Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / July 16, 2025

🫀 Donation sensation

Portage County • July 16, 2025

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Good morning, Portage County. June marked a stunning milestone in Northeast Ohio as Lifebanc shattered organ donation records, collecting 91 organs that saved 69 lives. This remarkable achievement—far exceeding their typical monthly average—showcases how organizational restructuring and culturally sensitive approaches can literally transform tragedy into hope. As CEO Katie Payne notes, this success isn't just worth celebrating; it's a powerful call to action for potential donors throughout our region.

Meanwhile, transitions abound as Solon Schools welcomes back Louise Teringo as interim assistant principal while preparing for significant traffic disruptions this fall during SOM Center Road's reconstruction. The district has launched a mobile-friendly Back-to-School Hub to help families navigate the changes. Across the county, Cleveland Heights City Council has unanimously passed emergency ordinances restricting Mayor Kahlil Seren's remaining authority as his term winds down, highlighting ongoing tensions between local government branches.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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❤️ Record-breaking organ donations save 69 lives in Northeast Ohio. Lifebanc collected 91 organs in June, shattering their previous record of 78 and far exceeding their typical monthly average. The milestone follows a strategic restructuring that implemented 24/7 operational systems across 80 hospital partners. CEO Katie Payne credits their success to renewed emphasis on hospital engagement and culturally sensitive family communication. "This is not just success — it's a call to action," said Payne, as the organization continues challenging assumptions about who can become a donor.

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🏫 Solon Schools gears up with new leadership and construction challenges. Louise Teringo, a retired educator and former Solon Spanish teacher, returns as interim assistant principal at the high school following Josh Frazier's departure. The Marching Comets will debut their "Rock Revolution" halftime show featuring classic rock hits at their July 23 performance. Students and families should prepare for significant traffic disruptions this fall as SOM Center Road undergoes major reconstruction near all school buildings. The district has launched a mobile-friendly Back-to-School Hub at SolonSchools.org to help families navigate the upcoming school year.

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🔒 Cleveland Heights council strips power from lame duck mayor. City Council unanimously passed emergency ordinances restricting Mayor Kahlil Seren's remaining authority following controversy. One measure prevents the mayor from accessing elected officials' email accounts without consent or formal records requests. Another ordinance prohibits the use of official city communication channels for politically charged messages. The restrictions come as Seren's term in office nears its end, reflecting ongoing tensions between the mayor and council.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Ranch fixer-upper on acreage: Priced at $165,000, this 3-bedroom ranch home in Atwater Township sits on 1.77 acres with a new roof and furnace, but needs cosmetic updates to transform its "good bones" into a cozy starter or downsizing option.
Real estate listing image Luxury acreage dream home awaits: Priced at $649,900, this fabulous 2,640 sq ft home on 9.3 acres offers 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, open floor plan with gourmet kitchen, finished lower level entertainment space, and large detached garage.
Real estate listing image Sprawling estate countryside haven: Priced at $359,000, this expansive country home on 2+ acres offers 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a slate-floored kitchen, den with fireplace, screened porch, and full basement leading to a yard with large shed.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧠 Jul. 16 - Stroke Support Circle: Connect and heal at UH Portage Medical Center's free Stroke Support Group on July 16. Share experiences with fellow survivors and caregivers while gaining valuable education and emotional support in a welcoming environment.
🪧 Jul. 17 - Good Trouble Rally: Join the "Good Trouble Lives On" rally at Ravenna Flagpole on July 17, where community members stand up for civil and human rights through peaceful action. The power belongs to the people!
🎨 Jul. 17 - Mocktails & Masterpieces Painting: Unleash your inner artist at Reed Memorial Library's "Mocktails and Masterpieces" on July 17! Sip refreshing non-alcoholic drinks while creating a beautiful beach painting during this guided evening art session.
🍽️ Jul. 17 - Free Kids Summer Lunch: Fuel up for summer fun! Reed Memorial Library invites children ages 1-18 for FREE lunch and activities on July 17. Meals provided by Community Action Council at 167 E Main St, Ravenna.
🔍 Jul. 19 - Ravenna Scavenger Hunt: Hunt for treasures around Ravenna and satisfy your appetite at the scavenger hunt and food truck round-up on Main Street! Join the Chamber of Commerce and Balloon A Fair on July 19 for this community adventure.
🎈 Jul. 19 - Ravenna Scavenger Hunt: Hunt for treasures across Ravenna's historic district at the Scavenger Hunt & Balloon A Fair Food Truck Roundup! Explore Main Street while enjoying delicious bites on July 19, 11am-5pm.
🎨 Jul. 19 - Cricut Crafting for Beginners: Curious about Cricut? Dive into the crafting world at Reed Memorial Library's "Adventures in Crafting" class on July 19. Perfect for beginners eager to explore this popular crafting tool. No experience necessary!
🐭 Jul. 19 - Happy Ratters Dog Trial: Let your furry friend hunt for glory at the Happy Ratters Trial! Bring your dog to Portage County Fairgrounds on July 19 for regular classes and exciting games like Infestation and Rats-In-The-House.
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