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👵 Community cornerstone

Portage County • May 1, 2025

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Good morning, Portage County. At almost 99 years old, Dorothy Herrick embodied what it means to be the heart of a community. For over five decades, this antique collector and business owner left an indelible mark on Chester Township through her tireless involvement with local organizations and her founding of the annual flea market. Her lifelong philosophy to "be a friend to man" continues to inspire those who knew her remarkable spirit.

Meanwhile, democracy is in motion as Portage County's election officials meticulously prepare for the upcoming May 6 Special Election. Director Faith Lyon has pulled back the curtain on exactly how your ballot journeys from your hands to the final count. In less harmonious news, Cleveland Heights is navigating workplace tensions following an incident involving the mayor's wife that has prompted staff resignations and potential policy changes regarding City Hall security access.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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👵 Dorothy Herrick left her mark on Chester Township for 52 years. The community-minded antique collector and estate liquidation business owner passed away at home on April 18, 2025, just shy of her 99th birthday. Throughout her life, Dorothy was deeply involved in local organizations, particularly the Chesterland Historical Foundation where she served as program director and started the annual flea market. With her husband Tom of 69 years, she raised four children and welcomed five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Dorothy's lifelong mantra was "Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man."

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🗳️ Your vote matters—here's exactly how it gets counted. Portage County Board of Elections Director Faith Lyon explains the journey of your ballot through collection, verification, and official certification. The process includes a three-week reconciliation period after Election Day, followed by potential recounts and post-election audits to ensure accuracy. Voters in Ohio have multiple options: mail-in ballots, early voting (which began April 8 for the May 6 Special Election), or in-person voting on Election Day with proper ID. Lyon emphasizes the importance of being registered, keeping information updated, and making a voting plan to ensure your voice is heard.

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🏢 Mayor's wife's profanity-laced outburst sparks resignations in Cleveland Heights. A former city employee reported feeling unsafe after Mayor Kahlil Seren's wife, Natalie McDaniel, shouted expletives in City Hall hallways on March 13. The incident led to two resignations, including City Administrator Dan Horrigan who cited the mayor's inaction in addressing a "hostile work environment." City Council is now considering legislation to ban non-employees from having security badges and may hire an outside firm to investigate workplace concerns. Seren acknowledges seeking his wife's counsel on government decisions but denies she has ever given orders to city staff.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

Crestwood's Red Devils crashed Kirtland's nearly perfect season, handing the 11-1 Hornets a rare 7-1 defeat on their home diamond Tuesday. The Red Devils' commanding performance puts them at 7-5 heading into their non-league matchup with Ellet, while Kirtland will look to regroup against Brush after suffering just their first setback of an otherwise stellar campaign.

TeamOpponentScore
Crestwood (7-5)
@ Kirtland
W 7-1
Waterloo (5-7)
vs Springfield
L 11-1

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Aurora squeaked past Revere 7-5 in Suburban-American action, extending their impressive record to 16-1 while handing the Minutemen their third loss of the season. The Greenmen continue their red-hot campaign with a quick turnaround against Highland on Wednesday.Southeast Pirates plundered LaBrae 10-7, improving to 10-5 while dealing the Vikings just their second loss in 18 games. The Pirates will look to continue their swashbuckling ways against Newton Falls on Wednesday.Springfield roared past Waterloo 12-6 in league play, evening their record at 9-9 while dropping the Vikings to 7-4. The Tigers' bats came alive in a convincing road victory that should build momentum heading into Thursday's non-league clash with Girard.Pymatuning Valley absolutely demolished Windham 18-4 in a lopsided league affair that pushed the Lakers to 8-3 on the season. The Bombers, now 4-12, will need to quickly regroup before Wednesday's matchup with Bristol.Kenston held off Roosevelt 8-6 in non-league action, with the Bombers improving to 9-6 while sending the Rough Riders to their 10th loss. Both teams face quick turnarounds with league

