Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / August 7, 2025

🎡 Hip-hop time machine

Portage County • August 7, 2025

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Good morning, Portage County. The clock turned back to the early 2000s at Blossom Music Center Tuesday as Nelly, Ja Rule, Eve, and Chingy transformed the venue into a hip-hop time machine. Fans belted out every hook as Nelly commanded the stage for 75 minutes with his St. Lunatics crew, while Ja Rule's charismatic solo performance and Eve's flawless choreography proved these artists haven't lost their magic touch since dominating radio two decades ago.

Meanwhile, Brimfield Township finds itself at a crossroads with incoming fiscal officer Jasmine Golden facing scrutiny over past business failures as she prepares for her August 6 swearing-in. Across the county, Parma City Schools confronts its own financial challenges under new superintendent Dr. Scott Hunt, who faces a crucial November levy vote that would generate $23 million annually to address the district's growing $10 million deficitβ€”his track record of breaking levy droughts giving officials cautious optimism.

🌀 Sky Skoop

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β˜•οΈ What's Brewing Locally

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🎡 Hip-hop legends turned Blossom Music Center into a 2000s time machine. Nelly, Ja Rule, Eve, and Chingy brought their catalog of hits to an enthusiastic Ohio crowd on Tuesday evening. Headliner Nelly performed a 75-minute set with his St. Lunatics crew, delivering fan favorites like "Country Grammar" and closing with "Hot In Herre." Ja Rule performed solo with charisma and hit-filled energy, while Eve proved she hadn't lost a step, smoothly executing choreography with her dancers during her 45-minute set. The nostalgic concert showcased the enduring appeal of turn-of-the-century hip-hop hits that had fans singing along to every hook.

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πŸ’Ό Brimfield's new fiscal officer faces controversy over business legal troubles. Jasmine Golden was found liable in two court cases related to her failed bakery, including allegations of fraudulent intent for non-payment to contractors. The appointment comes amid township financial turmoil, with the previous fiscal officer resigning unexpectedly. Golden argues her business failures give her valuable perspective, while township officials debate whether their background checks were sufficient. Despite the controversies, Golden is scheduled to be sworn in on August 6, though her name will appear on November's ballot.

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🏫 Parma schools face financial crossroads under new leadership. Dr. Scott J. Hunt has taken over as superintendent of Parma City Schools amid a growing $10 million deficit and upcoming levy vote. The district hasn't passed an operating levy since 2011, though Hunt successfully broke a similar 25-year drought in his previous role at Cardinal Local Schools. A 10-year, 6.9-mill emergency levy on November's ballot would generate $23 million annually, costing taxpayers about $242 per $100,000 of property value. Without it, Hunt warns of potential program cuts, staff reductions, larger classes and elimination of services like high school transportation.

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🏑 Real Estate Reveals

Budget buy pending auction date: This foreclosure property from Auction.com is currently listed for $0 and may sell below market value; interested buyers can save the property on the platform to receive updates about auction dates and status changes.
Real estate listing image Ranch Convenience Near Everything: This $350,000 ranch home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with an open-concept layout, featuring a cozy gas fireplace, private owner's suite, and generous deck in a location convenient to I-76 and local universities.
Real estate listing image Country paradise with alpaca stables: This sprawling 3362 Sunnybrook Rd property in Brimfield Township offers country living on a full acre with multiple garages, alpaca stables, and a flexible layout including first-floor primary suite for $399,900.

πŸ—“οΈ Happenings & Hoopla

πŸ•οΈ Aug. 8 - West Branch Camping Weekend: Escape to West Branch State Park for a splash-filled camping weekend August 8! Reserve your spot for Friday and Saturday nights, with optional Thursday and Sunday stays available at this beautiful Ravenna getaway.
🍽️ Aug. 8 - Free Kids Summer Lunch: Fuel up for summer fun! Kids ages 1-18 can enjoy FREE lunch and activities at Reed Memorial Library on August 8, courtesy of Community Action Council. No registration needed!
🎸 Aug. 9 - Ravenna Rocks Concert: Get ready to rock out at Ravenna Rocks! Main Street comes alive August 9th with free live music, DJs, food trucks, and vendors. Bring the whole family to 267 W Main St for this community concert.
🎀 Aug. 9 - Voice of Ravenna Finale: Cheer on local talent at THE VOICE OF RAVENNA FINALE on August 9th! Nine contestants compete for your votes during the Ravenna Rocks concert at 868 W Main St. Your support makes a difference!
🎡 Aug. 9 - Saturday Night Talent Showcase: Unleash your creativity at Saturday Night Vibes! Join us August 9 at O.U.R. Place in Downtown Ravenna for an uplifting evening of music, poetry, and live performances in a supportive community space.
🎨 Aug. 9 - Cricut Crafting Beginner Class: Curious about Cricut crafting? Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna invites beginners to discover this creative tool on August 9. Perfect for first-timers wanting to explore the possibilities of digital crafting!
🌊 Aug. 9 - Nautical Animanga Meetup: Dive into nautical adventures at the Animanga Meet-Up on August 9 at Reed Memorial Library! Anime and manga fans will sail into summer fun with specially themed sessions for enthusiasts of all ages.
πŸ‡ Aug. 9 - Vinestock Music Festival: Groove to local tunes at Vinestock 2025! Prime Vine Winery hosts their summer music festival on August 9, celebrating art and community culture at their scenic Portage Lakes location on Manchester Road.
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