Good morning, Portage County. Spring has officially sprung across our community, bringing with it a blossoming calendar of local activities. From Auburn Township's Roadside Litter Pickup Day to St. Christopher's Church Bargain Box sale, April is packed with opportunities to connect with neighbors while supporting worthy causes. Whether you're looking to find unique collectibles, help clean up local roads, or take advantage of discounted pet services through Valley Save-A-Pet's Have A Heart program, there's something for everyone in the coming weeks.
In an impressive homecoming, Nordonia High School welcomes back Alan Prather, former band director turned presidential guitarist with "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, for the free Jazz Festival on May 16. Meanwhile, a cautionary tale unfolds from Mayfield Heights, where one man's call to police about a prowler led to the discovery of $30,000 worth of drugs in his apartment—resulting in a 35-year sentence that serves as a stark reminder about the consequences of criminal activity.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
📅 Community events fill Geauga County's spring calendar. The Women's Guild of St. Christopher's Church will host its Bargain Box sale on April 25, featuring housewares, furniture, and collectibles. Auburn Township invites residents to join its Roadside Litter Pickup Day on April 26, while Valley Save-A-Pet offers discounted spay/neuter services through its Have A Heart program. Other upcoming events include a Kindness Sewing Circle, used book sale, gardening talks, and a benefit dinner for Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary on May 4.
🎸 Nordonia Jazz Festival brings presidential guitarist back to Ohio roots. Master Gunnery Sergeant Alan Prather, guitarist with "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, will perform at the free event on May 16 at Nordonia High School Auditorium. The festival will showcase jazz bands from Nordonia, Stow Munroe Falls, and Cuyahoga Falls middle schools. Prather, who served as Nordonia's Band Director from 1995-1999, has spent nearly 26 years with the prestigious Marine Band. Community members can enjoy outstanding jazz performances from local students alongside a world-class musician with deep local connections.
🚨 One call to police cost a drug dealer 35 years. Jamill McDonald, a Mayfield Heights man, called authorities in 2023 after spotting a prowler trying to break into his apartment on his Ring camera. When police responded and entered his home, they discovered approximately $30,000 worth of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin inside. Despite McDonald's claims that the drugs weren't his, a jury convicted him of possession with intent to distribute, and U.S. District Judge John Adams handed down the lengthy sentence. McDonald was already on federal supervised release for a previous drug conviction at the time of his arrest.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
The Highland Hornets buzzed past Aurora 9-2 Wednesday, keeping their perfect season alive at 9-0. The Greenmen fell to 4-7, likely wondering if their bats got lost somewhere in the outfield.Tallmadge's Blue Devils edged Cuyahoga Falls 5-1 in league action, leaving the Black Tigers still hunting for their first win at 0-8. The victory gives Tallmadge some momentum heading into their showdown with Copley, who ironically blanked them 3-0 in their previous meeting.Crestwood hammered Cardinal 11-2 Wednesday, with the Red Devils' offense firing on all cylinders. The Huskies dropped to 1-8, their season looking rougher than the infield dirt after a summer drought.Field Falcons soared over Coventry 14-4 in a non-league beatdown that was about as competitive as a fastball against a butter knife. The Falcons improved to 6-3 while the Comets fell to 3-9, likely hoping to find their orbit soon.Roosevelt edged Firestone 6-2 in Wednesday's cross-town showdown, improving to 5-6 on the season. The Rough Riders lived up to their name, giving the Falcons
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Aurora (4-7) | ||
vs Highland | L 9-2 | |
Streetsboro (7-3) | ||
vs Springfield | W 2-0 | |
Tallmadge (6-5) | ||
@ Cuyahoga Falls | W 5-1 | |
Crestwood (5-4) | ||
@ Cardinal | W 11-2 | |
Field (6-3) | ||
@ Coventry | W 14-4 | |
Garfield (8-4) | ||
@ Newton Falls | L 8-2 | |
Southeast (7-5) | ||
vs Fuchs Mizrachi | W 10-0 | |
Roosevelt (5-6) | ||
vs Firestone | W 6-2 | |
Waterloo (5-4) | ||
vs Jackson-Milton | W 8-5 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
The Windham Bombers brought the fireworks to Fairport Harbor, outgunning the Harding Skippers 23-12 in a high-scoring softball showdown. The winless Skippers (0-8) continue searching for their first victory, while Windham improved to 4-9 in a game where defense was clearly optional for both squads.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Aurora (13-1) | ||
@ Tallmadge | W 6-5 | |
Ravenna (5-7) | ||
vs Springfield | L 9-2 | |
Crestwood (1-11) | ||
vs Berkshire | L 17-7 | |
Tallmadge (7-7) | ||
vs Aurora | L 6-5 | |
Southeast (9-4) | ||
vs United | W 12-1 | |
Windham (4-9) | ||
@ Harding | W 23-12 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Wooded Colonial Estate Hot Tub: Priced at $615,000, this Colonial on a cul-de-sac offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 acres of wooded land, maple kitchen, family room with wall of windows, and basement walkout to hot tub and fire pit.
Updated ranch modern country estate: This ranch-style home on 5+ acres is priced at $310,000 and features extensive modern updates throughout, including a remodeled kitchen with granite countertops, a partially finished walkout basement, and new major systems from 2018-2024.
Country paradise with dream barn: Priced at $539,000, this country property features a four-bedroom home with a private pond, spacious yard, and a 4,000 square foot pole barn equipped with internet and electricity for versatile use.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Consider creating a budget that aligns with your financial goals, as this will help you prioritize your spending and savings, ensuring that your money works for you rather than the other way around.
🙏 In Remembrance
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