’t want to hold you back from an opportunity like this, and we don’t want to be the reason why you regret never having taken the opportunity,’ So I did,” Mitch Stout said. “I worked in Florida working on Rolls-Royces and McLaren's, Aston Martin, Bentley, all the high-end exotics and high-end luxury vehicles for two-and-a-half years.”

All the while, his dad was back in Ohio planning to expand Fuerst Automotive. Around 2024, Bob told Mitch the plan.

“I kind of missed home, then my dad calls up and he’s like, ‘Hey, we’re probably going to be buying a second shop. Want to come home?’” Mitch Stout said. “Yeah, I miss you guys, of course I’ll come home. So, here I am back at it since 2024, and we have a second location in Kent. I plan to be here the rest of my lifetime and hopefully my kids one day."

The founder

Bob Stout has been the force that drives Fuerst Automotive ever since he and his wife bought the business in 1987, but it wasn’t without a lifelong passion for auto repair and lots of elbow grease that has made their auto care center thrive and spawn a second location.

His passion for automotive repair started in his youth, which led him to attend his high school’s automotive technician vocational program in the 1970s, where he participated in early job placement and was hired at Conrad’s Tire.

“When I started with Conrad’s Goodyear I was 16 years old. I started as a tire changer, oil tech,” Bob Stout said. “I started to get my certifications and started working on vehicles. When I turned 18 and graduated from high school they promoted me to a service manager, so I was actually running a six-bay shop at the age of 18.”

By the time he graduated from high school he was certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence to do brake, suspension and engine repair, although later in life he became a certified master technician.

In 1983 he married Sheri Stout. With his experience from running a six-bay shop at Conrad’s Tire, he figured he could run his own business, so he set up shop in his in-law’s basement in Parma and founded Interstate Towing, a one-truck towing company. He continued to manage Conrad’s six-bay shop, even towing for them, but he wanted to expand his towing business.

Bob and Sheri Stout were young and gumptious, and the tow truck business was growing, so Bob Stout hung up his job at Conrad’s and purchased Fuerst Garage from Ed Fuerst in 1987, a small three-bay garage in Broadview Heights. They bought three more tow trucks and ran Interstate Towing out of Fuerst’s garage for several years, but insurance on the business and the tow truck equipment was expensive, and they found that finding reliable tow truck employees was difficult, so Bob Stout shifted the business to auto repair and changed the name of the garage to Fuerst Automotive.

They had been renting the three-bay garage from Fuerst, but the auto repair business was going well for the Stout’s and they were outgrowing the small space, so they bought the garage across the street.

“It was called Auto Accents,” Bob Stout said. “That's when cell phones were coming about, and you couldn’t go into a phone store, you had to go into a facility and they actually had to install them in your car. So that’s what they were doing and they had the big boom-box radios — you know, that era, back in the late ‘80s early ‘90s.”

That location of Fuerst Automotive is at 8116 Broadview Road. No longer installing car phones, Fuerst is a full-service auto repair shop that has won four national awards for training and service through AC Delco, and has a BBB A+ rating.

Kent expansion

Bob and Sheri Stout moved to Stow in the early 2000s. Bob Stout was impressed with AWTI Transmission and its six-bay garage and bought it shortly after.

Now, Bob Stout has brought all of his children into the business and plans to hand it off to them when he retires.

His eldest daughter, Amber Nebozuk, has two master’s degrees and was a research librarian at University Hospitals main campus in Cleveland. Now she’s the office manager at the Broadview Heights location and handles Fuerst Automotive’s finances, bills and bookkeeping.

Kayla Stout has a bachelor’s in hospitality management and a minor in marketing from Kent State and was previously a guest services manager for the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Now she’s the office manager at Fuerst Automotive of Kent.

Kayla said Fuerst Automotive has a policy that emphasizes open communication with the customer.

“We pride ourselves on transparency and honesty, which is why we do digital vehicle inspections,” Kayla said. “We have tablets that take videos and photos, and our techs write notes with them when doing inspections, and they are coded green, yellow and red. Green means good, yellow means it’s something to pay attention to for the future and red means it’s a safety concern and we need to look at this now. Those will get emailed or texted to our customers, so they have full transparency, so if we tell them they need new brakes, we are actually measuring the brakes and putting that measurement in a picture alongside their brakes so they can see it. We’ll circle areas of concern, we’ll put arrows, we’ll put notes.”

