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Portage County • April 30, 2025

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Good morning, Portage County. After seven transformative years at the helm, Case Western Reserve University's engineering dean Venkataramanan "Ragu" Balakrishnan is stepping down, leaving behind an impressive legacy. Under his leadership, the school established the first ABET-accredited data science program, welcomed over 40 new faculty members post-pandemic, and achieved record levels in both research funding and fundraising – a remarkable chapter in the institution's ongoing evolution.

Meanwhile, sweet news is rolling into South Euclid this summer as Cinnaholic prepares to bring its customizable vegan cinnamon rolls to Cedar Road, adding another delicious option to Cleveland's growing plant-based food scene. On a more sobering note, Cleveland Clinic's medical community has found itself at the center of controversy, with journal editor Dr. Peter Mazone facing what some describe as unprecedented pressure regarding scientific publishing practices – highlighting tensions between medical institutions and government oversight.

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🎓 Engineering dean steps down after transformative seven-year tenure. Venkataramanan "Ragu" Balakrishnan will leave his position at Case Western Reserve University on June 30 to join the engineering faculty after a sabbatical. During his leadership, the school established the Department of Computer and Data Sciences, launched the first ABET-accredited data science program, and welcomed over 40 new faculty members since the pandemic. Under Balakrishnan's guidance, the school achieved record levels in both research expenditures and fundraising. Christian Zorman will serve as interim dean while a nationwide search begins for Balakrishnan's successor.

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🍪 Vegan cinnamon roll shop rolling into South Euclid this summer. Cinnaholic, specializing in gourmet customizable vegan cinnamon rolls, will open at 13953 Cedar Road. The bakery chain is known for allowing customers to personalize their treats with various toppings and frostings. This will be a new addition to the Cleveland area's growing vegan food scene. The opening adds to South Euclid's expanding retail landscape, joining other recent business developments in the community.

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🔬 Trump administration accused of "Stalinesque" intimidation of medical journal. The interim U.S. Attorney sent a threatening letter to Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Peter Mazone, editor of Chest Journal, demanding explanations about alleged "partisan scientific bias." Cleveland medical experts, including Clinic vice chair Nathan Pinell, condemned the action as an attack on scientific independence and First Amendment protections. The podcast "Today in Ohio" connected this incident to broader patterns of intimidation against independent institutions, noting similar threats from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prosecute medical journals. The journal defended its 90-year history of ethical publishing and peer review processes.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

Copley's bats came alive Monday as the Indians trounced Aurora 11-3 in league play, looking more like offensive juggernauts than a team with a sub-.500 record. Field and Streetsboro delivered the day's nail-biter, with the Falcons barely escaping with an 11-10 victory that likely had coaches reaching for the antacid. Meanwhile, Kirtland's pitching staff flexed their muscles with a 3-0 shutout over Crestwood, keeping their perfect 11-0 season intact and reminding everyone why zeroes are a pitcher's best friend.

TeamOpponentScore
Aurora (4-8)
vs Copley
L 11-3
Ravenna (5-9)
@ Coventry
W 11-2
Streetsboro (8-4)
@ Field
L 11-10
Tallmadge (6-7)
@ Highland
L 5-0
Crestwood (6-5)
vs Kirtland
L 3-0
Field (9-3)
vs Streetsboro
W 11-10
Rootstown (8-4)
vs Aquinas
W 13-0
Waterloo (5-6)
@ Springfield
L 9-5
Southeast (8-6)
vs LaBrae
L 7-3
Roosevelt (5-6)
@ Barberton
L 6-4
Windham (6-6)
@ St. John
L 12-1
@ St. John
L 10-0

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Aurora's bats were on fire as the Greenmen steamrolled Barberton 17-0, improving to an impressive 15-1 on the season. The Magics, now 4-9, will need to regroup quickly before facing Highland in their next Suburban-American showdown.Springfield's pitching proved impenetrable in their 2-0 shutout victory over Ravenna, pushing their record to a solid 12-5. The Spartans' defense held firm throughout, setting up an intriguing Metro Athletic Conference matchup with Coventry next on the schedule.In a nail-biter, Streetsboro escaped with a 4-3 win over Woodridge, extending their strong season to 12-4. The Rockets' clutch performance has them riding momentum into their upcoming bout with Ravenna, while the Bulldogs dropped to 4-16 on the year.

