Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / December 18, 2024

🛒 Heroes and homes

Portage County • December 18, 2024

Good morning, Portage County. The holiday spirit was alive and well as local first responders teamed up with 29 children for the rebranded "Shop with a Hero" event, creating memorable moments filled with shopping and camaraderie. Meanwhile, Portage County's real estate market is bustling, with 31 transactions last week alone, including a standout sale of a charming home for $240,000. In a more serious vein, the investigation continues into the officer-involved shooting of 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker, with community concerns about the officer’s history of using lethal force raising questions about the event's circumstances.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎁 Shop with a Hero brings holiday joy to local families. This festive initiative, rebranded from "Shop With a Cop" this year, saw 29 children from Crestwood and James A. Garfield School Districts teaming up with local first responders for an unforgettable shopping spree at Streetsboro Target. With the assistance of several local heroes, including police and firefighters, families enjoyed a heartwarming experience that emphasized community connections and support during the holiday season. After selecting gifts for loved ones, the children were treated to a meal at the Garrettsville Fire Station, with elves helping to wrap their treasures. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for a Scotch Doubles event on March 1, 2025, to support next year's cheerful festivities.

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🏠 Portage County's real estate market is buzzing with activity! Between December 9 and December 15, there were 31 home transactions reported, showcasing a diverse range of properties. The standout sale was a charming 1,526-square-foot home on Vaughn Road in Mantua Township, which found a new owner for $240,000. Highlights from other areas include a spacious 2,478-square-foot house in Aurora that sold for $440,800, and a cozy 1,122-square-foot home in Ravenna that went for just $70,000. Overall, it seems like there’s something for everyone in Portage County!

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🚓 Officer involved in shooting of Jazmir Tucker has a history of deadly force. The Akron police officer, Davon Fields, who fatally shot 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker on Thanksgiving, was previously involved in two other fatal incidents. Reports reveal that he witnessed the aftermath of another police shooting, although he did not discharge his weapon during that event. Currently on paid administrative leave, Fields’ use of lethal force is under investigation, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding Tucker's shooting. Bodycam footage has not clarified the events leading to the discharge of his weapon, and community frustrations continue to mount.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Revive this spacious raised ranch

This raised ranch seeks a revitalization touch, offering 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths on a spacious .79-acre lot in Suffield Township. The home features a finished lower level with additional living spaces and garage access, plus a rear deck overlooking the wooded backyard and a spacious detached garage, all for a list price of $119,900.

Budget-friendly home in Kent

This charming single-family home is listed at a budget-friendly price of $0. With 2,152 square feet of living space, it features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, nestled in the picturesque Kent, Ohio, at 7334 State Route 43.

Spacious colonial with entertainment options

This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath colonial in King Ridge Subdivision is listed at $429,900. With an open kitchen featuring an island and pantry that flows into a Great Room with a gas fireplace, this home also boasts a formal living room, dining room, office, and convenient first-floor laundry. The second floor hosts a master bedroom with an en-suite bath and three additional bedrooms, while the finished basement offers extra entertainment space complete with a bar.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

WinterFest Camp at Western Reserve Academy -Grades K through 5th

Murdough Athletic Center and Natatorium, Academy Ln, Hudson, OH

Dec 20

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Euchre Sunday!

141 E Summit St, Kent, OH

Dec 22

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Parks, Recreation and Conservation Advisory Committee PRCAC

555 Frost Rd, Streetsboro, OH

Dec 24

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R44 Coffee Shop Hour

Restoration 44 Coffee Company, 10675 Main St, Mantua, OH

Dec 25

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Randolph Township Trustee Meeting

1639 OH-44, Atwater, OH

Dec 26

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Cora's Playroom

Reed Memorial Library, 167 E Main St, Ravenna, OH

Dec 26

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Cora's Playroom

Reed Memorial Library, 167 E Main St, Ravenna, OH

Dec 27

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Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry

263 S Prospect St, Ravenna, OH

Dec 28

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Haymaker Farmers' Market

Haymaker Farmers' Market, UU Church - Hobbs Hall, 217 N Mantua St, Kent, OH

Dec 28

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Worship Service

Portage Faith United Methodist, 9922 OH-44, Mantua, OH

Dec 29

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🙏 In Remembrance

RONALD "RON" G. DYE

Ronald "Ron" Dye, 82, of Nelson Twp., OH, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, surrounded by family. A long-time General Motors employee, he dedicated 31 years to the company and actively participated in the UAW 1112 as an Employee Assistance Program representative. Ron was a passionate volunteer with the Windham Fire Department and enjoyed spending time with family, attending auctions, and tinkering in his shed after retirement. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and will be honored at a Celebration of Life on January 26, 2025, at the Nelson Community Center. The family expresses gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Affinity Hospice Care.

RONALD RON G. DYE

Raven Luna-BlackRaven

Raven Luna-Black, born on August 10, 1952, in Bexar County, Texas, dedicated her life to service after enlisting in the Navy at 19 and later earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Hardin-Simmons University in 1982. Throughout her career, she made a significant impact on various communities across Texas, Missouri, and Ohio, despite facing personal challenges. Raven is remembered for her strength, intellect, humor, and the indelible mark she left on those who knew her. She is survived by her partner, Alyssa Lamb, her daughters, several grandchildren, and close friends. A private memorial service will be held later, with donations encouraged to The Trevor Project.

Raven Luna-BlackRaven

Moses Thomas III

Moses Thomas III, 25, of Kent, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2025. Born on May 5, 1999, in Port Arthur, TX, he moved to Kent to be with family and friends. In accordance with his wishes, Moses will be cremated, and no local services will be held. Cremation arrangements are being handled by Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory in Kent, OH.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

-Proverbs 3:5-6

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