Fuerst Automotive’s mission is to supply honest old-school service to its customer, as well as to engage with the community and give back, and for the Stout family business, that often means giving away a car to someone who needs one.

Wheels To Prosper

The Broadview Heights Fuerst Automotive location has a track record of giving away a vehicle in a charity program Bob Stout calls Wheels To Prosper.

“We would get a vehicle that somebody didn’t want to fix, purchase it for an inexpensive price, then we go through it and make it roadworthy, safe, reliable transportation,” he said. “I was on the advisory council for Cuyahoga County Career Center, so I would get the vehicle and we would actually take it down to the career center and let the kids do the work on the vehicle, and then it’d go over to the body shop at the career center and they’d do the body work.”

To find a home for the Wheels To Prosper vehicle, the Stouts post to social media and place ads in the newspaper to find nominees: people who put others before themselves and are too proud to say they need help.

After a nominee for the car is chosen, they put on a large party for them and present them with the car.

“They would come in and they wouldn’t even know why they were there,” Bob Stout said. “We would have the mayor there, we would have a lot of people show up. And then we’d present the car to them. A lot of tears, man. We would have the kids that actually worked on the cars at the career center come in, so they know what their vocation can do to help people.”

The Stouts are upholding that tradition of donating a car at the Kent location and are working with The Freedom House in Kent to find a worthy veteran that needs transportation. They started the program last year and recently donated another car to a veteran again this year.

“When you’re doing service in your community, you’ve got to give back,” Bob Stout said. “So we do a lot with the community, hence, we do a lot with the veterans.”

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 12-13, 2026

Staff Report — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:40:00 GMT

Anthony W. Kaminski

Anthony W. “Tony” Kaminski, age 61, of Ravenna, passed away August 8, 2026. He was born December 5, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents Stephen and Marie Molly (Minadeo) Kaminski.

Inger Olsen Salsgiver

After living a full life enjoying many wonderful years with her family, Inger Olsen Salsgiver was welcomed into Heaven by the loving arms of her Savior at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home with her family by her side. She was born in Reykjavik, Iceland on November 3, 1934 to the late Sigurgeir Kristjansson and Pernilla Olsen Monsdottir.

Sara Mae Norris

Sara Mae (Smith) Norris, 86, of Garrettsville, OH, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loved ones on August 9, 2026. She was born on November 21, 1939, in Meyersdale, PA, to the late Harry and Sara (Ravenscroft) Smith.

Cleta J. Amedeo

Cleta J. Amedeo, 88, passed away August 10, 2026. Born in Cleveland, she had lived in the Akron/Tallmadge area most of her life.

Carole Sue Clark

Carole S. Clark, 83, passed away August 8, 2026. Born in Mount Vernon, IL, she had lived in Atwater area most of her life.

The Setlist: Portage County live music for Aug. 12-18

Mike D — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:56:00 GMT

Hey Folks,

Here we are kicking into mid-August already! I hope the summer has been filled with lots of fun and good live music.

This week I would like to recognize a band with over 55 years of contributions to the local music scene, the incomparable 15-60-75, aka The Numbers Band.

The Numbers Band needs no introduction to most local music fans, as their legendary performances in the Cleveland and Akron area are well known to many.

Led by Bob and Jack Kidney, with the great Terry Hynde on sax, and a rhythm section of Bill Watson on bass and Clint Alguire on drums, The Numbers Band delivers a sound as unique as can be created on this ethereal planet!

They will be playing Jilly's in Akron this coming Saturday evening August 15, 2026. 7-11 p.m.

Stop out and hear this local treasure!

Mike D

STREETSBORO

Aug. 15: BREW & BBQ BASH all day at Streetsboro City Park. Noon - 7 p.m.

Live music includes the alternative rock band End Rock and the Chili Peppers tribute band Hot Red Chili Peppers. Enjoy more than 50 crafters, a line up of BBQ pitmasters competing to be named this year’s BBQ Grand Champion, traditional food trucks, and more than 16 craft beer breweries.

Also appearing will be the St. Helen Unicycle Drill Team and Pure Passions Live Animals and Alpacas. Sponsored by Action Auto Body, Chainsaw Shari will do wood carving demonstrations and display her wood carvings. Kids will gravitate to games, face painting, Yo Big Bounce inflatables and The Foam Zone.