TeamOpponentScore
Aurora (15-1)
@ Barberton
W 17-0
Ravenna (6-8)
@ Springfield
L 2-0
Streetsboro (12-4)
@ Woodridge
W 4-3 (9)
Tallmadge (8-7)
vs Roosevelt
W 4-2
Crestwood (1-12)
vs Wickliffe
L 4-1
Field (11-4)
vs Coventry
W 10-0
Rootstown (8-4)
vs Aquinas
W 11-1
Garfield (6-7)
@ Crestview
W 6-4
Southeast (9-5)
vs LaBrae
L 9-8
Roosevelt (2-9-1)
@ Tallmadge
L 4-2
Waterloo (7-3)
@ Springfield
W 13-9
Windham (4-11)
@ St. John
L 8-1

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious converted home awaits: This charming $224,000 converted two-family home offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living spaces, and two kitchens, ready for new owners to move in and make their own.
Real estate listing image Budget gem with relaxing yard: On the hunt for a fresh start at $225,000. This recently painted home offers an intuitive floor plan, a kitchen with a stylish backsplash, primary bathroom storage, and a backyard sitting area for relaxation.
Real estate listing image Tudor Golfer's Paradise Awaits: Offered at $949,000, this cherished Tudor on Barrington's golf course pairs timeless elegance with modern living through vaulted ceilings, dual fireplaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow capturing verdant fairway views.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🐴 Apr. 30 - Equine Night: Saddle up for Equine Night at Centerra Country Store Ravenna! Horse enthusiasts can trot over to Edinburg Town Hall on April 30th at 6 PM for this free community gathering of fellow equine lovers.
🧠 May 1 - Trivia at Lake House: Test your knowledge at Trivia Night at Lake House Kitchen + Bar in Kent! Flex your brain muscles with friends on May 1 at 7508 OH-43 for an evening of fun competition.
🏴‍☠️ May 1 - Corsair Club Meetup: Join fellow aviation enthusiasts at the Corsair Club Meeting on May 1! Connect with like-minded pilots and plane lovers at 7648 Peck Rd in Ravenna for an afternoon of flying stories and camaraderie.
🏎️ May 3 - Portage Soap Box Derby: Race to the Portage County Spring Rally at Soap Box Derby on May 3! Young racers will zoom down Derby Downs Dr in Akron, OH in this exciting seasonal competition. Don't miss the action!
🎸 May 3 - Terri Clark Country Concert: Country star Terri Clark and Wade Hayes bring Nashville heat to The Dusty Armadillo on May 3! Catch these toe-tapping talents live at 3147 OH-44 in Rootstown for an unforgettable evening of country hits.
🧘‍♀️ May 3 - Prenatal Yoga Certification: Stretch your way to certification at SHINE Ohio's Prenatal Yoga program! Learn essential skills for teaching expectant mothers on May 3 at 5190 Cline Rd in Kent. Open to all and YA CE credits eligible.
🎬 May 4 - Black Squirrel Film Fest: Calling all film buffs! The Black Squirrel Film Festival lights up Cartwright Hall Auditorium (650 Hilltop Drive) on May 4. Come experience the magic of cinema in the heart of Kent.
🐕 May 4 - C-WAGS Scent Trial: Sniff out some fun at the C-WAGS Scent Trial! Watch talented dogs showcase their detection skills at Portage County Fairgrounds on May 4. Register by April 25 for this nose-worthy competition.

🙏 In Remembrance

Margaret A Bayley

Margaret A. Bayley, 81, of Ravenna, passed away on April 22, 2025, after battling frontotemporal dementia. Born in 1943, she worked as an Escrow Officer at Title Professionals and enjoyed baking, sewing, traveling, and boating. Margaret is survived by her husband of 61 years, David, as well as her daughters, grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Following cremation, a Celebration of Life will be held on May 10, 2025, at the Ravenna Elks Club, with donations requested to hospice care or frontotemporal degeneration research.

Margaret A Bayley
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