📅 Calendar buzz

Good morning, Portage County. From bingo nights to book clubs, our community calendar is absolutely buzzing with opportunities to connect. The Weekly Villager's comprehensive listing reveals something for nearly every day of the week across Portage and Geauga counties. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Community Resource Fair on May 31, featuring local agencies, raffles, and food trucks—perfect timing for those looking to engage with neighborhood resources as summer begins.

In less festive news, a game of hide-and-seek ended poorly for 40-year-old Robert Byler, whose attempt to evade Trumbull County deputies landed him in jail with multiple charges from both Geauga and Portage counties. Meanwhile, a legal battle unfolds as the ACLU takes Geauga County to the Ohio Supreme Court over ICE detention contracts, demanding transparency regarding agreements to house migrant detainees in local facilities.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Kent

45°

52°

86%

Streetsboro

46°

53°

89%

Aurora

46°

53°

89%

Ravenna

44°

48°

85%

Brimfield

45°

52°

86%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

📅 Community calendar buzzes with free meals, bingo, and local events. The Weekly Villager's comprehensive listing showcases regular gatherings across Portage and Geauga counties, including book clubs, senior breakfasts, and craft circles. Residents can find opportunities nearly every day of the week, from Monday morning book reviews at the YMCA to Saturday markets at Christ Lutheran Church. Upcoming special events include a Community Resource Fair on May 31 featuring local agencies, raffles, and food trucks, plus a genealogy workshop on June 3 for those researching 19th-century military ancestors.

🚨 Fugitive's attempt to hide from deputies ends in jail cell. Robert Byler, a 40-year-old man with multiple warrants, was arrested Tuesday by Trumbull County Sheriff's deputies during a routine patrol. When spotted, Byler fled to a nearby home where officers later found him hiding inside. He was booked into Trumbull County Jail on charges including failure to appear from Geauga County and possession of dangerous drugs from Portage County. The arrest also resulted in additional charges of obstruction of justice and failure to comply.

⚖️ ACLU sues Ohio sheriff for refusing to release ICE detention contracts. The civil liberties group filed a writ with the Ohio Supreme Court demanding Geauga County release agreements for housing migrant detainees. County officials claim only Immigration and Customs Enforcement can release the documents, while the ACLU argues no valid legal reason exists to withhold them. Geauga is among five Ohio counties with ICE contracts that pay local jails to house suspected undocumented immigrants. The ACLU vows to maintain vigilance as Trump promises mass deportations.

Woodsy paradise awaits nature lovers: For $350,000, this serene woodland home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,155 square feet of living space with a spacious kitchen, multiple outdoor areas, and a full basement ripe with potential.

Luxury Beachwood lakeside paradise: Listed at $689,900, this stunning Beachwood Island home in Twin Lakes features over 3,200 sq. ft. with multiple decks, outdoor fireplace, high-end updates, and exclusive lake access for swimming and boating.

Roomy ranch large garage acreage: Priced at $239,000, this move-in ready 3-bedroom ranch on 2.54 acres offers spacious rooms, a covered porch, glass-enclosed deck, and a separate 30'x40' garage with its own electrical service.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎤 May 23 - Lil Jesse Live: Catch rising star Lil Jesse as he takes over The Outpost Concert Club in Kent on May 23! Doors open at 7:00 PM for a night of unforgettable music and energy.

🎤 May 24 - Lil Jesse Live: Catch rising star Lil Jesse as he takes over The Outpost Concert Club in Kent on May 24! Doors open at 7:00 PM for what promises to be an unforgettable night of music.

🎵 May 24 - The Berrys Live: Groove to the sweet sounds of The Berrys at West Main St Winery & Brewery! Sip local flavors while enjoying live music in downtown Ravenna on May 24 at 7:00 PM.

🥫 May 24 - Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry: Nourish your family at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry on May 24! This income-based food and hygiene resource opens its doors monthly at 263 S Prospect St in Ravenna to support our community's needs.

🌷 May 24 - BOMA Spring Market Day: Discover treasures at BOMA Spring Market Day in Diamond's charming restored barn. Take a scenic countryside drive to 3525 McClintocksburg Rd on May 24 for this delightful shopping experience.

🎭 May 25 - Former Critics Showcase: Catch the Former Critics live at 403 King St in Ravenna on May 25! This local performance promises an evening of entertainment in an intimate venue right in the heart of our community.

🙏 In Remembrance

Dorothy Mae Myers

Dorothy Mae Myers, a 96-year-old lifelong resident of Ravenna, passed away on May 19, 2025, at UH Portage Medical Center. She was born on December 15, 1928, worked in food service at Kent State University for 30 years, and was a member of the Ravenna VFW and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She is survived by her three sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and her sister Hazel Woodall, while being preceded in death by her husband, infant daughter, daughter-in-law, and four siblings. Funeral services will be held on May 23, 2025, at Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Homes Ravenna Chapel, with burial at Maple Grove Cemetery.