Admission is free but food and drink is not. Save on advance tickets bundles via https://brew-bbq-bash-discount-beer-sample-ticket-bundle-153000-copy.cheddarup.com

Wild Eagle Steak & Saloon 9470 Route 14

Aug. 15: Moving in Stereo (tribute to Cars) 9-midnight

KENT

Aug. 15: Dog Days of Summer at Hometown Bank Plaza, corner Main and Water streets. Sponsor: Madonio Animal Trust, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting animal causes such as the Portage APL, Rose’s Rescue, the Portage County Dog Warden, Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, and Family & Community Services' Doggie Bags program. MAT also works with local veterinarians to support the care of less fortunate pets who require emergency services.

Besides providing pets and their people with an entertaining afternoon, Dog Days of Summer is a fundraising festival. Bring your hearts, your pets, and your wallet while you enjoy some of the area’s popular bands:

The DB Band 11 a.m.
Long Time Gone 1:15 p.m. (approx.)
Rio Neon 3 p.m.

Gigi’s Restorante & Market 210 S. Depeyster St.

Aug. 13: Nick Zuber

Nineteen 10 215 South Depeyster St.

July 18 In Like Flinn 5-8 p.m. on the patio if weather permits, inside if it doesn’t

Dan Smith Park Concert series 168 East Erie St.

Aug. 15: Hot Potatoes 6-8 p.m.

Water Street Tavern 132 South Water Street

Aug. 14: The Brown Brothers 6-9 p.m.

Hometown Bank concert series Hometown Bank Plaza, downtown Kent

Aug 13: Van Sailin’ 7-9

Bell Tower Brewing Co. 310 Park Avenue

Aug. 15: Ava Leone 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Haymaker Farmers’ Market on Franklin Ave, just north of the Summit Street intersection.
Aug 15 Mick Rogers and the Red Guitar of Truth 10 a.m.-noon

RAVENNA

TAVS Bar & Grill 106 E. Main St.

Aug. 15 It’s About Time Band 7-9 p.m.

AURORA

Orchid House Winery 155 Treat Road

Aug. 18: Diana Chittester

GARRETTSVILLE

Garrettsville Farmers Market 8119 Main Street

Aug 13: Crazy James

FREEDOM

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill 7160 Route 303

Aug. 15: Two Docks Down

ROOTSTOWN

Dusty Armadillo 3147 Route 44

Aug. 16: Sunday Funday concert featuring Ash Taylor on the patio stage from 3-5 p.m. No ticket required.

OPEN MICS/OPEN JAMS

Open mics and jams are an excellent way for aspiring musicians to gauge their progress as stage performers. They also provide a great networking tool for current musicians who may need a temporary or permanent new band member for the projects they are involved in. Here are some of the area’s upcoming events:

CUYAHOGA FALLS

Aug. 16: Bailey Road Tavern 2920 Bailey Road. Acoustic open mic. All skill levels welcome. Host: Wendy Darling. 7-10 p.m.

Aug. 12: Divine Food & Spirits 2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls. Host: Kevin Brosein. 7-9 p.m. Signups start at 6:30.

KENT

Aug. 16: EuroGyro 107 S. Depeyster St., Kent. Host: Nick Fleming. 8-11 p.m.(330) 678-4976

Aug. 17: Woodsy’s Music 118 E. Main St. Jazz jam session. Host: Chris Coles. 7-9:30 p.m. Open to community members and high school and college students interested in jazz. Chris provides a percussion and bass player.

Aug. 18: Kent Lanes: The 11th Frame 1524 S. Water St., Kent Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m.

RAVENNA

Aug. 13: Tavs 106 E. Main St. Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m.

Kent council member Turner hopes to return after long illness

Wendy DiAlesandro — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:55:00 GMT

Absent from his duties since March 18, Kent Councilman Robin Turner said he hopes to return to council meetings by the end of the month.

Speaking to The Portager from a rehab facility in Cuyahoga County, Turner said he had suffered a “serious illness” that left him with ongoing physical constraints. He said he hopes to be transferred to a Kent or Ravenna facility soon and to eventually return to his Kent home.

He said he had been feeling unwell since January, but had not monitored his health or managed the regimen needed to maintain his chronic conditions. After he failed to keep several medical appointments in early March, Kent police conducted a welfare check and called for medical assistance.

