Good morning, Portage County. Talk about a local leader leveling up! Gloria Rodgers is trading her Summit County Council seat for a spot on Ohio's State Board of Education, bringing her unique blend of public service and hands-on healthcare experience to shape the future of education across the Buckeye State. It's like watching your hometown hero join the major leagues, except this time it's about textbooks rather than baseball.
Meanwhile, in a display of winter heroics that would make any action movie proud, our Portage County Water Rescue Team proved that not all heroes wear capes - some wear ice rescue suits. Their dramatic rescue of Emma, a dog trapped in frozen waters, adds a heartwarming chapter to our community's story, while a substantial $1.3M grant arrives to strengthen our battle against addiction. Talk about starting the year with both heart and hope.
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0% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏛️ Former county leader Gloria Rodgers joins Ohio's State Board of Education. Governor Mike DeWine appointed the Stow resident to fill an open seat on the 19-member board that oversees Ohio's public education system. Rodgers brings significant public service experience, having served on Summit County Council since 2009 before losing her seat in a recent primary. Beyond politics, she's maintained a 20-year career as a charge nurse at Portage Path Emergency Services while co-owning a small business with her husband. The lifelong Stow resident will now represent the entire state in an at-large capacity, helping establish education policies and recommendations.
🦮 Brave rescuers plunge into frozen pond to save dog trapped in ice. The dramatic rescue unfolded in Ravenna Township on December 27, when Emma, a local dog, fell through thin ice into freezing waters. The Portage County Water Rescue Team and Ravenna Township firefighters worked together, using specialized ice rescue suits to reach and secure the struggling animal. Emma was successfully returned to her owners without injury, while authorities used the incident to warn others against attempting such rescues without proper training. The rescue team's expertise was further demonstrated just days earlier when they saved a deer in similar circumstances on Christmas Day.
💊 Portage County scores $1.3M to battle addiction crisis. The Mental Health & Recovery Board received the grant as part of Ohio's State Opioid and Stimulant Response initiative, with an extra $334,000 compared to previous years. The funds will expand medication-assisted treatment services in Ravenna and support critical transportation needs through Hope Town. Local officials are particularly concerned about fentanyl contamination in the street drug supply, including cocaine and counterfeit pills. Despite a slight decline in overdose deaths, the funding aims to maintain progress and expand treatment options, with residents able to access help through the Addiction Helpline at 330-678-3006.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Boys)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Field Falcons | ||
| @ Tuslaw | 1/10 @ 6:30pm | |
| vs Woodridge | 1/15 @ 7:00pm | |
 Crestwood Red Devils | ||
| @ Berkshire | 1/11 @ 4:15pm | |
 Garfield G-Men | ||
| @ Crestview | 1/9 @ 5:30pm | |
| @ Brookfield | 1/13 @ 7:00pm | |
 Rootstown Rovers | ||
| @ Mogadore | 1/10 @ 5:30pm | |
| @ Cardinal | 1/14 @ 6:45pm | |
 Southeast Pirates | ||
| vs LaBrae | 1/9 @ 6:45pm | |
| @ Liberty | 1/13 @ 7:00pm | |
 Waterloo Vikings | ||
| @ McKinley | 1/10 @ 7:00pm | |
| vs Mogadore | 1/14 @ 7:00pm | |
 Windham Bombers | ||
| vs Harding | 1/10 @ 7:00pm | |
| vs Grand Valley | 1/14 @ 6:45pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Quaint home with renovation potential
Welcome to 634 S Chestnut St in Ravenna, a charming three-bedroom, one-bathroom home listed at $99,500. This property features distinctive woodwork and a generous 36x16 addition perfect for a workshop, making it an ideal canvas for those eager to renovate and inject their personal touch.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
-John 3:16