🎄 Tree heist tales

Good morning, Portage County. 'Tis the season for sticky fingers, it seems, as one particularly ambitious couple has turned Christmas tree theft into their own bizarre holiday tradition at the local Michaels. Like a poorly planned Hallmark movie plot, these festive bandits struck not once, not twice, but three times – apparently forgetting that returning to the scene of the crime isn't exactly criminal mastermind behavior.

Meanwhile, there's cheerier news in the local real estate market, where $500K will buy you quite the holiday home. And speaking of local growth, Cleveland's own Miceli Dairy Products is unwrapping a $128 million expansion plan that's sure to make cheese lovers say "grate news!" The project promises to bring hundreds of jobs to the Buckeye-Woodland neighborhood, proving that sometimes the best presents come wrapped in economic development packages.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Kent

31°

38°

Streetsboro

31°

38°

Aurora

33°

38°

Ravenna

31°

38°

Brimfield

31°

38°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎄 Brazen couple steals Christmas trees, returns to scene of crime. A pair of holiday-season thieves targeted a Michaels store in Bainbridge Township, Ohio, making off with artificial Christmas trees on multiple occasions in December. Store employees recognized the couple when they returned on December 9th, having previously stolen trees on both December 3rd and 7th using a similar method where they would split up inside the store. In the same shopping area, two masked women later stole Carhartt coats from another store, while a separate incident involved a woman and her toddler being struck by a car mirror. Police are investigating both the tree thefts and coat robbery while conflicting witness statements complicate the vehicle incident.

🏠 Portage County homes reveal surprising value in $500K range. A spacious four-bedroom home in Mogadore sold for $450,000, offering an impressive 2,840 square feet of living space on 1.5 acres. The December sales showcase diverse options, from a modern 2020-built house in Streetsboro at $325,000 to a waterfront property on Surfside Circle fetching $460,000. Most homes in the roundup feature 3-4 bedrooms and multiple bathrooms, with prices averaging around $175-225 per square foot. The properties range from modest 1,700-square-foot homes to larger estates exceeding 2,700 square feet, demonstrating the variety available in this price range.

🧀 Cleveland cheese maker unveils massive $128 million expansion plan. Miceli Dairy Products is launching a three-phase growth project in the city's Buckeye-Woodland neighborhood, starting with a $16 million first phase that will create 50 new jobs. The family-run Italian cheese manufacturer will add over 30,000 square feet of new facilities, including storage buildings and shipping spaces, while carefully expanding around existing neighborhood structures. When completed, the full expansion could bring 320 total new jobs to the area, transforming the third-generation Cleveland business into a major employer along the Opportunity Corridor. The project represents a remarkable commitment to urban manufacturing, with Miceli acquiring nearly 30 acres of land and undertaking extensive environmental cleanup efforts.

Team	Opponent	Date/Time
Crestwood Red Devils
	@ LaBrae	12/27 @ 7:00pm
	vs Ravenna	12/30 @ 6:45pm
Garfield G-Men
	@ Waterloo	12/28 @ 5:00pm
Rootstown Rovers
	@ Southeast	12/28 @ 6:45pm
Southeast Pirates
	vs Rootstown	12/28 @ 6:45pm
Waterloo Vikings
	vs Garfield	12/28 @ 5:00pm
Windham Bombers
	vs Bristol	12/27 @ 7:00pm
	vs Newton Falls	12/30 @ 6:00pm

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Vacant lot in ideal location

Discover a vacant .185-acre lot priced at $65,000 in a charming cul-de-sac community filled with newer homes. With no HOA fees and public utilities readily available, this well-maintained neighborhood is just minutes from Downtown Kent and Kent State University, making it the perfect spot to bring your own builder and create your dream home.

Cozy farmhouse on spacious acreage

This charming 1870 farmhouse is listed at $150,000 and sits on 2.25 acres of picturesque land. The home features a cozy living room with a fireplace, a bright open kitchen, and a dining room filled with natural light, alongside three bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering ample space for comfortable living. The property also includes a sizable outbuilding, a three-car detached garage, and a barn, all sold as-is with no guarantees or warranties. Pre-approval or proof of funds is required for potential buyers.

Modern home with pool paradise

This tastefully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is listed at $299,900 and features modern living spaces on a generous lot. Enjoy a bright living room, a chef’s kitchen with granite countertops, and a spacious deck overlooking a fenced-in backyard with a pool—perfect for entertaining or unwinding. With two bedrooms and an updated bathroom on the first floor and a finished lower level adding two more bedrooms, this home also boasts a walk-out laundry area and convenient garage access, all in a desirable neighborhood near shopping, dining, and parks.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🃏 Dec. 29 - Sunday Euchre & Slushies: Deal yourself into Sunday Funday at 141 E Summit St, where euchre players gather weekly from 5-9pm for cards and camaraderie. Sweeten the pot with $2 off refreshing slushies!

🧘 Dec. 30 - Beyond Breath Theta Journey: Dive deep into tranquility at SHINE Ohio's Beyond Breath workshop, where ancient theta meditation meets modern wellness practices. Join the journey December 30 at their serene Kent location on Cline Road.

🙏 In Remembrance

YVONNE E. POLIFRONE

Yvonne E. Polifrone, 77, of Ravenna, OH, formerly of Garrettsville, passed away on December 23, 2024. Born on December 15, 1947, she was a proud graduate of James A. Garfield High School and was known for her strong-willed nature and passion for cooking, particularly for her family. Yvonne is survived by her children, 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and siblings, along with many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, James Polifrone. In accordance with her wishes, Yvonne will be cremated, with private services handled by Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home.

LINDA READ

Linda Read, 73, of Garrettsville, OH, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024. A lifelong resident and graduate of James A. Garfield High School, she worked at Sajar Plastics until her retirement and enjoyed Reiki and spending time with friends and classmates. She is survived by her son Nathan, brother Eric, nephew Scott, and a large extended family, and was preceded in death by her parents and brother Edward. Visitation will be held on December 30, followed by a funeral service and burial on December 31 at Park Cemetery. The family encourages donations to the American Kidney Fund in her memory.

David Glen Asp

David Glen Asp, born on June 4, 1952, in central Minnesota, was a talented individual who excelled in academics, sports, and music. He attended Bethel College, where he met his wife, Janet Kay Liechty, and together they raised four children. Throughout his career, Dave dedicated himself to serving small churches across several states while remaining steadfast in his Christian faith despite challenges. In later years, he shifted focus to consulting for other pastors, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. He cherished his family and enjoyed basketball, baking, and music, leaving a lasting legacy of pride and love.

Judith M. Samaco

Judith M. Samaco, 78, of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away on December 22, 2024, at UH Portage Medical Center. Born on May 16, 1946, in Kent, Ohio, she was a lifelong resident and devoted homemaker. Judith was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, but is survived by her husband of 58 years, Frankie L. Samaco, Sr., their three sons, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and private family services will be held later. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.

DONALD "DON" W. WALTERS

Donald “Don” W. Walters, 80, of Freedom Twp., OH, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 21, 1944, he was the son of Raymond and Mary Walters. Don cherished 60 years of marriage to his wife Carolyn and was a dedicated father to their three children. He enjoyed playing softball and spent quality time with his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don is survived by his immediate family and many relatives and friends; he was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

-Philippians 4:8

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