TeamOpponentScore
Aurora (16-1)
@ Revere
W 7-5
Field (13-4)
@ Cloverleaf
W 18-0
Southeast (10-5)
@ LaBrae
W 10-7
Roosevelt (2-10-1)
@ Kenston
L 8-6
Waterloo (7-4)
vs Springfield
L 12-6
Windham (4-12)
@ Pymatuning Valley
L 18-4

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Roomy ranch huge barn value: This cozy ranch home with new roof, hardwood floors, and a spacious pole barn for vehicles is available for $159,900. Located near SR 303, it offers country living with convenient features like a full basement and two-car garage.
Real estate listing image Historic gem needs modern love: Priced at $415,000, this historic Aurora century home offers timeless charm with original 1800s flooring, dual staircases, and modern updates including a granite kitchen, five bedrooms, and zoned HVAC in the award-winning school district.
Real estate listing image Modern convenience minus maintenance headaches: This $450,000 home offers a first-floor owner suite, maintenance-free living, and numerous recent updates including a new roof, furnace, and skylights, all while being close to major amenities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧠 May 1 - Trivia Night @ Lake House: Test your knowledge at Trivia Night at Lake House Kitchen + Bar! Gather your smartest friends and head to Kent on May 1 for an evening of fun competition and delicious eats.
🧠 May. 1 - Trivia Night at MadCap: Test your knowledge at MadCap Brew Co's Trivia Night on May 1! Gather your smartest friends and head to 1422 Mogadore Rd in Kent for an evening of brain-teasing fun and craft brews.
🎵 May 1 - Noah Reid Concert: Catch actor-musician Noah Reid live at The Kent Stage on May 1! Grab last-minute tickets through Gametime for an intimate evening of music at this charming Kent, OH venue.
🏎️ May 3 - Portage Soap Box Derby: Rev up for thrills at the Portage County Spring Rally! Young racers take to Soap Box Derby tracks at 789 Derby Downs Dr, Akron on May 3 for this exciting International Soap Box Derby partner event.
🤠 May. 3 - Terri Clark Country Concert: Country stars Terri Clark and Wade Hayes bring their heartfelt melodies to The Dusty Armadillo on May 3! Tap your boots to authentic Nashville sounds at 3147 OH-44 in Rootstown.
🎖️ May 3 - Veterans Benefit Dinner Dance: Honor our heroes at the Veteran's Grave Marker Project on May 3! Enjoy dinner, live music and dancing at 776 N Freedom St, Ravenna. Call 440.263.4390 to reserve your spot for this heartwarming fundraiser.
🧘‍♀️ May 03 - Prenatal Yoga Certification: Nurture your yoga practice at SHINE Ohio's Prenatal Yoga Certification on May 3. This 7-hour course at 5190 Cline Rd, Kent welcomes all skill levels and qualifies for YA CE credits.
🎬 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 this celebrated Kent showcase.

🙏 In Remembrance

Brandon A Svab

Brandon A Svab, 32, of Akron, died on April 28, 2025, due to a heart attack resulting from complications of a Brown Recluse Spider bite. Born in Germany in 1992, he was a culinary graduate who worked as a chef at various establishments including Aurora Inn Hotel and Walmart. He is survived by his parents, fiancée Hannah Gibson, numerous siblings, and grandparents. Funeral services will be held on May 2, 2025, at the Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Homes Ravenna Chapel.

Brandon A Svab

Carole Elena Jacops

Carole Elena Jacops, 82, passed away on April 27, 2025, following an extended illness. Born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1942, she married Robert Jacops in 1962 after a whirlwind romance, and they moved to Ohio where they spent their lives together. During their 57-year marriage, they raised three sons and enjoyed the company of 14 grandchildren, with Carole considering family gatherings featuring her Southern cooking as her happiest moments. She is survived by her three sons, 13 grandchildren, other extended family, and one brother, with a memorial service scheduled for May 3, 2025, at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home in Kent, Ohio.

Carole Elena Jacops
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