“I guess I tried to act like I was 25 and didn't have the maladies I do, but it caught up to me. Some people aren’t disciplined enough, and evidently I’m one of those. Hopefully I can learn. I'm paying a real price, one I would rather not have have to pay,” he said.

Born in Chicago, Turner and his family arrived in Kent’s south end neighborhood when he was 4 years old. He attended Kent State University for three years, then began a career in the weights and measurements section of the Portage County Auditor’s Office. He was also employed as a consultant for PARTA’s ride share program and helped keep Kent’s Union Baptist Church clean and in good working order.

Turner was first appointed to council in January 2008 after the death of long-time Council Member Bill Schultz, whom Turner considered a close friend and mentor. Having won the November 2015 Ward 3 council election, he returned to City Council in 2016 and was reelected again in 2019 and 2023.

Around Garrettsville: Help fundraisers for your local churches and theater

Jackie Loreta-Rinearson — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:54:00 GMT

The Knights of Columbus of St. Ambrose Church will host a steak dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at the St. Ambrose Church’s Hall, 10692 Freedom St., in Garrettsville. Enjoy grilled 10 oz. steak, (or a grilled chicken breast also available), potato, vegetable, salad, dessert and beverage. Cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple (eat in or carry out). For tickets, please make reservations by calling or texting Dave at 234-243-2999.

The Curtains up Theatre is collecting donations for bricks and auditorium chairs, name plates for their large fundraising mission— the new building on Main Street. For more information, forms or prices, visit the Curtains up Theatre’s website, curtainsuptheatre.com.

The Garrettsville Farmer’s Market is coming to the end of the season soon. Be sure to stop down on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. until Aug. 27 on Main Street.

The third annual Zach Peterson Memorial Scholarship Car, Truck, Bike and Tractor Show is coming from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7 at the Nelson Ledges Race Course, located at 10342 S.R. 305 in Garrettsville. The gates will open at 10:30 a.m. for registration. If you need more information, contact info@zachpetersonmemorial.com.

The proceeds from this event are used for scholarships in Zach's name for students from the James A. Garfield, Windham & Crestwood School Districts who are entering the Automotive Technician Field.

The Garrettsville Oktoberfest will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 in downtown Garrettsville. Watch for more information.

For your information to appear in this column, contact Jackie at rinearson05@frontier.com.

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 10-11, 2026

Staff Report — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:53:00 GMT

Donna Jean Mattmuller

Donna Jean Mattmuller (née Miller), age 98, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, in Anna Maria Nursing Home, surrounded by the love of her family. Born to Harold and Alice Miller, Donna grew up in a close‑knit family with her brothers Wallace, Russell, and John, each of whom shaped her early life with the same steady kindness she later became known for.

Donna graduated from Aurora High School in 1946 and went on to earn her B.S. in Education from Ohio Northern University in 1950. She devoted 18 years to the Aurora School system as a dedicated staff member, touching countless lives through her quiet strength, steady guidance, and unwavering belief in the value of learning.

She married the love of her life, Richard Mattmuller, and together they shared 62 years of partnership rooted in faith, service, and community. Donna supported Richard in all his endeavors-whether through his work with Aurora, Hope Lutheran Church, the Dahlia Society, or his years as Mayor and Councilman. Their shared commitment helped shape Aurora's growth and spirit for generations.

A lifelong and charter member of Hope Lutheran Church, Donna served in numerous roles over the years, always striving to grow as a Christian servant of God. Her faith was quiet but steadfast, reflected in the way she lived and cared for others.

Donna's dedication to her community was recognized through the Aurora Historical Society Lifetime Service Award in 2012 and the Aurora School Foundation "Friends of the Schools" Award, honored at the local, state, and national levels.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She nurtured her children-Ann (Tony, deceased), Karrenbrock, Dave (Dianna, deceased) Mattmuller, Steve (Michele) Mattmuller and Jack (Elaine) Mattmuller-with patience and devotion. She cherished her grandchildren Paula Broderick, Jonathan, Michael (deceased) Mattmuller, Jacqueline Mattmuller, John Matt Mattmuller, and Kate Allen, and delighted in her 11 great‑grandchildren. She is also the dear sibling of her sister Jane.

