🛩️ Aviation afterlife

Good morning, Portage County. Beneath the sprawling 45-acre JOANN headquarters in Hudson lies a fascinating piece of aviation history. The property once thrived as Mid-City Airport from the 1920s until 1956, serving flying clubs and students while possibly hosting aviation legend Charles Lindbergh himself. As JOANN winds down operations 80 years after its Cleveland founding, the site prepares for yet another transformation in its storied timeline.

Meanwhile, culinary talent is sizzling locally as Chesterland couple Hedy and Talia Trovato advance in Food Network's "Chopped" competition with their lobster roll arepas and creative baked Alaska. And for those looking to engage with community causes, Solon's #EndJewHatred Day brings residents together on April 29 at the Solon Gazebo, where four speakers will lead a peaceful gathering focused on education and advocacy against antisemitism.

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

✈️ Hudson headquarters for sale was once a thriving airport. The 45-acre JOANN, Inc. property in Hudson, Ohio sits on what was formerly Mid-City Airport, which operated from the 1920s until 1956. Named for its location between Cleveland and Akron, the airfield served flying clubs and student pilots before General Motors purchased it for their Terex division. After Terex departed in the 1980s, the facility became home to JOANN Fabrics, which is now winding down operations 80 years after its founding in Cleveland. Local legend claims Charles Lindbergh once landed there, though historians remain uncertain.

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👨‍🍳 Cleveland chef couple sizzles on Food Network's "Chopped" competition. Hedy and Talia Trovato, married chefs from Chesterland, Ohio, successfully advanced in the "Hungry for Love" tournament series after creating impressive dishes from mystery ingredients. The couple crafted a lobster roll arepa, blackened chicken with vegetable medley, and a baked Alaska with passionfruit ice cream against tough competition. "Working on the Food Network was just a dream come true," said Talia, who particularly appreciated competing alongside her wife. The winning team from their episode will advance to the May 6 finale, competing against other couples for a $50,000 prize.

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✡️ Solon unites against antisemitism with #EndJewHatred Day on April 29. The grassroots event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Solon Gazebo, bringing together community members for advocacy and unity. #EndJewHatred describes itself as a movement focused on Jewish liberation from all forms of oppression through peaceful direct action and education. Four speakers, including Catherine Catino and Lawrence Hill, will address attendees at the gathering. The organization emphasizes its non-partisan approach, taking positions only on issues related to combating antisemitism.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

Roosevelt outlasted Copley 11-9 in a high-scoring affair that had fans reaching for their calculators and blood pressure medication. The Rough Riders improved to 4-3 while the Indians dropped to 3-8, proving once again that baseball is just a game of numbers – some bigger than others.Western Reserve escaped with a nail-biting 9-8 victory over Waterloo in a game that featured more drama than a high school theater production. The Blue Devils improved to an impressive 6-1, while the Vikings fell to 1-4, continuing their search for wins with the determination of someone looking for their car keys in a dark parking lot.

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Ravenna Ravens edged past Firestone Falcons 9-2 in a Wednesday softball showdown, improving to 3-3 on the season. The Ravens' bats came alive just in time as they prepare for a Metro Athletic Conference clash with Coventry on Thursday.Streetsboro Rockets survived a nail-biter against Field Falcons, escaping with a 7-6 victory to boost their record to an impressive 8-3. The Rockets' resilience was on full display as they held off a determined Falcons squad that drops to 6-2 heading into their next challenge.In a wild back-and-forth affair, Crestwood Red Devils outlasted Kirtland Hornets 11-10, giving the Red Devils their first win of the season. Despite their 1-8 record, Crestwood showed they can deliver in clutch moments, leaving the Hornets to regroup before their next contest.Barberton Magics lived up to their name with a magical 5-4 escape against Roosevelt Rough Riders in league action. The Magics (4-5) conjured just enough offense to edge past the Rough Riders (2-7) in a game that came down to the final outs.Maplewood Rockets remained perfect at 10-0 after

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Updated trilevel family sanctuary: For $274,900, this lovingly maintained bi-level home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 renovated bathrooms, and an open-concept layout with recent updates including new flooring, metal roof, rebuilt furnace, and A/C unit.

Spacious Kent schools bi-level retreat: Priced at $415,000, this Kent City School District bi-level home offers 3,000+ square feet with three bedrooms, multiple living areas, a hot tub deck, and outdoor entertaining spaces on a half-acre lot.

Ranch Haven Countryside Gem: Priced at $260,500, this peaceful 3-bedroom ranch on 2 acres boasts a bright living room, updated kitchen, and recent improvements to windows, siding, plumbing, and septic system. Bonus spaces include a full basement with wood burner, unfinished attic, and oversized garage.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

💰 Financial Friday

Take a moment to review your subscriptions and recurring expenses; cancelling unused services can free up extra cash and simplify your budget without sacrificing your lifestyle.

🙏 In Remembrance

Noel Miles Blankenship Noel Miles Blankenship, 83, passed away on April 10, 2025, leaving behind his wife Nancy of 59 years and a large family including five children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A Professor Emeritus at Kent State University and 2015 Akron Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Noel was known locally as a legend in Kent with many humorous stories surrounding him. His varied interests included golf, hunting, fishing, and reading, reflecting his lifelong passion for learning. The family will hold a private celebration of life for this proud West Virginia native who was preceded in death by two sons, a sister, and his parents.

Donna M. McMann Donna M. McMann, 94, of Ravenna, passed away on April 14, 2025, at Vista Veranda. Born in Kent on August 2, 1930, she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Ravenna Moose Lodge who enjoyed sewing, games, and dancing with her late husband Richard. Known for her friendly and kind nature, Donna is survived by her six children, 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Following her wishes, a private cremation service will be held for the family through Bissler and Sons Funeral Home.

James R. Mayo James Mayo, 86, of Atwater, passed away on April 13, 2025, following his birth on August 1, 1938, to Virgil and Sophronia Mayo. After graduating from Weston High School, he served four years in the United States Army and later worked as a truck driver for over 40 years. James was married to Jeanne for 48 years until her death in 2016, and together they raised four children. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and will be laid to rest with his wife at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.