Submitted
PCDL Winter Reading Challenge
Portage County District Library will host Warm Up With a Good Book - Winter Reading Challenge starting January 8 - February 24! Register now at portagecountyoh.beanstack.com/reader365 or any PCDL branch location to track your reads, write book reviews and participate in fun activities to earn digital tickets and badges.
Backyard Maple Syrup Workshop and Home Kitchen Confections Workshop on Saturday,...
Maple Producers of NE Ohio are inviting you to attend two workshops that will take you from tree to table and beyond, not only making the syrup but turning that syrup into delicious maple treats. Come to one or both.
Workshop One – Backyard Maple Syrup Maker - Are you...
Norma Jean (Nelson) Keslar
Norma Jean (Nelson) Keslar, 83, Garrettsville, passed away Saturday evening, December 30, 2023 with her loving family by her side.
Norma will always be remembered for her humbleness and sense of humor besides so many other wonderful qualities.
She was born February 20, 1940 in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, the daughter of...
David Patrick Kilroy
David Patrick Kilroy, 80, of Windham, passed away Monday, January 1, 2024. He was born in Cleveland on September 11, 1943, to the late Francis and Nancy (Bishop) Kilroy.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Carol (Robinson) Kilroy, with whom he was blessed to share 56 years...
Explore Local Heritage: Shalersville Historical Society’s Open Meeting Invitation
Shalersville Historical Society will kick off the 2024 season with its first general meeting on Sunday, February 11, at 3 PM at our museum located at 9154 St Rt 44. Please note the different day and time for the month of February. Come join us to learn about the...
We’re All Invited
Community Calendar
Aspire Programs
Mondays & Wednesdays
The Portage County Maplewood Aspire Program will begin offering GED, Adult Diploma and ESOL classes at the Kent Free Library on Wednesday, January 3rd from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays during this time. Prospective students are required...
Woodland Wednesdays: Oh Deer, is that Oak Wilt?
Many factors contribute to forest economics, but managing forest health is key to the potential value of your woodlot. Join us for an in-person Woodland Wednesdays program on February 21st at 6:00 pm at the VFW Post 1055, 6000 New Milford Road, Ravenna, OH 44266 for “Oh Deer, Is...
Foundation for Geauga Parks offers conservation education scholarships
The Foundation for Geauga Parks (FGP) is pleased to announce that we will again be offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the class of 2024 who live in or attend school in Geauga County and intend to continue their education in fields of science, natural resource management...
Now Screening for Class of ‘37
It’s time to register for a Kindergarten Screening appointment if your child will be 5 years of age by August 1, 2024. To complete online documents, visit our website, www.jagschools.org, click on Menu, scroll down to the FinalForms link. Please call Kristine @ the Elementary office, 330-527-2184, for a...
Legal Notices
Notice is hereby given that copies of the proposed tax budget of the Crestwood Local School District, Portage County, Ohio for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 are on file in the office of the Treasurer of the Board of Education and open for public inspection during regular...
Unveiling the New Brimfield Branch: Join Us for the Grand Opening
The Portage County District Library will be opening the doors to the new Brimfield Branch this January. The official grand opening and ribbon cutting will take place Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. The new library is located at 4286 Kelso Drive, Brimfield, OH 44224. The ribbon opening...
Board of Public Affairs discusses maintenance, equipment updates
The December meeting of the Board of Public Affairs convened on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. with all members in attendance: Board President Ed Maresh, Board Members Ben Coll and Michael Sherer, Solicitor Michele Stuck, Superintendent Jeff Sheehan, Mayor Rick Patrick, and Fiscal Officer Donna Love. Also...
Community Development Grant spurs transformation at Freedom Township Historical Society
The Freedom Township Historical Society is beginning the new year with a bang! This week contractors are supposed to start (weather permitting) tearing out the old front steps to the school and replacing them with a different design. We are also the recipients of a sidewalk on the west...
Portage Foundation Appoints Heidi Johnson as Community Engagement Manager
The Portage Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi Johnson as the organization’s new Community Engagement Manager. In this role, she will work to advance the Foundation’s mission to foster community relationships, promote philanthropy, and impact causes in Portage County.
Johnson brings a wealth of experience in community...
Make Healthy Humidity a Priority
Winter is quickly approaching. While many homeowners want to prepare by keeping their homes warm and comfortable, they may not think so much about humidity. We all know how harsh winter air can be. While you may think your indoor air is ready to keep you safe in the...