Donna will be remembered as a quiet, steady presence whose life was defined by service, faith, and love. Her legacy lives on in the generations she raised, the students she guided, and the community she strengthened.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at Hope Lutheran Church, 456 South Chillicothe Rd., Aurora, on Friday, August 14, 2026 from 11 am - 12 pm, immediately followed by a funeral service at 12pm. Interment will immediately follow at Aurora City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lutheran Church at the address above.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.greenfuneralcare.com.

David M. Whipkey

David M. Whipkey passed on August 5, 2026, at the age of 75; born October 25, 1950, David lived in Ravenna, Ohio.

Inger Olsen Salsgiver

Simon Evan Snellenberger

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Simon Evan Snellenberger, who fell asleep in death on August 4th, 2026, at the age of 48. Simon was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a cherished son, brother, and uncle. Above all, he was a faithful servant of Jehovah God.

Donald G. Fink Sr.

Donald G. “Don” Fink Sr., 85, a longtime resident of Streetsboro, Ohio, passed away on August 7, 2026. In recent years, Don made his home at Brentwood Healthcare.

Roberta Sue Everson

Roberta Sue Everson, 88, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the Tamarack Ridge in Kent. Roberta was born on April 9, 1938 in Belington, West Virginia to her late parents Paul and Cleo (Chapman) Lantz.

Around Charlestown: Up close with nature at the Charlestown Summer Festival and Cruise In

Ruth Ann Bartholomew — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:38:00 GMT

If you didn't make it out to the 23rd Annual Charlestown Summer Festival and Cruise In, you missed a fun afternoon. The winner of the Grand Prize Raffle, which included a Blackstone Grill, a $150 Duma Meat gift card and grill accessories was Susan Robenstine.

County roundup: Meet the candidates in Paris, plus news from Edinburg, Franklin and Rootstown

Roger Gordon — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:37:00 GMT

A “Meet the Candidates Day” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Shearer Community Center at 9355 Newton Falls Rd.

Headwaters Trail may continue into Aurora within the next few years

Wendy DiAlesandro — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:35:00 GMT

The Portage Park District’s recent expansion of Headwaters Trail isn’t the end of the line.

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 7-9, 2026

Staff Report — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:34:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Sept. 9 is the deadline to pay your property taxes; bills are in the mail

Wendy DiAlesandro — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:21:00 GMT

Portage County property owners: The county treasurer’s office is mailing out second-half property tax bills, and the deadline to pay is set for Sept. 9.

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 5-6, 2026

Staff Report — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:20:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Historic St. Peter of the Fields church demolished

Jeremy Brown — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:41:00 GMT

After serving generations of parishioners, St. Peter of the Fields' historic church in Rootstown has been razed.

Documenters: Ravenna Board of Education meeting for July 27, 2026

Noell Wolfgram Evans — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:40:00 GMT

The district will be operating with a surplus for two years, which will quickly turn into a deficit by 2031. Plageman also updated the board on recent and pending state legislation that could impact these projects. “There is an uncertainty at the state level,” Plageman said.

Documenters: Streetsboro City Council meeting for July 27, 2026

Julie Erickson — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:38:00 GMT

Council Member Michael Lampa asked to speak as a citizen and reported that the Friends of Streetsboro Parks, a 501(c)(3) organization, has decided to dissolve the fund.

Around Ravenna: Get to know your neighbors

Angie Reedy — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:37:00 GMT

The Auxiliary of University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna is having its annual craft fair from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 at the hospital, 6847 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna.

The Setlist: Portage County live music for Aug. 5-11, 2026

Mike D — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:36:00 GMT

Good morning, fans of all things music. Here we are rolling into the first week of August already. This week finds me with two nice gigs to play with the local band The Shootouts.

Portage County obituaries for Aug. 3-4, 2026

Staff Report — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:34:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Hiram council member pleads not guilty to assault

Wendy DiAlesandro — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:06:00 GMT

After missing two court dates, Hiram Council Member Chris Perme pleaded not guilty July 29 to two misdemeanor charges of assault.

County roundup: Hiram rezones for Buckingham Place restoration; Freedom, Garrettsville, Mantua, Nelson and Windham news

Roger Gordon — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:43:00 GMT

Hiram Village Council has rezoned two properties in the village to allow for college properties to be sold and transitioned out of the institutional district.

