Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / February 7, 2025

💖 Farewell and sparkle

Portage County • February 7, 2025

Good morning, Portage County. In a poignant reminder that life's most significant moments often unfold in our community's sacred spaces, Ravenna's First Congregational Church is temporarily transforming Chestnut Street this Saturday. As one family bids farewell to a loved one, the simple act of reserving street parking becomes a quiet gesture of neighborly respect – the kind of small-town courtesy that still defines who we are.

Meanwhile, the grandeur of tradition sparkles on at the 121st Akron Children's Charity Ball, where eighteen young women are proving that the next generation of community leaders is already rising to the occasion. Their dedication to service shines as bright as the Doubletree's chandeliers, offering a welcome counterpoint to sobering headlines about justice and accountability in our corner of Ohio.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

🅿️ Ravenna church blocks street parking for Saturday funeral service. The First Congregational Church at 266 S. Chestnut Street will restrict parking on the west side of the street between Lynn Lane and West Riddle Avenue. The temporary parking closure will be in effect from 10 AM to 4 PM to accommodate a funeral and subsequent luncheon.

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⚖️ Elderly VFW caretaker gets 3 years for fatal shooting of homeless man. Harry Wilkinson, 76, pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in the death of Bryan McNeil at an Akron VFW post. The victim, who lived in a shed on the property with his girlfriend, was days away from starting a new job and had been sober for six months. Security footage captured Wilkinson driving to a wooded area near McNeil's shed before two gunshots were heard. Though Wilkinson claimed he only meant to scare the victims away, prosecutors argued that taking the law into one's own hands warranted prison time.

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🎭 Young women shine at historic 121st Akron Children's Charity Ball. The prestigious event, held at Fairlawn's Doubletree by Hilton, celebrated eighteen remarkable honorees for their dedication to community service and hospital volunteerism. The annual ball, hosted by Akron Children's Women's Board, continues its long-standing tradition of recognizing local families' contributions to healthcare and community welfare. The honorees represented various communities including Green, Bath, Fairlawn, Akron, and Copley. This cherished celebration reinforces the vital connection between Akron Children's Hospital and its dedicated young volunteers.

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🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

In a nail-biter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Windham (11-7) squeezed past Lordstown 58-53, proving that in the Northeastern league, no lead is ever safe. The Bombers' victory sets up an intriguing Friday night clash with St. John's Fighting Herald, who are riding high after their own impressive win over St. Martin de Porres.

TeamOpponentScore
Windham (11-7)
vs Lordstown
W 58-53

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

TeamOpponentScore
Rootstown (19-1)
vs Mogadore
W 70-43

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Ranch home on spacious acreage: This charming ranch home is listed at $169,900 and sits on 2.42 acres, featuring an oversized garage, a versatile shed for your mini-farm dreams, and lovely fruit trees. With additional lots included, it's a canvas for your future home.
Real estate listing image Spacious home with scenic views: Charming home in Forest Lakes Development listed for $565,000 features over 3,700 sq. ft., a finished basement with a theater, and a luxurious master suite, all with scenic pond views.
Real estate listing image Rustic retreat on vast acreage: This beautifully renovated home on over 12 acres features two bedrooms with potential for a third, a spacious horse barn, and a well-equipped shop/garage, all surrounded by scenic wildlife. The list price is $369,000.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎲 Feb. 07 - Social Game Night: Unleash your inner detective at Friday Night Social Sessions! Join fellow gamers for thrilling rounds of Werewolf, Blood on the Clocktower and more party games at 141 E Summit St, Kent on Feb 7.
🏗️ Feb. 07 - KSU Construction Career Fair: Launch your construction career at Kent State's Construction Management Career Fair! Connect with The Great Lakes Construction Co. and explore opportunities with this employee-owned firm on February 7 at the Kent Student Center.
🍫 Feb. 07 - Sacred Cacao Ceremony: Experience the sacred power of pure cacao in an intimate ceremonial gathering at SHINE Ohio. Join this transformative 90-minute journey in Kent on February 7th at 6pm for $40.
🌾 Feb. 08 - Winter Indoor Farmers Market: Warm up your winter Saturday at Kent's cozy indoor Haymaker Farmers' Market! Local vendors gather at the UU Church-Hobbs Hall (217 N. Mantua St) from 10am-1pm with fresh seasonal offerings.
💝 Feb. 08 - DIY Valentine Card Workshop: Let your creativity bloom at Reed Memorial Library's Valentine Creation Station! Stop by 167 E Main St in Ravenna on February 8 to craft heartfelt Valentines for your special someones.
📚 Feb. 09 - Silent Reading Social: Cozy up with fellow bookworms at Bean and the Baker's Silent Book Club! Bring your current read to this relaxed gathering at 107 E Main St in Ravenna on February 9th.
☕ Feb. 09 - Books & Brews Pop-Up: Bookworms unite at Bean and the Baker! Browse local goods and join the Silent Book Club at this cozy downtown Ravenna coffee shop pop-up, February 9th from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
🌲 Feb. 09 - Winter Woods Meditation Walk: Embrace winter's magic with a mindful forest walk and meditation at Towner's Woods. Join herbalist Kate for a soul-warming mile hike and homemade foraged chai tea, meeting at 11:45am on February 9th.

💰 Financial Friday

Diversifying your investments can be a smart move; spreading your money across different asset classes can help manage risk and potentially increase your returns over time.

🙏 In Remembrance

Deborah Sue ShepherdDeborah Sue Shepherd

Deborah Sue Shepherd, 72, passed away on January 30, 2025, at UH Portage Medical Center. Born on May 8, 1952, in Ravenna, Ohio, she was a dedicated 4-H adviser and actively involved with the Why Not Saddle Club and Tail Waggers, showcasing her love for children and animals. Deborah is survived by her brothers, niece, nephews, and great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by her parents. A celebration of her life will take place on February 9th from 11 AM to 3 PM in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, with memorial contributions suggested to a charity of choice. Services are entrusted to Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory in Kent, Ohio.

Deborah Sue ShepherdDeborah Sue Shepherd

Brenda G. RoweBrenda G. Rowe

Brenda G. Rowe, 76, of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away on January 23, 2025, at Aurora Manor. Born on November 13, 1948, in Logan, West Virginia, she worked as an administrative assistant in ambulance billing. Brenda is survived by her son Raymond, grandson Braden Moreno, cousin Linda Mullins, and friend Kim Sweet. Following cremation, burial will take place at Devertown Baptist Creek Cemetery at a later date. Condolences and memories can be shared online.

Brenda G. RoweBrenda G. Rowe
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