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A new program created by the Portage County Emergency Management Agency (PC EMA) guides communities, local governments and organizations to earn certification in emergency preparedness for meeting the challenges of disasters close to home. Called the Portage Preparedness Initiative (PPI), the free program provides step-by-step guidance for meeting specific criteria,...

Sarah Seaman of Garrettsville was among a group of Hiram College sport management students recently had the rare opportunity to step "inside the ropes" at the Ryder Cup, one of golf's most prestigious international tournaments. During the competition days, students were stationed at various holes throughout the course, where they...

Join us for a Drive-Thru Food Pantry! We're partnering with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Portage County Health District to provide pre-boxed shelf stable items and fresh produce, in a drive thru style distribution method. Stop by anytime between 9:00 - 11:00 am at the Garrettsville Library, located at...

The Newton Falls Kiwanis Club celebrated its 99th Annual Cakewalk with sunshine, music, and plenty of community spirit. Judges Susan Holub, Carly and Troy Nicholas, Rick Jolly, and Recorder Tim Holub faced a tough challenge choosing winners among the many creative costume participants at the beloved fall tradition. The event,...

The Portage County Senior Board is proud to announce the selection of twelve outstanding student leaders from across the county to serve as new members for the 2025-26 school year. These exemplary students have been chosen to represent their respective schools, and they take on the important role of...

Judith “Judy” Eckman (Leiendecker), 85, of Windham, OH, passed away on October 21, 2025, at UH Geauga Medical Center. She was born on October 30, 1939, at her family home on East Center Street in Windham, to the late Lloyd and Alice Leiendecker. Judy was preceded in death by her...

This year’s freshman class at Garfield High School became the “founding class” of a new mental health initiative as the Vincent Foundation hosted its first speaker event. Formed by the Vincent family to honor 1997 graduate Dan Vincent, the foundation’s mission is to raise awareness, provide resources, and encourage open...

The Georgia Lee Alford Chapter of the National Honor Society held its 58th annual induction ceremony at James A. Garfield High School, welcoming 24 new members in a ceremony that honored scholarship, leadership, service, and character — the four pillars at the heart of NHS. Senior Mandy Cardinal opened the...

Jesse Reed Smith, age 78, of Blacklick, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong adventurer with a generous spirit, Jesse has embarked on his final journey - this time, with the Lord to his heavenly home.  Born in West Virginia, Jesse moved to...

Larry R. Long, 86, of Windham Twp., OH, went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 6, 2025. He was born August 24, 1939, in Freedom Station, OH, to the late Vernice “Vern” and Gladys (nee Farley) Long. He was raised in Windham Twp, and graduated from Windham...

Roscoe and Ricky (son) were rescued last year when their senior owner could no longer care for or feed them.    Thet are bonded pair, so they must be adopted "together".  Ricky started out a little bit shy, but lots of love has changed that.  Ricky enjoys running around...

The Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard’s annual fundraiser had guests laughing, sleuthing, and celebrating Saturday evening as Murder at the Slurp and Burp Oktoberfest left attendees guessing “who dunnit?” Presented by Curtains Up Theatre, the interactive murder mystery was written and directed by Jackie Rinearson and performed by a talented cast...

The Crestwood Scarlet Guard Marching Band has kicked off its 2025 fall marching band season with a roar, earning top honors and national recognition with their competition show Wild Things. At their first competition on September 13, the band qualified for the OMEA State Finals, and was also named...