Been There, Done That: The garden is looking good

Laura Nethken — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:42:00 GMT

Dave and I have been together for more than 40 years now and have had a vegetable garden for almost all of those years. Now that we're in our 60s, (holy moly, is that a thing?), the big 30x40 garden at the way-back of the property was too much. Our son built us beautiful 4x8 garden boxes right behind the house.

Portage County obituaries for July 31-Aug. 2, 2026

Staff Report — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:41:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Life Discovery curriculum a win for local schools

Wendy DiAlesandro — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:29:00 GMT

A year after launching Life Discovery, most area school districts that signed on are calling it a good deal.

Around Brimfield: Good friends make you happier and healthier

Shirley Mars — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:28:00 GMT

It never occurred to me that I would someday have a best friend who is 80 years old. Last weekend I found myself at her birthday party, along with over 200 of her other friends. It caused me to ponder on the importance of friends in our lives. When I searched the internet, I came across an intriguing study on friendship and happiness.

The Setlist: Portage County live music for July 31-Aug. 4, 2026

Mike D — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:19:00 GMT

Of particular note this week is the BBQ & Blues benefit concert in the parking lot of Kent United Church of Christ, 1400 E. Main St. This will feature the band The Back Alley Relics on August 2 from 5 - 8 p.m.

Rooted Ramblings: Plants get sick, too – behold the plant disease triangle

Master Gardener Volunteers — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:18:00 GMT

What is wrong with my plant? I have asked myself this question so many times, I have lost count. My challenge became how to figure out a solution without killing the plant through what I thought was the right treatment. Behold, the disease triangle!

Portage County obituaries for July 29-30, 2026

Staff Report — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:17:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Ravenna will soon consider public comment on new wards

Wendy DiAlesandro — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:33:00 GMT

Ravenna’s ward boundaries are one step closer to shifting as a City Council committee is asking the public to chime in on where each ward should begin and end.

Kent’s new noise ordinance attempts to balance business, resident needs

Wendy DiAlesandro — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:21:00 GMT

Kent City Council’s latest amendment to the city’s noise ordinance decreases the hours outdoor music can be played in the city’s DORA.

Baker: Lessons from a cherry tree

Kathy Baker — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:20:00 GMT

On Friday, July 3, my husband and I were in downtown Kent with family, awaiting the annual fireworks display. At about nine o’clock, the weather suddenly changed. The wind whipped up and dark clouds filled the sky.

Portage County obituaries for July 27-28, 2026

Staff Report — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:19:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Portage County Land Bank completes first sale through Welcome Home program

Staff Report — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The Portage County Land Bank recently sold its first rehabilitated home through the Ohio Department of Development's Welcome Home Ohio program.

County roundup: Mogadore fire levy on the November ballot; Atwater, Randolph and Suffield updates

Roger Gordon — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:57:00 GMT

Mogadore Village Council passed legislation to put on the Nov. 3 ballot the renewal of an existing 3.5-mill tax levy with an increase of 1.23 mill for a total of 4.73 mills for the continuation of the full-time Mogadore Fire Department.

Around Edinburg: Plenty to do at the Edinburg United Church

Cathy Klein — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:56:00 GMT

The Edinburg United Church will have two upcoming events for the community. First up is their Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.

Portage County obituaries for July 24-26, 2026

Staff Report — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:44:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Kent UMC adds solar panels to generate 105% of its energy usage

Wendy DiAlesandro — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:32:00 GMT

Thanks to a timely decision by its Green Team, Kent’s United Methodist Church is now sporting a sizable solar array on six of its roof segments.

Updated: Late-night noise gets the go-ahead in Kent

Wendy DiAlesandro — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Meeting in special session July 22, and with no discussion or debate, Kent City Council unanimously tweaked the city’s noise ordinance to keep the downtown music playing.

Portage County obituaries for July 22-23, 2026

Staff Report — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:28:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Portage County youth group home changing operators

Wendy DiAlesandro — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:55:00 GMT

It’s a well known journalistic truth: people stop reading when they see numbers. Would they still stop if they realized that each statistic represents a teenager’s daily life?

The Setlist with Mike D for July 22, 2026

Mike D — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:54:00 GMT

I hope you all weathered the heat and Canadian and smoke of last week. Here is the Setlist for July 22-28.

One for the Books: Troublesome women

Mary Louise Ruehr — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:46:00 GMT

I have some excellent novels and one nonfiction recommendation for you about women who changed lives or whose lives were changed by others. Three deal with women who have been mistreated by society because of “the America Plan,” our country’s eugenics program in the early 1900s.

