Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / January 22, 2025

🐾 Furry family affairs

Portage County • January 22, 2025

Good morning, Portage County. In a time when canned tuna becomes a shared meal between human and feline, our community's heart shows through in remarkable ways. The Emergency Assistance Center's partnership with the Humane Society isn't just about pet food - it's a testament to our understanding that sometimes a furry friend is the only family someone has, delivering over 50,000 pounds of hope to pet owners in need last year.

Speaking of community support, Cleveland Heights is navigating its own challenges as Rodney Hairston steps up to the financial helm amid budget tensions. Meanwhile, Akron residents are preparing for a different kind of community dialogue, as their January 28th meeting with police auditor Anthony Finnell promises to strengthen the bridges between law enforcement and local voices.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

💰 Cleveland Heights inches closer to filling crucial finance position. Mayor Khalil Seren has nominated Rodney Hairston to lead the city's finance department after the previous acting director resigned in November. The nomination comes during a period of financial tension, as City Council recently rejected Seren's full-year budget with a 6-1 vote. The council did approve a temporary $30 million appropriations package to fund the city through early 2025. A final decision on Hairston's appointment is expected at Tuesday's council meeting.

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🐱 Woman feeds herself tuna she hates just to keep her cat fed. This heartbreaking situation prompted The Emergency Assistance Center (TEAC) in Northfield to partner with the Humane Society of Summit County to provide dedicated pet food assistance. The humane society donated over 50,000 pounds of pet food last year to help struggling families keep their furry companions fed. The program now offers dog food, cat food, kitty litter, and even collars and leashes to pet owners in need. For many clients, especially elderly and homeless individuals, these pets provide crucial emotional support and companionship, making this service a lifeline for both animals and their humans.

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👮 Akron residents to meet with police watchdog in community dialogue. Ward 4 Councilwoman Jan Davis is organizing a public meeting with independent police auditor Anthony Finnell at St. Sebastian Church on January 28th. The evening session, scheduled from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, will take place in Zwisler Hall on Mull Avenue. This community gathering represents an important opportunity for local residents to engage directly with the official responsible for police oversight. The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and communication between law enforcement and the Akron community.

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🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

TeamOpponentScore
Garfield (6-7)
@ Champion
W 46-25
Southeast (10-6)
@ Crestview
L 71-35

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious family home in Ravenna

This spacious three-story home in the heart of Ravenna, listed at $239,900, offers over 2,694 sq ft of living space on a generous .91-acre lot. With six bedrooms, multiple updated baths, a cozy family room featuring a wood-burning fireplace, and a sunroom with an electric fireplace, this property is perfect for family living. It also includes major updates and a deep two-car garage, all conveniently located near local schools and attractions.

Dream home opportunity awaits you

Imagine creating your dream home from the ground up with a starting price of $333,350, tailored specifically for your land. This spacious four-bedroom layout focuses on the kitchen as the heart of the home, features an impressive great room with soaring ceilings, and offers a luxurious master suite conveniently located on the main floor for peace and quiet.

Renovated split-level on spacious acreage

Welcome home to this beautifully renovated split-level property listed at $344,900, nestled on a private 2.5 acres in James A Garfield LSD. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a modern open floorplan, this charming residence boasts recent updates including a new roof, windows, and HVAC system, while additional highlights include a waterproofed basement, a detached two-car garage, and a chicken coop—all perfect for both comfort and potential hobbies.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎯 Jan. 30 - Lake House Trivia Night: Put your knowledge to the test at Lake House Kitchen + Bar's lively trivia night! Challenge friends and neighbors while enjoying great food and drinks at this Kent hotspot on January 30.
🎲 Jan. 31 - Social Game Night Meetup: Unleash your inner detective at Friday Night Social Sessions, where party games like Werewolf and Blood on the Clocktower bring friends together for an evening of strategic fun at 141 E Summit St, Kent.
📚 Feb. 01 - Meet the Author Series: Ever wonder how books make it to library shelves? Join local librarians at Reed Memorial Library for an insider's look at the fascinating journey of books during this engaging presentation on February 1st.
🎸 Feb. 01 - Victor Samalot Library Show: Talented guitarist Victor Samalot brings his soulful acoustic melodies to Garrettsville Public Library on February 1. Stop by the Portage County District Library for this free musical afternoon.
🌶️ Feb. 01 - Community Chili Cook-Off: Spice up your evening at Ravenna's epic Chili Cook-Off! Sample 15 mouthwatering varieties for just $10 all-you-can-eat at 776 N Freedom St, starting at 6 pm on February 1st.
❄️ Feb. 01 - Haymaker Winter Market: Cozy up at Kent's indoor winter farmers' market, where local vendors gather at the UU Church's Hobbs Hall every Thursday. Stock up on fresh goods and artisanal treats from 10am to 1pm.
🎨 Feb. 01 - Community Create & Play: Unleash your creativity at Community Hobby Day, where fellow makers gather to build and paint together! Join the fun February 1st at 141 E Summit St in Kent for this free community crafting celebration.

🙏 In Remembrance

Dale K. PainterDale K. Painter

Dale Painter, 61, of Stow, Ohio, passed away on January 19, 2025. Born in Cleveland, he was a beloved jack of all trades with a passion for fixing and building, as well as enjoying hobbies like woodworking, boating, and reading. Dale was known for his generosity, big heart, and care for family and friends, especially his nephews. He is survived by his mother, Veronica, and sister, Anita Hanzlik, among others. Calling hours are set for January 24, with services on January 25 at All Saints Cemetery.

Dale K. PainterDale K. Painter

Shurdon L. GrovesShurdon L. Groves

Shurdon L. Groves, 80, of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away on January 17, 2024, at UH Portage Medical Center. Born on June 15, 1944, in Sutton, WVA, he spent most of his life in Ravenna and retired as a machinist from Automated Packaging. He is survived by his wife Patricia, married for 38 years, several children and grandchildren, and his brother Berlin Groves. A celebration of life service will be held on January 23, 2025, at Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Homes Ravenna Chapel.

Shurdon L. GrovesShurdon L. Groves

Phyllis Joan CettomaiPhyllis Joan Cettomai

Phyllis Joan Cettomai, 78, of Rootstown, passed away on January 16, 2025, at her home. Born on May 13, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts, she dedicated 41 years to the Reed Memorial Library, retiring as director. A longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna, she was preceded in death by her parents and brother Joseph, leaving behind her brother Robert. Calling hours are set for January 24, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church, followed by a Mass and burial at St. Mary Cemetery.

Phyllis Joan CettomaiPhyllis Joan Cettomai

🍞 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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