Michael H. Hostetler
Michael H. Hostetler, 69, of Leavittsburg, OH, went home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. He was born February 26, 1954, in Welshfield, OH, to the late Henry and Helen (Komaranski) Hostetler.
He was a proud retiree of the U.S. Army. Mike was a great husband,...
Maplewood Career Center Presents Exciting Opportunities for Adult Education Program
As the new year unfolds, Maplewood Career Center’s Adult Education Department is gearing up to offer a diverse array of evening programs, providing an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking career transitions or skill enhancement. Among the offerings, the highlight is the upcoming evening Adult Cosmetology Program scheduled to begin...
Beautiful Midnight
This handsome boy was rescued by some friends. He had been hanging around outdoors trying to get in someplace warm. I admit it, I’m partial to black cats, but this boy truly is awesome.
Midnight is now neutered, vaccinated and has tested negative for leukemia/FIV. He is about 2-3 years...
Kayla R. Kristoff
Kayla R. Kristoff, 14, of Freedom Township, OH, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023. She was born July 1, 2009, in Ravenna, OH, to John and Alicia (Smith) Kristoff, III.
She was an eighth grade student at James A. Garfield Middle School. Kayla enjoyed spending time with her family and...
We’re All Invited
Community Calendar
Aspire Programs
Mondays & Wednesdays
The Portage County Maplewood Aspire Program will begin offering GED, Adult Diploma and ESOL classes at the Kent Free Library on Wednesday, January 3rd from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays during this time. Prospective students are required...
Holiday Light Trail Results
Vincent Patrick Realty’s 5th Annual holiday decorating contest was one to remember! This year, we had a total of 53 houses 982 votes, more than double what we had last year. We are so incredibly proud and thankful to have so many wonderful displays on the trail this year....
I don’t fear death; its being left behind that hurts!
I recently asked a friend whos wife passed several years ago; “when do the tears stop” he said I’ll let you know! I am resolved to the fact that the rain in my heart will never end; I can’t believe it is two years since I lost the love...
Bonnie Kissell
Bonnie Kissell, 72, of Wheaton, IL, formerly of Garrettsville, OH, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving husband and family on Friday, December 22, 2023. She was born September 14, 1951, to the late Henry and Eileen Holden.
She was a devoted mother, loving wife, adoring grandmother and great grandmother, and...
Garfield wrestlers secure wins over winter break
Last weekend, Garfield senior Keegan Sell claimed victory in the 190lb weight class at the Brecksville Tournament. Sell’s remarkable performance highlighted the Winter Break achievements of the G-Men wrestlers.
On December 23rd, the G-Men wrestling squad demonstrated their prowess, securing the D3 Tournament Title at Waterloo, emerging triumphant among 20...
Maintaining a Clear Drain: Seven Foods to Never Put Down Your...
The holidays are here, and many of us are spending time in our kitchens preparing tasty meals and treats for family and friends. It can be tempting to allow food scraps to go down the sink drain, but there are many types of foods that should NEVER go down...
7 ways to organize and store holiday decorations
Decorating a home for holidays is quite popular. A survey from the National Retail Federation found that 53 percent of respondents said they were planning to decorate their home or yard for Halloween in 2023. Lombardo Homes polled 1,000 Americans in 2021 and 94 percent said they celebrate Christmas...
James Dale Lacan
can, fondly known as Dale, 74, of Garrettsville, went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 11, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born September 3, 1949, in Cleveland, and was raised by his loving grandparents, Joseph and Grace Evitts, and mother, Barbara Byrne.
He was a...
Cardinal senior forms bond with an unusual friend
Communicating is nothing out of the ordinary for Emma Geesling. The Cardinal senior isn’t afraid to connect with her fellow bandmates while on the football field on a Friday night. She is also willing to help instruct her younger teammates on the volleyball court where Geesling played as defensive...
Robert Reynolds
Robert “Bob” Reynolds, 85, passed away following a long illness on November 10th, 2023 at Warren Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Bob was born on January 10th, 1938 in Garrettsville, Ohio, to Ray and Lillian (Lind) Reynolds. He was a graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School and a 1974 graduate...
Harold E. Hope
Harold E. “Hopie” Hope, 97, formerly of Garrettsville, OH, went home to Heaven on Thursday, December 14, 2023; blessed to have passed peacefully in his sleep while under the comfort care of Miracle City Hospice while at Eden Vista of Stow. Hopie was born June 27, 1926, in Claridon,...