Portage County obituaries for July 20-21 2026

Staff Report — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:37:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Hiram Farm expands with hydroponics and new public storefront

Jeremy Brown — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:58:00 GMT

Hiram Farm has grown leaps and bounds since it first opened back in 2009. At that time, a dedicated group of parents and professionals sought to start a program for adults on the autism spectrum and those with developmental disabilities to give them a place to be in nature while learning real-world skills.

County roundup: Streetsboro considers Flock Cameras plus news from Aurora and Ravenna

Roger Gordon — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:51:00 GMT

Streetsboro City Council has been discussing the installation of six Flock cameras at the major approaches to the city: along state Route 14, state Route 43 and state Route 303.

Portage County obituaries for July 16-19 2026

Staff Report — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:42:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

New Mantua chief wants to outsource police dispatch

Wendy DiAlesandro — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:26:00 GMT

Six months after agreeing to handle police dispatch services for Hiram, Mantua is trying to shutter its dispatch center. The center runs round the clock even though Mantua Police Department officers are not scheduled from late at night to early morning.

Around Windham: Help the Windham Hall of Fame find the 1974 football team

Nicole Sweet — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:18:00 GMT

The Windham High School Hall of Fame needs community help. On Sept. 18 at the football game that night, the 1974 Windham Bombers team of Coach Stan Parrish that reached the semi-finals of the state playoffs will be inducted as a team into the Hall of Fame.

Rooted Ramblings: Preserving summer herbs

Master Gardener Volunteers — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:02:00 GMT

In July many herbs are at their prime and now is a perfect time to harvest and preserve them. If your herbs are abundant, try freezing them this year.

The Setlist: Portage County live music for July 15-21

Mike D — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 05:41:43 GMT

Following recent scares, Kent police and schools team up for safety

Adriana Gasiewski — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:38:00 GMT

Following the recent May and April bomb and gun threats at Stanton Middle School and Longcoy Elementary, the district is extensively reviewing how these situations were handled. Leaders are updating safety plans during the summer and anticipate hosting more theoretical drills with faculty throughout the school year.

Around Garrettsville: Pride and Prejudice opens next month

Jackie Loreta-Rinearson — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:35:00 GMT

"Pride and Prejudice," performed by Curtains up Theatre, runs Aug. 1, 2, 7 and 8. Thank you to the sponsors: Ryser Insurance, Middlefield Carter Lumber, Jeff Rinearson Health Insurance, and Sarchione Chevrolet.

Portage County obituaries for July 13-14 2026

Staff Report — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:34:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

New court date set for arraignment in case involving Hiram Council Member

Wendy DiAlesandro — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:27:00 GMT

Facing first-degree misdemeanor assault charges stemming from an alleged mid-May incident involving two village firefighters, Hiram Council Member Chris Perme has a new court date.

County roundup: Portage County celebrates America 250, plus news from Edinburg, Paris and Rootstown

Roger Gordon — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:26:00 GMT

The fifth annual Paris Township Car Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Shearer Community Center at 9355 Newton Falls Rd. The car show will benefit the Paris Township Fire Department. All makes, models and years are welcome.

Around Charlestown: Lots of fun in the sun planned in Charlestown this summer

Ruth Ann Bartholomew — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:25:00 GMT

The 23rd Annual Charlestown Summer Festival and Cruise In is Saturday, Aug. 1, from 3-7 p.m. at the Charlestown Township Park.

Portage County obituaries for July 10-12 2026

Staff Report — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:24:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Legislative update: Workman serving on bipartisan Joint Data Center Committee

Savana Capp — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:12:00 GMT

A Portage County politician is helping shape the conversation around data centers at the state level.

League of Women Voters event focuses on fight against data centers

Wendy DiAlesandro — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:11:00 GMT

Data centers took center stage in Kent July 6 as Jessica Winchell, the moving force behind the now 2,600-member Portage Residents for Responsible Development, spoke at a Monday forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Kent.

Portage County obituaries for July 8-9, 2026

Staff Report — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:09:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Curtains Up Theatre in Garrettsville is working to build its own theater

Jeremy Brown — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:11:00 GMT

After nearly 20 years of using James A. Garfield High School’s facilities to stage performances, Garrettsville’s Curtains Up Theatre is in the early stages of purchasing a property at the corner of Windham Street and High Street on Buckeye Block in Garrettsville to build its own theater. The theater would be on the second floor of the building with space for retail on the first floor.

