Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / March 14, 2025

🪣 Teen hero prep

Portage County • March 14, 2025

​

Good morning, Portage County. Talk about next-level Eagle Scouting! While most teenagers are focused on video games, Dennis Schaefer has equipped every classroom in his district with emergency safety buckets valued at over $25,000. This remarkable teen transformed pickle buckets into potentially life-saving kits containing water, first aid supplies, and other essential items for lockdown situations—proving that sometimes the most impactful community heroes are still working on their merit badges.

The spirit of community connection continues with the upcoming Stow-Munroe Falls business expo on March 15, where local organizations will showcase their services at the high school. Meanwhile, Berkshire High School students are demonstrating impressive public speaking chops at the Rotary Club's 4-Way Test contest, with winner India Martin taking home $500 and advancing to district competition. From emergency preparedness to speech competitions, Portage County's young people are clearly preparing for whatever the future brings.

🌤 Sky Skoop

KentWeather Icon
39°
66°
rain 0%
StreetsboroWeather Icon
38°
72°
rain 0%
AuroraWeather Icon
38°
72°
rain 0%
RavennaWeather Icon
35°
65°
rain 0%
BrimfieldWeather Icon
39°
66°
rain 0%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

🪣 Eagle Scout creates 400 emergency safety buckets for local schools. Dennis Schaefer, a Boy Scout from Cuyahoga Falls, equipped every classroom in the district with essential supplies for lockdown situations. The project, inspired by a school security supervisor's request, included water, first aid kits, and other emergency items valued at over $25,000. Working with family and friends, Dennis repurposed pickle buckets and assembled the kits at the district's bus garage before distribution. The initiative not only fulfilled his Eagle Scout requirements but made a lasting contribution to school safety preparedness.

Read more

🏙️ Local expo connects residents with businesses in Stow-Munroe Falls. The free biennial event, scheduled for March 15 at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, will showcase local businesses and organizations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organized by the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with local governments and the school district, the expo features a fully booked lineup of exhibitors. Attendees can expect networking opportunities, family-friendly activities, raffles, and giveaways while discovering services and resources available in their community. For more information, residents can visit the chamber's website or call directly.

Read more

🎤 High school students shine in Rotary's 4-Way Test speech contest. The Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield hosted three Berkshire High School students who delivered speeches on school safety, industrial farming, and Title IX in women's sports. India Martin won first place and $500, advancing to the district competition, while Camden Hedrick and Whitney Davis placed second and third, winning $300 and $200 respectively. The contest is part of BMR's youth-focused initiatives, which include leadership camps and scholarship opportunities for students throughout Geauga County. Proceeds from the upcoming Maple Splash Raffle will further support these educational programs.

Read more

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Cape Cod dream needs land: Priced at $209,000, this to-be-built Cape Cod-style home delivers charm with a classic center staircase, spacious master bedroom, and Energy Star efficiency, though land costs are not included in this price.
Real estate listing image Custom homes on your land: For $282,550, Wayne Homes offers to-be-built custom residences on your land across Ohio and neighboring states, guiding customers through site preparation, financing, and design choices for energy-efficient homes ranging from 1,200 to 3,600 square feet.
Real estate listing image Custom Ranch Home Build Ready: Priced at $316,100, this to-be-built Wellington ranch home offers four bedrooms and open living spaces on a single level, available for construction on your land in Ohio and neighboring states.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍀 Mar. 14 - St. Patrick's Day Bash: Kick off St. Paddy's Day early at Paris Inn with complimentary food, drink specials, and a chance to win over $8000 in the Queen of Hearts Drawing! Join the festivities March 14 in Ravenna.
🌲 Mar. 14 - Ohio Country Adventure: Step into the past at "Into The Ohio Country" on March 14! Explore Ravenna's best activities and exhibitions at 5200 Hayes Rd for an unforgettable day of history, art, and local culture.
🏥 Mar. 14 - Senior Resources Fair: Learn about vital resources for seniors at UH Portage Medical Center's info session on March 14 at the Portage County District Library in Garrettsville. Allen and Sally Kelly will cover financial, mental health, and home security options.
🎸 Mar. 15 - Jack Wilder Live: Country sensation Jack Wilder takes the stage at The Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown on March 15! Grab your boots and join the fun starting at 7:00 PM for a night of live music.
🎸 Mar. 15 - Chrissy Strong Concert: Country crooner Chrissy Strong brings her honky-tonk magic to The Kent Stage on March 15. Catch this soulful performer at 7:00 PM for an evening of toe-tapping tunes in downtown Kent.
🍀 Mar. 15 - Pot O' Gold Poker Run: Lace up for the 20th annual Marlene Watt Memorial POT O' GOLD Poker Run/Walk at Ravenna City Park on March 15! Start at the Field of Dreams and follow the lucky trail through town.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account each payday; even a small, consistent contribution can add up over time and help you build a financial cushion without even thinking about it.

🙏 In Remembrance

John William "Steeler John" Sahm

John William Sahm, also known as "Steeler John," died on March 11, 2025, at the age of 83 in Ravenna, Ohio. A Vietnam War veteran who earned three bronze stars, he worked as a machinist at various shops and later as a Walmart greeter. He was preceded in death by his companion Donna Sahm, a daughter, two grandchildren, his parents, and a sister. Survivors include two daughters, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a sister, with military honors planned for his March 14 graveside service.

John William Steeler John Sahm
{% if subscriber.rh_reflink != blank %}

Share with friends, get cool stuff, grow local!

Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome local reward when they subscribe.

{{subscriber.rh_reflink}}

PS: You have referred {{subscriber.rh_totref}} people so far

{% endif %}
Instagram

Interested in advertising? Get in touch.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

← Previous
🚨 Fast and furious
Next →
🚔 Tense standoff