Op-ed: Data centers: The good, the bad and the truly ugly

Op-Ed Contributor — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:54:00 GMT

“I cannot stress how frustrated people are with this topic,” Ohio Farm Bureau vice president Jack Irwin told Cleveland.com. Truer words on the topic of data centers have not been spoken and it has become the rare issue that seems to be uniting the left and the right.

Senior Life: Dealing with the heat and finding more discounts in the area

Sally Kelly — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:53:00 GMT

July is here, and so is the heat. Do not forget to contact the Portage County Community Action Council to schedule an appointment to see if you qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program. This program does not only provide assistance to help pay heating bills but also has money available for the cost of air conditioning.

Portage County obituaries for July 6-7, 2026

Staff Report — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:52:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

The Setlist with Mike D for July 8, 2026

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:19:00 GMT

I hope you all had a nice 4th of July weekend, stayed cool, and were some of the lucky ones whose power remained uninterrupted. It was a scorcher at the Kent Heritage Fest, 94 degrees at show time. We still had a nice crowd, and with the help of some fans (physical ones…) we were able to play a nice show for the folks who braved the heat to hear us.

County roundup: Hiram hosts Declaration of Independence reading; news from Garrettsville, Mantua and Windham

Roger Gordon — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:22:00 GMT

The village of Hiram will join the America 250 reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 at the Historical Society Century House in Village Park at 11617 Garfield Rd.

Around Randolph: Waterloo starts a 'Digital Diet'

Sandy Engle — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:18:00 GMT

Due to a desire to increase focusing, and social interaction skills, this fall all students and staff at Waterloo School District will be undergoing a 'Digital Diet.'

Varner: Duma Meats helps for a locally sourced potluck

Simon Varner — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:16:00 GMT

If you’ve been keeping up with the column, you will know that my wife Jill and I have been expecting our first child. Well, the wait is over! Early in the morning on March 22, our baby boy was delivered happy, healthy and loud. Really, you should have seen the sunrise peaking into the room as it happened; it was beautiful.

Portage County obituaries for July 3-5, 2026

Staff Report — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:15:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Around Brimfield: Wear sunscreen (and check out The Village of St. Edward)

Shirley Mars — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:30:00 GMT

There were days when we all wondered if summer would ever come. Well, it came. Summer is in full swing, and my advice…wear sunscreen! Some may remember that “song” from the late 1990s written by a man named Baz Luhrmann [yes, the director] entitled “Wear Sunscreen.”

How Portage County nonprofits fund themselves to help others

Wendy DiAlesandro — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:25:00 GMT

Nonprofit organizations have to keep their doors open and services running with uncertain revenue, much of it arriving at the end of the year, said Axess Family Services Executive Director Mark Frisone. People feel generous during the holiday season, or maybe they’re looking for a tax break.

Rooted Ramblings: Weeds as friends

Master Gardener Volunteers — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:24:00 GMT

Weeds are "plants in the wrong place," but they can provide immense benefits to your garden's health, local wildlife, and even your kitchen. While aggressive invaders still require management, many common weeds actively work to improve your soil, feed essential pollinators, and offer medicinal or nutritional value.

Portage County obituaries for July 1-2, 2026

Staff Report — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:23:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County

Former resident of Four Seasons at Kent alleges fair housing code violations

Wendy DiAlesandro — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:48:00 GMT

When Vince Curry’s phone rings, it’s likely someone asking him to solve a problem. He’s executive director of the Akron-based Fair Housing Advocates Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination on the basis of constitutionally protected rights.

Round Two: That's all, folks

Tom Hardesty — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:38:00 GMT

Retirement was always something that happened to other people. When I was growing up, I would hear my mom and dad talking about how so-and-so at work was going to retire.

The Setlist: Rain or shine

Mike D — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:29:00 GMT

Ah, that wonderful warm weather that we have all been waiting for is finally here in Northeast Ohio. Along with baseball, cookouts, camping trips, and swimming holes, it brings with it the classic outdoor music season.

Portage County obituaries for June 29-30, 2026

Staff Report — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:16:00 GMT

Remembering those we've lost in Portage County